The Challenger Stakes – Grade III

   TAM        Race #6           1 1/16m       Dirt         Stake

1st        Heart Of Genghis                       Night Rider Stables                   Da Silva F H     

Well, this was always going to be a tight race and, in the end, just a neck separated first from second with this one getting the vote today. Traveling just in behind the speed which when you look at his past runs suggests the gaming buttons or the race engine had something to do with it, he battled on very bravely to the line for a deserved win. This was a pretty competitive grade three and one feels that as a seven-year-old this season could be his last chance at a grade one and on this gutsy win there is no reason why he can’t achieve that.

2nd       Hurricane Ridge                          The Sidley Stud                           Corrales G

Ran pretty much alongside the winner for the entire race and in the end was just out battled at the post. He has still not managed to win past a sprint so I wonder if the trainer will go back to that discipline after this effort.

3rd        Berlin                                              The Sidley Stud                           Gallardo A A  

Ran his usual game race but I am not sure the eight-year-olds legs are quite as strong as they were. It was pleasing to see the enthusiasm return after his last effort and I still wouldn’t be writing him off in any race, but he does look like the years are catching up with him.        

4th        Louisiana Asset                          Big Jd Racing                                Elliott S            

Took the race engine plan B and went back from the wide draw and was an eye catching fourth coming on strong at the end. He has had two car park draws in row now and I will be watching for his next race because if he can draw in a bit and stay closer early, he should soon be winning.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES