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The 2003-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
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MAY 2nd SUMMING UP
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An interesting race with the top six having profiles to be average level
winners and Indian Wizard could develop further with longer distances.
The three runners with previous runs - Hot, Hits Only Jude & Scarlet
Knight - should set a strong standard between them and cover all eventualities
from faster pacemaking to strong later finishes. It is difficult to see
any of the three newcomers - Safari Mischief, Indian Wizard & Bathwick
Rox - beating all three of these unless they are at least useful.
The choice between the top three is difficult. Scarlet Knight got
outpaced at Windsor and looked to need more than 5f. He also had an advantageous
run on the rails which made his performance look better than it was. His
trainer has a poor record in converting promise to 2yo wins.
Hits Only Jude ran freely in blinkers on debut and the market suggested
the stable thinks he has ability. He faded more than you would like on
the uphill section despite the pacemaking. He may be vulnerable to one
of the later finishers unless he settles.
Hot runs for a trainer who has used this race for average types
(at best) and targets strong STO runs. He showed just enough on debut to
suggest he can fulfil the promise he had at the sales to be a ready, early
2yo. He is likely to be at his best in this race and have limited improvement.
While he is almost certainly not the best 2yo in the race he may have the
best combination of readiness, experience and ability today.
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RACE QUALITY:
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Usually a moderate to average contest with average later winners involved
at best. The last two seasons have only produced 3 later winners. A rating
in the range 65-72 is usually enough to win.
However, the 2004 race produced a very lopsided result with the superior
pair Johnny Jumpup and Iceman finishing miles clear of a moderate group
who managed only one later win. This year's race looks a more typical and
even group but with some ok future prospects.
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TRAINERS:
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R Hannon has had a runner in each race 2002-4 and these have been
moderate to average types on debut and none has placed.
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SIRES:
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First season sires Carrowkeel
(Bathwick Rox) & Primo
Valentino (Safari Mischief) have runners.
Minor US based sire Mazel-Trick
(Lockstone Lad) has his first British 2yo runner.
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PADDOCK & SALES REVIEWS:
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Hot was rated 67 and a medium size and build. Looked extremely
mature at the sales and very fit and could have gone straight to the course
from there. Limited scope to develop but looked like a just-add-water early
2yo runner and definitely competitive.
Scarlet Knight was rated 65 at the sales. He was paddock reviewed
at Windsor and rated 68 and a good size but a taller, lengthier, narrow
and slightly leggy type. Not the real build of a sprinter. Good quality
with the build he has.
Safari Mischief rated 65 at the sales. He was notably small (probably
sire typical) and average build. He was neat and ready type but looked
likely to be limited by his size.
The Snatcher was rated 64. He was medium sized and just over medium
build. Overall he was 'medium', in proportion and unremarkable.
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