Kentucky Cup Turf – Grade III
1 1/2 Mile Turf Stake Purse $600.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Romantic Pirate, trained by Drabfantasy
It was no surprise to see a three year old winning this race pretty easily it was just a matter of which one. Either this horse has ability to burn, his trainer is a magician or he is another example of the HRP anomaly of speed versus stamina. Whichever the reason the fact that he was beaten just a length in 56 and 1 in a blistering five furlong stakes race just 2 months ago is incredible considering he made all to win unchallenged over a mile and a half today. The pace wasnt that quick and the outside speed push was always going to put him in the lead but the fact that he was never challenged was both impressive and a little puzzling.
Is this the next three year old to burst onto the turf routing scene? It seems like we have a new one every week but he certainly looks a pretty exciting prospect in only his sixth start.
Speaking to his trainer a few interesting facts came up, firstly he has the same sire as last years winner and secondly both were lightly raced coming into teh race. Lets hope he doesnt go the same way as last years winner who hasnt made the first three since that win.

2nd Pink Devil, trained by Our Athletes
Ran his usual honest race staying on to be second but never getting a blow at the winner. Considering he has triple digit speed figures in his form and plenty of close runs in graded stakes race he still has only managed 5 wins from 33 races so must be considered a little one paced.

3rd Love In Charge, trained by Team 7 Illusions
After his hugely impressive win in the DMR Handicap this was the three year old most people thought would win but getting a  horse to run a top level race twice in a row is pretty tough at HRP and he ran a bit flat today. With only 3 weeks between runs this may have come a bit quick so dont write him off just yet but a decent rest is what he may need for him to get back to winning ways.

4th Meant To Be Alone, trained by Crocker Cgs
This pretty much sums up form lines at HRP. Beaten in a low level one win allowance last time he finished just three lengths behind in a competitive  grade 3 today running on from a long way behind on a track that is tough to close on. I have no idea what to make of this effort but it was a good one.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES