Only a small field for this race but a fascinating one nevertheless, here are the quartet:

1 Spirit Of Italy, trained by Drabfantasy

With the feather weight of just 114Lbs this one could be the answer in a tight race. Although she has only the one win in the mud four months ago she has been working very nicely since turning three and if she is fully fit she could be the surprise package. Her maiden win came in the mud at LA but she won very easily and has plenty going for her to support her strong works. Drabfantasy has some of the leading fillies in this generation and if this one can pull off this win she will be fired up the ranks of top fillies to join the rest in her stable.

2 Sports Book, trained by Downwind Stables

Bought at auction for just thirty five dollars this colt has run once for his new owner and absolutely sluiced in in a fast time at SA. He ran pretty well in graded class as a two year old and after a tune up looked very good in winning that allowance last time out. There is no doubting his ability but I just wonder whether he would be good enough on his work times.

3 Bring In Da Funk, trained by Threshold

Campaigned for the KYD since winning twice as a two year old he has run pretty well without really looking up to the top grade. Fourth in the grade three Davis Stakes, he then showed up early in the FL Derby before finishing ninth. He has some strong work times and wont be daunted by this grade but he looks a difficult ride and may find this trip a bit sharp.

4 Master Chef, trained by DJC Racing Stables

A winner on debut he has struggled a little since in overnight company. I liked his last start when he was right in it before finishing a half length second at GP and whilst his work times are nt the best he comes here with a fighting chance in what does not look like a strong field.

SUMMARY:

If ever there was a stakes race where a filly could beat the boys it is this one. Going on work times alone the receipt of weight from her rivals gives Spirit Of Italy the edge but I may be overstretching my imagination when you look at what she has achieved on the track. I would be tempted to box her up with Bring In Da Funk but a small field at HRP is tough to read and almost anything could happen.

Categories: Ungraded