1 Impact Heard, trained by Chili King Stables

This four year old has been a model of consistency in his short career, placing in the first three in 12 of his 14 races, Not only has he managed to be competitive he has also recorded some impressive SRF figures averaging in the mid nighties for well over a year. His two attempts in black type company resulted in a good fourth in the O Brien Stakes at grade two and more recently a length second in the Forego Stakes at ungraded level. He was claimed after dropping to claimers for the first time last time out and he won that race like a horse that didn’t belong there. I like him a lot, he has some good fast works, decent form and clearly a heart in the right place.

2 Gsin, trained by Team 7 Illusions

Probably the ‘class’ horse of the race he was beaten less than a length when third in the grade one Malibu Stakes at the end of last year and has since managed an ungraded stakes win when taking the Cartier Stakes last time out. A son of Charley Farley he has recorded triple digit speed figures twice in his recent form lines and must rate a big chance on form alone. His works are very strong too and it wouldn’t be too difficult to throw money on him if he didn’t have a small penalty to carry for that win last time out. I don’t think 2 pounds could possibly stop him but weight at HRP can have a funny effect and you certainly have to consider it.

3 Traffic Court, trained by Night Rider Stables

Claimed mid season last year he has run pretty well in lesser company and didn’t do too bad when tried at the top level. I liked the way he sprinted in a one win allowance at TUP last time out but a half length win in that sort of company shouldn’t be good enough for this. Having said that he is fast and this is HRP so anything could happen if he is gifted an uncontested lead.

4 Saint Emilion, trained by mo Mentum Farm

Another sprinter who has done well in lesser company and has even picked up an ungraded stakes,. A winner of The Gravesend handicap at the tail end of last year he has been tested this year and to be honest has disappointed a little in grade three company. He has faded from on the pace in both his starts and it has to be questioned as to whether his heart is still in it especially after carrying a feather weight in the Fool Handicap last time and running poorly.

SUMMARY

The best horse in the race is undoubtedly Gsin and the only question is whether the dreaded strange slow pace will kill his chances or the 2 pounds extra he has to carry has some strange effect. If everything goes to form he will win and I am thinking second place will be fought out between Impact Heard and Saint Emillion.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES