Firecracker – Grade II
1 Mile Turf Stake Purse $200.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.
1st Sir Tom, trained by Brave
It was good to see that class does win through occasionally at HRP and this was a great example of the best horse winning. There is no doubt he has struggled to live up to his great third in last years BC Mile but today he lived up to it with interest and now looks set to make another attempt at the mile championship. Kept in a perfect position just off the pace he quickened up and strode effortlessly clear to win by a decisive two lengths.
2nd Commercial Grade, trained by Grimley
In a close stalk from the off he took the lead round the home turn and for a moment it looked like there was going to be a shock result. The winner was far too good in the end but this three year old ran a game second which at this time of the year for a three year old was a very good run indeed. Who knows what happened to him in the early season but he is certainly back to his best and even improving so I think we will be seeing plenty of this colt from here on in.
3rd Pip Cozzene, trained by Chili King Stables
Another great effort from this warrior keeping on for third. There may still be some question marks as to whether he will ever recapture top form but this was a decent effort and I expect him to remain a force in this type of race.
4th Diplomatic Rule, trained by D J C Racing Stable
I think he pretty much ran up to his best grabbing the last paying place after staying on at one pace. A good effort but he may need to be dropped a grade or two to find another win.
5th Jovan River
The betting market were expecting another miracle from Mb Stables but for once the horse ran as well as his bare form suggested he would. Starting favourite was a long shot but he wasn’t far away and deserves another shot at some black type down the line.
6th Great Tiny Tap Q
Ran nowhere near the form he showed in the ConCup last time. I will leave people with more imagination than me to explain why.
7th Puzzle Pieces
Looked the best three year old in the race but showed once again that he is not up to this grade.
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
