The RaceClubs.com Challenge Series ... less than 20 Days To Go!

The RaceClubs.com Challenge Series

** 1800-2400m Classic Qualifiers **

Classic Challenge Juvenile  

With three races remaining in the series, one at each distance, this week's racing was vitally important in the chase for a final run. The standings before the race would see many horses hovering around the all important 14th position. It is about time that many trainers, having sat pretty with their horses for much of the season, now find themselves working out the best options for their horse. Take the final route or settle for a consolation race.

The colts turned out in their numbers this week and provided a very exciting first instance qualifier. A number of the runners had already secured a very healthy points tally, moat noticeably, Vom Da Gash, who would almost certainly book his final place with a good showing in this race. Gentleman Earl is always an interesting runner and with the emergence of Darley Arabian, the pair look quite a duo. The latter, may need to settle for a consolation run as points are so few and far between, qualification for the final may just be a little out of his reach.

The interesting runner here was Price Racing's grey colt, Maroon Spirit. Scoring a maiden in weak company, the ability of the colt was not really evident that day. His trainer is very wise to the ability of top class horses having experienced the highs with Urban Legend and Bombay Bluey. So, it was of no surprise to see a good run from this colt, edging to a half length victory over Vom Da Gash who by finishing second can almost certainly carry the colours for connections at this season's finale. Is Maroon Spirit from the same mould as Urban Legend and Bombay Bluey? It's unlikely! However, it is obvious the colt has ability and this win has seen him in with a chance of final's qualification. 

Natalia From Mosc was a very expensive auction acquisition into the Burkveen Racing yard and the filly has started to repay the investment with victory in the classic filly qualifier. Wicked Wench, Player's Paradise and Allison were all looking to consolidate their current position in the standings with all three adding to their current accumulative total but not really extending their positions on the leader board to a level that would secure their place for the final on July 29th. Two races remain in this very tight affair with uncertainty surrounding many of the runners in the race for the final.

The Derby & The Oaks

The Derby and The Oaks qualifiers continued. With the final berths about secured for five of the eight runners this race became academic. Though, Sweep The Gold, Azzam and Sebastian Coe were looking at acquiring points to edge towards a top fourteen place. Azzam came out on top out of the three but it is Sweep The Gold that has the edge over the pair. The amazing Urban Legend, who by his trainers own words, "Would love to see him win The Derby" continued his great form, demoting El Nino Got A Bro to second place again, who has not been fairing well and has shown some indifferent form since switching stables. El Nino, remains a great horse and by no means is out of the final and sports a major chance. Sir Sam Silver, again in the money, taking third. 

The Oaks, looking strong in quality and numbers looks to be a wide open affair. Grumpo Stiltkin's connections will be happy in the fact that their challenger made progress to record the win in last nights race. The points received on this occasion, catapulted her into the top fourteen and a likely run in the final. With eight to ten horses battling it out for maybe three or four final places, the run in to the final looks interesting. A lot of the big guns in this series opted to skip the race having secured more than enough to participate in the final and so the race preparation will begin for the select few.

King George & Queen Elizabeth

The King George and Queen Elizabeth races are always an interesting affair. With trainers trying to keep the weight off their runners for the final, qualification points are the target with the result somewhat academic for those concentrating on the final itself. The race is there for the taking for the trainer who is eager to pick up a win in a full field qualifier. The prize money certainly justifies the weight penalty of 2lbs and on this evening Sky Castle Stables stepped up to the plate in the first instance of the race. The 7YO Grey turned back the clock to run a great race and score a deserved victory, proving there is life still in the old legs. A win on the board in his sixth qualifier has moved him into final contention.

In the second instance of the race Magnificent Bid cut the winner's tape when putting up a brave performance in the hands of Jacques Girard. Magnificent Bid may not find the final fourteen, headed by The Seeker. The final of the King George this season could well be one of the highlights of the festival. It is certainly living up to all the hype with a field full of racing legends going to post, it's an open race, one that will be difficult to call.

Nashville Dancer strengthened her position when completing victory over Unduly Tingled in a competitive affair. With the likes of Elite Jette, Hysteron Proteron and Maniac Inc in toe of the winner, merit has to be given to Liveoak Stable's winner as she strode out a one and a half length winner on very testing conditions at England's track. An obvious mud lover, the connections of the winner will almost certainly be doing a rain dance on the eve of finals night. With her stall booked for the final attention turns to those fighting it out for the remaining places. As little as five points separate 22nd and 14th in the standings and all is to play for in the final two races of the campaign.

The Countdown Continues - 20 Days To Go!

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