The Man o War – Grade I
                       BEL Race 6 1 3/8M – InTurf
                                 Purse $700.000
                           Four Year Olds and Up

1st Clockwork Chai, trained by Mb Stables

As I talked to Mb Stables this week he was actually thinking about scratching because of the rainy forecast. Well he made the right choice as the reining horse of the year added another grade one to his already outstanding career. He earned a winners share of $420.000 in a final time of 2:14.78.

2nd Controlled Power, trained by Spankys Barn

This time the finishing order was changed between the top two from the Kilroe Mile. He was way back early and made a very strong run to get second. He’s no doubt the real deal also and will definitely be tough the rest of the year in the turf division and look forward to some more battles with Clockwork Chai.

3rd Moscow Court, trained by Mb Stables

The other runner from trainer Mb Stables stretched out very good from turf sprints to this distance. Pretty far back early he made a run but couldn’t go with Controlled Power or get to Clockwork Chai. He ran a good third though and can maybe make some noise the rest of the year in some big races.

4th Techfluence, trained by The Sidley Stud

Not the effort I was expecting from him as he seemed he didn’t really like the yielding turf. He sat close the whole way but when it was time to run he had no punch to make a winning run. He will be better on a firm turf course if he gets it next out and is still a pretty good horse. Firm turf is what he needs next time.

Summary

It cane down to the two that I expected to be there at the end. Another good race and a rivalry is starting to transform between the two. The race changed with rain and the scratch of Taniwha. But Clockwork Chai and Controlled Power showed there class in here and showed they are the best two turf horses in the game right now.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES