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The 2002-2004 results are at the bottom
of the page for comparison |
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JUNE 17th SUMMING UP
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Just an average edition, at best, without the surprise presence of Strike
Up The Band. He was well supported as favourite in the Norfolk two
days ago and the connections perhaps feel he lost his winning chance with
a slightly slow break. He would have been able to catch Classic Encounter
more easily but it is unlikely he would have beaten Masta Plasta. In any
case he proved himself one of the best two 5f colts currently active and
reproduction of that form would see him win with a little comfort.
The obvious niggle is that he had to work hard in the Norfolk and along
with a number of that field looked to get quite 'hot' at the start. So
he needs to prove he can keep under control and break properly on a warmer
day. He also has to give weight all around. On the positive side is that
he tends to settle in races and has a change of pace which will see him
past just 'useful' 2yos.
The rest of the field looks 'thin' and both Titus Alone & King
Orchisios run for trainers who pitched their best 2yos into the top
class in the Coventry with good results. The fact that both choose to run
in the lesser 5f race suggest that the pair are what their profiles suggest
- useful but not superior. King Orchisios set the pace on debut and turned
the race into a 'time trial' against moderate types and didn't stop. He
is probably the best, or only, source of a strong enough pace to at least
pressure SUTB.
Titus Alone has tracked paces set by poor and then average 2yos in his
two races and has shown some ability to quicken. He's probably even smaller
than SUTB and has a less strong ability to quicken. Assuming King Orchisios
makes the pace it will be interesting to see what happens when the two
'trackers' are asked for their efforts.
The rest look a mixed bag and unlikely to be competitive with the top three.
Ker
Lani represents a trainer based in France who has run similar types
in Listed and sales races with acceptable results. The SP has tended to
be a solid indicator of how competitive they will be. In receipt of 11lb
she might be the surprise placer if one of the top three does not perform
well.
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RACE QUALITY:
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The 'second division' 5f race at the meeting and most of the field will
be rated 85 or less. In each season it normally attracts one or two better
class runners who have avoided the Norfolk stakes for some reason (for
e.g. Tournedos & Holborn where the owner ran 'first strings' in the
Norfolk).
The race can be won with a rating as low as 88 although the mid-90s is
more typical. This year's field is unusual partly because of the low number
of runners and also with Strike Up The Band having already run in the Norfolk.
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TRAINERS:
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A similar story to many of the 2yo races at the meeting with a long list
of regular trainers absent. Not a single runner from R. Hannon, M Channon,
M. Johnston, S. Suroor, B. Meehan, M. Bell, D Loder (no 2yo runner in 2005
surprisingly), A. O'Brien & J. Noseda. Which leaves a peculiarly 'Northern'
field and one that feels like a normal field with some of the quality taken
away.
N. Littmoden had a moderate to average record with 2yos until 2004
and a typical season would be 'rescued' by some later season wins after
the earlier season debuts had variable competency and readiness. In 2004
he targeted 2yo more and tried to get his runners competitive from earlier
in the season. Helped by three useful to superior 2yos (Chateau Istana
who won this race 3TO, Polly Perkins & Salsa Brava) he had a
good start to the season and, unusually, FTO wins.
So far 2005 looks more like his normal '2yo season' and he has run only
four 2yos who have looked inexperienced and competed poorly on debut. He
runs Charming Ballet on debut here for the same owner he won the race for
in 2004.
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SIRES:
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First season sires Bertolini
(Tabaret) & Rambling Bear
(The Bear) are represented.
Underrated 2yo sire Tagula
(King Orchisios & Scooby Dude) has two runners.
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