Hanshin Cup – Grade III
AP   Race #1   1m   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $100.000  For Three Year Olds And Upward.

1 Engine Failure, trained by Mb Stables
This was a very good two year old finishing third in the DMR Futurity and being fourth in both the
Brett Futurity and the DED Jackpot. He was looking like a lively KYD prospect when winning The Gander
Stakes on seasonal debut and then a very close third in The Gotham but when it came down to his one
shot at the KYD field in the FL Derby he never really got into things and ended up fifth. His trainer
places him here to get the full weight allowance for his age but with only a five pound pull I am not
sure that will be enough. If he runs to his 1.36 work time the weight will be enough for the win but
I was disappointed with his FL Derby run so will need to see some improvement today to get back in his
camp.

2 Arrest, trained by D J C Racing Stables
This is the time of year that four year olds tend to struggle, it happens every year so I see now reason
for that to change. His win in the mud last time in the Dowd Mile was very good and his run previous to
that in the Fool Handicap had merit so he has the credentials to run well but i have to side with history
as far as his chances go.

3 Phelps, trained by Mb Stables
The winner of eleven of his twenty two races this is a hard working five year old and the winner of this
race last year. He was a little disappointing in The Excelsior last time when a one paced fourth but his
seasonal debut win in an open allowance suggested there hadnt been any degradation from four to five so
there is no reason we wont see his normal competitive effort. My only worry is that his mile work last time
was slower than the three year olds work and with a five pound weight penalty he may find that hard to
overcome.

4 Th Watcher, trained by Harrell Racing
Another good three year old who comes here to take advantage of the weight pull. The three year olds
certainly seem to have the edge at the moment and whilst i dont think he is as good as Engine Failure
he certainly will be competitive. His first effort for Harrell racing was a little lack lustre when
ninth in the AR Derby so he may find a place is his best hope.

5 Sonicker, trained by Scarletandgreystable
A six year old he has won 14 races including the Ack Ack Handicap last year. He has been strong in
overnights this year winning his last race in the slop pretty easily. His work times look a little off
the best of these but he may be the dark horse in this race and i take him to be the best of the older
horses.

6 Chrystal Wizard, trained by Maxmillion Farm
Having just said that Sonicker may be the best older horse you cant put this seven year old more than a
whisker behind him. The winner of 11 and two graded stakes last year he hit triple digit speed figures in
the Longacres Mile last year and has done well enough this year to suggest he is capable of that again.
Again his work times against the three year olds give little chance but you cannot write this old warrior
off.

SUMMARY

This race could be as simple as which three year old will win if recent history is consistent. Both have
good enough work times to run close on levels so the five pound pull should be enough. Engine Failure will win
but i am not so confident about Th Watcher and maybe Chrystal Wizard or Sonicker will be good enough to split
them up.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES