The Suburban Handicap – Grade II
1 1/4 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $500.00 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1^st Hyper Silver, trained by Night Rider Stables

It is the year of the veteran and this was another example of older horses trumping their younger and on paper better rivals. Breaking a little worse than mid pack he was never really too far off the pace and dug deep when asked to score a quarter length win. The six year old gelding ridden by the digital version of his owner certainly looks a mile and a quarter specialist as he is unbeaten at this trip. He is clearly running into the form of his life and a crack at the BC should now be on the cards.

2^nd George Washington, trained by Spankys Barn

Finished in front of the winner last time out but the two pound weight swing was enough to see him beaten today? Last year’s winner he made a very brave attempt at a huge double in the race but just didn’t have the breath left to out battle the winner. This was a great effort though and he too looks on track for a go at the big time in the BC.

3^rd Outward Bound, trained by Eastern Equine

This was a massive effort by the top weight going right up on the speed and keeping on really gamely when headed. Beaten less than a length and giving five pounds to the winner you would have to think he could turn the table on level weights and it will be intriguing to see which of the three progress to line up in the BC. I have a suspicion this may end up as the best of them at levels.

4^th Nefarious Leadership, trained by Mb Stables

Ran the trail for the entire race and flew late for fourth. This was an eye catching run from last year’s BEL Sprint winner and just goes to show once again how the length of a race means very little to most of the HRP horse population. Is he a router or a sprinter? I guess only time will tell.

5^th Steadyasshegoes

Ran on well from the rear for fifth in a pleasing effort but we learnt nothing as to his best trip after he made all to win a sprint last time and was running on today over a mile and a quarter. It was a nice run but only time will tell what it means.

6^th Wine And Dine

Pretty one paced at the end he held a good position throughout and probably ran up to or even exceeded expectations.

7^th Twisted Estate

Last year’s Preakness winner again looked out of sorts and he may need a freshener if he is to come back to his brilliant best.

8^th Kavorka

Won the SA Handicap with just two pounds less in a quicker time than the winner won today. Is this the end of a great career, well it could well be.

9^th Expect

Folded after running close enough for much of the race. This was a disappointing effort but at the end of the day he hadn’t shown the racecourse form to be as good as his odds suggested.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES