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The 2003-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
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MAY 26th SUMMING UP
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An interesting and competitive race but not obviously a high class one
with strong future relevance. On profile four of the five probably have
this type of race as their highest level at which they can win and would
struggle in better races later in the season.
Upper Hand is the one runner with the potential to be a little better
class. He was not extended to outclass a mostly moderate field at Yarmouth
in a low class Auction race. However, the second has won since and his
trainer has been selective in previous years with his runners in this race.
If Upper Hand does not show the expected improvement it looks to be a tight
race between the other colts and race tactics could well play a role an
important role.
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| RUN STYLES: |
Small field conditions races often feature an average pace at best and
this race has the potential to develop into a '2f sprint' in the straight.
None of the five runners has ever front run and most have been held up
or tracked the pace. Both Christa Bee & Ocean Pride have been outpaced
at stages in their races over 5f by nippier types.
On the evidence of the trainer's strategy with runners so far in 2005 the
most likely front runner is Ocean Pride and next Sir Xaar. If neither of
these take the pacemaker role it may well develop into a late race sprint.
Of the five Sir Xaar has probably shown the best approximation to a 'change
of pace'. Upper Hand did not need to show any strong 'quickening' to outclass
his field.
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RACE QUALITY:
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Usually a good class race requiring a performance in the high 80s, at least,
to win. The majority of the field are usually better class early season
winners who will struggle in Group races later.
However, the last three seasons has had at least one useful later winner.
Two of those have been typically hard-worked 2yos for M Channon who were
not up to winning British Group races but won one in Germany. In 2003 the
runner-up - Parkview Love - went on to win the Listed Woodcote stakes at
Epsom.
2004 saw a debut winner for C. Brittain by Tony James who went on to win
the Group 2 Gimcrack stakes.
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TRAINERS:
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M Channon won the race in 2002 with Checkit who went on to run in
British, Germany, French & Italian Group races later in the season.
His only later win was in a German Group 2 race. He had made his debut
in early May over 5f before a STO win over 6f.
In 2003 he had the third placer in a tougher race with Mokabra. He had
a similar career to Checkit making his debut in early May over 5f before
winning STO over 6f. He later ran in Group races in Britain, Ireland, France
and Germany. He won the same German Group 2 race as Checkit.
He entered both Salute Him & Upper Hand with the latter running.
R Millman won the race in 2003 with his best 2yo of that season.
That was his only runner in the race in the last 3 years. He runs Glenmuir
here who may be his best 6f 2yo but has not looked up to the class of Cop
Hill Lad.
R Hannon has not had a runner in the race in the last three years.
He entered Ocean Pride, Green Pride & Cool Creek with the first named
running.
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