Millions Classic Preview 

A mile and sixteenth for three year olds and up

$100.000

1 Red Crimson, trained by Mb Stables

A classic example of the similarity between classes here at HRP these days. A close fourth in the grade one Wood Memorial, placed in two other grade three races and yet beaten in overnights and ungraded stakes races. Regardless of the frailties of the class system this is a very good three year old with some very common frailties of his own. His main problem is pace. Off a slow early pace he runs on the pace and is an impressive sort, with a faster early pace he can get outpaced early and run into problems when he tries to make his late run. With a small field and an inside draw he may get a soft lead and an average pace and if that happens he could win by a good few lengths. On the flip side a faster early pace in this small field should eliminate traffic problems so either way he looks to have a very big chance today.

2 Cat O Nine, trained by Oval Express Farms

In complete contrast here we have a consistent sort who took 8 races to break his maiden and only has that and one more win to his name. BUT and this is the thing that throws all the question marks out there, he has very similar works to the graded stakes placed Red Crimson. So at home these two can work the same time and it is just a matter of how they react come race day.

The gelding operation this one undertook back in the summer certainly seems to have improved him and he was pretty impressive last time out so you must make a choice between race day form and home work time.

3 State Of Balance, trained by Santan Stables

A winner of four from seven there is no doubt this one has ability. His win the time before last was very good and he was beaten less than a length in the Lafitte so he has the form figures for a big run today. My biggest fear for him though is that his last run was way back in May and whilst some have run pretty well after a break most struggle with such a long break. Whatever he does today, and a win wouldn’t be such a shock, he will be better next time.

4 Rajivs Roadblock, trained by Nightrider Stables

As the three year olds have dominated of late this race doesnt have one older horse in it which in itself seems to be another glitch in HRP’s current set up. Regardless of age though this, like his three rivals, is a nice sort and has every chance of a win. He too took a while to win a maiden and also found that gelding improved him a good few lengths. His work times may be a touch off the others though and whilst his race record is a good one there aren’t too many efforts that stand out. His last run and win were maybe his best and he has a much more settled running style so could get pretty close if some of the others get caught up in tactics.

SUMMARY

On the face of it this looks like a stroll in the park for Red Crimson. Cat O Nine may give him the most to do and the other two may have a say at some point.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded