The SAR Special – Grade II
6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $200.000 Open 2 Year Olds.
1st Black Mach One, trained by Gdp Inc
Ridden to perfection this son of Plucky Mach ran on gamely to win by a neck in probably the best two year old race so far this year. Travelling in a loose stalk on the rail he readily moved up to make his challenge and then seemed to have a little in hand as he held off the late challengers. There is no doubt he had the best trip out of the first four but you have to be a good horse to be in the right place at the right time and he certainly proved himself today.
2nd Custer Of The West, trained by Sanny Village
Trailing the field he had to be taken impossibly wide to make his challenge but still made up loads of ground for an excellent share of second. I thought he may get up for a while but the extra ground he had to cover showed in the end as his run flattened out a little in the last 50 yards. This was a great run by the expensive purchase and his trainer will be very happy that he ran like this and justified the big price tag.
2nd Symboli Rudolf, trained by Nakamura Stable
Uncharacteristically he burned to a clear lead and moved to the rail to lead early on. As they entered the straight he looked like he may be gobbled up but he kept on very gamely to share second and only get beaten by a neck. You have to question the tactics today but the outside speed push can do this if left unchecked and he may have burned too much energy early on. Only time will tell whether he can bounce back from this first defeat.
4th Safecracker, trained by Yahudi Stables
For me this was a huge run and it largely went un noticed as he charged into fourth beaten less than a length by the winner. This was a much better run than his last start when he was well beaten and the way he hit the line I think he is a better horse just waiting to explode onto the scene over a mile.
5th Laffin Canadian
Was close up throughout but couldn’t quicken eventually finishing fifth only beaten a length. This was a pretty good effort but he had every chance and just couldn’t live with the first four.
6th Fight The Fear
Never really got involved but didn’t finish too far back, I think we may see a better horse when he goes to the turf.
7th Hollywood Ballet
Another who never really got into it he may be better off in overnight company in future.
8th Combat
Got up there early on but was hopelessly outclassed and ended up a long last.
Categories: Grade II
