1 Laffin In The Spring, trained by Riggins Racing

Although this four year old has only won three from twenty one he has shown some glimpses of ability and is not without a chance. He kept on well enough in the Bradley Handicap to be third but that was over a longer trip and that is the main thing that throws doubt on him doing well today. He could sprint a bit in his younger days and was pretty speedy at SA in a work last time so he may just spring a surprise although it is faith rather than evidence that you will have to rely on.

2 Hold The Mach, Night Rider Stables

This horse has performed pretty well at overnight level winning 30% of his races and was only really tested at a higher level at the beginning of this season. Taking on the Canadian Turf he recorded triple digit speed figures in coming from off the pace and winning by a cheeky three quarters of a length. That win convinced his trainer to have a crack at the MM Mile but soft ground put paid to his chances before he even left the gate and he finished a well beaten eighth. I think this is an improved five year old and I am willing to forgive his run in the MM Mile and give him a big chance on his Canadian Turf win.

3 Wincrea, trained by Running Farms

This four year old is fairly typical of many of the anomalies of HRP. A free track runner for a long time running and winning low end claimers at a good rate but never really attracting any interest. Then Mb Stables bought him for thirty dollars and he won a pay track race, then he was bought for eighty five dollars and took the grade three San Francisco Mile. Looking at his eight wins from seventeen attempts and that latest win you have to give him a big chance but who really knows what will happen today, he could be a one hit wonder or he could start a long sequence of big wins.

4 Hidden Place, trained by Nakamura Stables

Seeking a fourth win in a row he has gone from small allowance to stakes winner in 2 months and 3 wins. That Stakes win was in the ungraded Governor’s Handicap which was a dirt sprint so it is hard to draw parallels to this race but he clearly has ability and if he can continue improving and make the turf switch then he would have every chance.

5 Nutone, trained by Downwind Stables

Claimed when winning a SA two races ago he has since won a decent allowance race at WO and looks to be an improving type. This trip and surface look spot on for him and a strong recent track work makes him a leading chance.

6 Great Tiny Tap Q, trained by Nakamura Stables

A winner of the BC Derby over a dirt route trip last year he has been pretty consistent since without really stepping up from that effort. He reverted back to turf last time out though and looked a superstar in winning a competitive open allowance. That win coupled with a bullet work on this track suggest that this may be his ideal trip and surface and I am expecting a huge run from him today.

SUMMARY

For me Great Tiny Tap Q ay have the worst name in the race but he is the best horse and I see him triumphing over Nutone. The rest of them could do anything as this trip and surface hold queries for all of them.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES