Wednesday 22nd September 2010
This Evening's Feature Race
2850m FirmMonthly League Challenge Qualifier 2YO Coltsto view race click above link
Herminator becomes terminator over field Championship Series StandingsThe last qualifier of the monthly series took place over England's staying trip of 2850m. After a hard fought series, everything rested on this race, with valuable points on offer, a place in the final could be won or lost. The weather had remained dry and the ground was running on the firm side. A full field went to post with many of the runners still uncertain of their final's destiny, so in the hands of their jockey, their fate would unravel. The trainer could do no more than to prepare their horse to the best of their ability. So who would be making the trip to contest Sunday's final? The starter let them go!
Tie The Knot was having his second run in the series, having previously run down the field over the trip behind Gallipoli Prince a couple of weeks earlier. The Sky Castle colt was immediate from the stalls and forged an early lead. Interestingly, the colt has not competed over a trip less than today's distance which could be significant as the final is to run over the shorter classic distance of 2400m. Maybe the colt will find that trip a little short by the evidence of his previous runs. Nevertheless, 2850m suits the horse and his quick exit had already seen him open up on his rivals to the best part of two lengths. Gallipoli Prince looked assured of his place in the final and this one followed the leader for the opening 600m, running without the aid of alumites. His trainer was obviously concerned that he didn't add any more weight to the penalty he will already carry in Sunday's showcase.
Hitting the first turn, Who Killed Bambi was in pursuit of the leader but this horses run flattered to deceive as the colt was eventually going to finish a distance last to the winner. Dubai Spirit is another who is clearly suited by a marathon trip and the Dalton Donkeys runner paved a nice pitch against the rails about four lengths fourth. Herminator had remained covered up for most of the opening 1400m and was last coming off the first turn but the eventual winner of the race would put most of his running in during the second half of the race. Kieran Doyle is one of those jock's that has the knack of knowing just how much horse is beneath him and when asked a question, the horse generally responds. All his horsemanship knowhow would be utilised in this race to come with a well timed run to land the spoils. Priego De Cordoba had run Emprise To Avalon to within a length in the opening monthly final of the season and is no stranger to top class opposition. This was his ninth run at the highest level. Heinz Huber had to take a strong early hold on the horse and eventually settled him nicely in the chasing pack at halfway.
The eight furlong stretch down the far side of the track before making the turn for home had seen the leader open up a three, four or even five length lead over the chasing pack, swinging along. It was this portion of the race that saw Herminator cruise up between runners to see more daylight and grab a handy pitch in second place in good sight of the leader. Priego De Cordoba and jockey, fully aware of the colts move had followed him through and now sat fourth behind the wide running and stable mate to the leader Efficiente. The race began in earnest entering the final third as they made the turn for home. The midfield pack closed up as the jockey's staked their claim to hold the best possible position entering the straight. Herminator still closed on the leader and was looking dangerous. Tie The Knot still went well in front but had the jockey let him go off too fast? The horse was running his race and the Frenchman showed no concern in the saddle and was happy to dictate from the start.
As they levelled into the straight, Dubai Spirit and Herminator travelled well and a little reign was let out on the pair. The latter of the two looked the more likely to pose a threat to the leader as when asked to quicken he stepped up a gear with more efficiency than his adversary to his left. Efficiente was widest of all and had run the race twice over coming into the straight and to even be in the position he held was credit to his jockey, Tom Kerr. Alas, the colt ran out of stamina up the straight and finished down the field in tenth place at the line. Approaching four out, Herminator was asked to lengthen and he did just that with the mould of a sprinter, rather than a stayer, he injected a turn of foot and strode to the front. Dubai Spirit and Priego De Cordoba were also looking to swamp the long time leader, Tie The Knot but credit where credit is due, the Sky Castle Stable runner kept up a gallop to the line to earn a very respectable second place. In the battle for third and fourth, Priego De Cordoba got the better of Dubai Spirit close home.
.....all the rest of Wednesday's challenge action
2850m FastSt Leger Challenge Qualifier 3YO Coltsto view race click above link
Licensed to thrill, International Spy wins Championship Series StandingsInternational Spy made good of favourable conditions to land the spoils in this qualifying race. Having previously recorded a best placed fourth in a past qualifier, the Divine Diva Stables finally go their reward when their charge nailed a run to the line. It was a massive turnaround on the previous form book with the second, Maroon Spirit, who had him beat by over five lengths bak in August. Admittedly that was on a yielding surface which the winner is not too keen on. Nevertheless it was an encouraging sight for his owner to see him burst to the front and strike a winning blow. Maroon Spirit had tried to make all in under the guidance of Jacques Girard but stamina was the key on the run to the line and the Price Racing representative had gone off in a blaze and possibly run himself to the ground early and was treading water inside the last. At the halfway point there was seven lengths back to the nearest horse and despite a brave effort to make all there was little in the tank at the line.
The winner, International Spy had tracked when settled early and was called upon for an effort swinging off the turn. Paving a path through the middle of the field he was soon in contention and reeling the leader in with every stride. Randwick had travelled wide throughout and also looked dangerous down the straight. By the 300m marker the leader faltered and International Spy swooped past and was driven all out to the line. The runner-up, Maroon Spirit was as game as they come when holding off the late challenge of the Daltons Donkeys runner, Rhapsody Of Fire. Entering the straight the colt was in last place and came from another county inside the final 400m to challenge the leaders. A little closer to the fore may have seen this one strike on another day but on this occasion, a creditable third place. Randwick stayed on at the same pace down the final stretch to grab the final placing. Hari Harian, Tokii Dokii, Soulquake System and Napoleonic Wars all bagged their fourth run in the series in this race to meet the eligibilty criteria. El Legendario is out in front with forty-two points from his six races, Dusk Til Dawn sits second, apoint behind.
3200m FirmSt Leger Challenge Qualifier 3YO Filliesto view race click above link
Poetic Yesterday stays on to beat Rose Of England Championship Series StandingsA select field of five runners went to post to contest a marathon distance of 3200m in this St Leger Qualifier. With such emphasis on stamina, this specialist distance is not for the weak hearted and lungs of steel are required to see the trip out. Poetic Yesterday and Rose Of England entertained the masses with an epic struggle to the line. Both horses showing stamina and a desire to win, right to the death. The front running display of Poetic Yesterday was a masterful effort by Jacques Girard. Knowing when to kick and when to hold back enough to get to the line is key and any aspiring young virtual jockey should take note. Rose Of England had looked the danger and came with a timely effort in the hands of Wayne Bailey, only to be scuppered at the death by a horse who had kept a little in reserve. The winning distance just under a length.
Rose Of England came out of her fourth race unscathed and can now concentrate on amassing a tally of points worthy of a shot at the title. Fourteen points puts her tied for fifth place on the overall leader board with Wicked Wench and Black Or White. The win pushes Poetic Yesterday up into tied third place as she sits pretty after five race appearances on nineteen, alongside Devil's Daughter from Butlers Yard. Overall leader with twenty-seven points is Xtreme Diva. The classy filly has a six point advantage on second placed Majestic Love who hails from the Team Johansson yard.
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