|
The 2002-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
|
MAY 29th SUMMING UP
|
A good edition of a race which can be variable quality and often produces
small fields. Two of the group appeal as being better 2yos with the potential
to show higher ratings and competitive to win in higher quality races.
Northern Empire ran a very good debut by trainer standards
and showed good basic pace and a natural sprinter athleticism. A debut
of that quality is usually indicative of a superior type and he should
show good improvement here.
Ajigolo showed as much potential on his last run at Salisbury
and comes out second only because he gives weight. It would be no surprise
to see him win. He had the advantages of firm ground, a tailwind &
helpful pacemaking to break the all-age course record at Salisbury. However,
rather than the raw time it was the manner of his win that was impressive.
Always travelling well behind a strong pace and lengthening well to draw
clear as the leaders stalled.
It will be interesting to see how they fare against the best of the early
season sprint form represented by Memphis Man, Gamble In Gold
& Salut D'Amour who have run in the two new Listed races in
2005 without winning. Of these Memphis Man has the best profile to improve
further from the form he has shown.
|
|
RACE QUALITY:
|
A variable quality and can cut up to be a small field. Usually the field
is made up of early season sprinters and most will have already completed
their winning for the season and will struggle in higher class and/or under
penalties later.
Depending upon the strength of the field a rating anywhere between 85-105
may be required to win. With free running types on an uphill course it
is not uncommon to see too strong a pace set and the leaders fade with
outpaced runners coming through to take places at longer prices.
The winners of the race in the last three years have subsequently won the
Supersprint, Norfolk Stakes (Group 3) & Dragon Stakes (Listed race
here in July). Other than 'tidy up' maiden wins and a nursery success the
best later performances of the remainder of the field have been Group places
by Moscow Music & Prince Charming (both from the 2004 race).
|
|
TRAINERS:
|
R Hannon regularly runs the best, or close to the best, early season
sprinter he has. The chosen runner is often a good indicator of the overall
strength of his 2yos in the season to date. He won the race in 2002 with
Presto Vento who was unplaced in the Queen Mary later before winning the
Supersprint.
In 2003 he ran 3 time previous winner Prince Of Denmark who ran poorly.
He ran unplaced in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot. In 2004 he had no
runner.
He runs the filly Gamble In Gold who probably vies with Green Pride at
the best early sprint 2yo he has (8 individual winners so far). With two
extra Listed races in 2005 before this one both have already run in Listed
races.
In 2004 he introduced his best sprint filly of the season at this meeting
but in the maiden fillies' race (Jewel In The Sand).
M Channon has run owner bred fillies in the last two races with
one finishing placed. His 2004 runner was Indiannie Star who is half sister
to this year's runner Ajigolo (for the same owner breeder).
B Meehan has run 75-85 rated sprint 2yos in the last three years
with a third place as the best finish. The last two have been maidens when
they ran as is Northern Empire.
M Johnston tend to run useful (85+ rating) 2yos at the course. He
had the winner in 2003 with the later Group 3 winner Russian Valour. In
2002 he ran the best of his early season sprint fillies who had already
won at Goodwood.
J Best is a trainer not noted for running 2yos in Listed+ races
unnecessarily. However, he has three runners in this race - Bertie Southstreet
(probable first string), Figjam & FTO filly Miss Dagger.
|
|
SIRES:
|
First season sires:-
Bertolini (Bertie Southstreet
& Memphis Man)
Mozart (Sunrise Safari)
|
|
PADDOCK & SALES REVIEWS:
|
Bertie Southstreet (Windsor) rated 79. Biggest in the group and
above average build. A likeable type and with good scope to continue his
physical development. Slightly leggy and a little narrow and needs
to strengthen up to carry his size. A little mentally immature and wearing
a cross noseband. Good, loose and rangy mover.
Better for 6f and with physical development. Ought to be able to rate over
85 and has the potential to be useful+.
Salut D'Amour rated 73.
Figjam rated 61.
Smooch rated 58.
Silver Crest rated 57.
|