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The 2003-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
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MAY 24th SUMMING UP
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An interesting race with more depth than usual. Trainers M Johnston and
T. Easterby again have representatives and this has been their private
race for the last three years.
Desert Realm (M Johnston) was chosen to run in the 6f maiden at
York and was seen as one of the trainer's better 6f 2yos. He ran much too
freely on soft ground and alone in the centre of the track. 2-3 lengths
clear at halfway and faded and then was eased from 2f out. He drops back
to 5f which looks unlikely to be his optimum on pedigree but he should
set a strong standard on better ground if he settles while being vulnerable
to a more natural 5f 2yo.
However, the best runners with previous form are either also stepping down
from 6f (The Snatcher & Sand Cat) and do not appeal
as likely strong improvers; or have looked limited by their size (Bel
Cantor) against bigger types after travelling well enough with 5f pacesetting.
He is also unlikely to improve and his moderate finishes suggest something
will prove better at 5f even if it is not their optimum distance.
Millfield represents a stable where the market has been correct
with his three 2yos to run so far concerning their ability to compete on
debut. A shorter price would suggest a better type but the two previous
shorter SP debuts have only placed.
T Easterby has used the race for better types in two of the last three
years. It is hard to believe that Myths And Verses is in that
mould so it will be interesting to see how Gallery Girl runs on
her debut.
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RACE QUALITY:
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The better quality runners in the race have been entirely due to M Johnston
and T Easterby in the last three years. They have run 6 average or better
2yos in the race in that period. The large majority of the remainder of
those fields have been moderate to poor with just two average maiden winners
from other trainers.
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TRAINERS:
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M Johnston (Desert Realm) won the race in 2002-3 with useful 5f
2yos. The 2002 winner The Bonus King finished second in the Norfolk Stakes
at Royal Ascot on his next run. The 2003 winner ran in the Windsor Castle
stakes at Royal Ascot NTO. In 2004 he had the runner up with a later 6f
maiden winner.
T Easterby (Gallery Girl & Myths And Verses) has had a runner
placed in the last three editions. In 2002 the perpetual 2yo maiden Coranglais
was third. In 2003 the useful Danesmead was a good second. In 2004 he finally
got the better of M Johnston with the filly Mizz Tee who ran in the Listed
Hilary Needler Trophy NTO.
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SIRES:
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First season sires Bertolini
(Whyamihere) & Primo Valentino
(Myths And Verses) have runners.
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SALES REVIEWS:
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The Snatcher rated 64.
Twindego rated 63.
Best Offer rated 60.
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