1 Steel Fox, trained by Marcus White

Didn’t do much as a two year old but clearly impressed his then owner as he was aimed high when he came out for a three year old campaign. A fast finishing fourth in the Holy Bull was then followed by two easy wins in Allowance company prompting a big $275.000 sale to Australia Wide. Another win but then a disappointing run in the IA Derby caused the returning champion to sell him on at a loss and fellow Australian Marcus White snapped the son of Pure Steel up for $150.000. In his only start for his current stable he made all to win a competitive race at ELP and comes here as an untapped talent. His works are pretty good and he has a good draw for a horse that likes to be on the pace so will have a fair chance.

2 Flying Warrior, trained by Axeman

A consistent sort in overnights he would have to step up to be competitive in this race. His works are fair and he is a tough cookie so he wont be beaten far but beaten is all I can see for him.

3 Nuns Warrior, trained by Canadian Racing

Another who is untested in this grade he has won three from six including his last two starts. His works are strong and he acts in the mud so you have to give him a chance especially as this isn’t a strong field.

4 Foggy Shores, trained by Mb Stables

Just three runs for one win but this one hails from the huge monopoly that is Mb Stables so as you’d expect he is working strongly and has scored well on the speed figure front. His run last time was a lot better than it looks on paper and I do think he may be the one in this open looking race.

5 Dawn Ride, trained by RNP Stables

This one had been knocking around claimers and changing hands for pennies but HRP can throw up huge improvements and it looks like this one has had a fair sprinkling of fairy dust. His Starter Allowance win last time was huge and he ran well in black type company before that so must have a squeak in an even field.

6 Dancing Boy, trained by Sarah Stables

Rounding off the field is another who is unproven at this grade but as long as the ground stays dry he may have an outside chance. A good allowance win prompted his trainer to have a crack at The Rebel back in March but a poor run saw him pit away to grow and mature. He reappeared with a strong finishing second in a little race at LAD and will be better for that but I just wonder whether he is ready for a step up.

SUMMARY

A poor field for a grade three stakes race and plenty of chances. It will be very close but Foggy Shores may just have the edge over Nuns Warrior although Steel Fox is the class horse in the race and should start favourite to win.