This race meeting has been dedicated to Champions. The first is Black Caviar, a brilliant Australian thoroughbred racehorse, who was unbeaten in 25 starts and even went to England and won the ‘Diamond Jubilee Stakes’ at Ascot. Secondly, to pay tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson who has retired after 26 years as manager of Manchester United, who clinched their 20th League title this season. In England, football and horse-racing are very popular sports and make a good match. Sir Alex Ferguson is himself a racehorse owner, just as Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen. The main race of the day has been labelled the ‘Black Caviar Lightning Cup’ whilst the winner of the 7th race will receive the ‘Sir Alex Ferguson Farewell Trophy’.
Race 1:
After finishing not too far behind Urbi Et Orbi in a superior class, Over The Ocean is seen as the favourite to win the race and in doing so, opening his account. His main threat will be Fraser even though he is been ridden by apprentice Chinapiel. Baynesfield has done well in this class and although he isn’t drawn ideally, he should be there at the finish. Baron Blixen, winner oon his first outing, is a very interesting outsider and should comfortably make the frame. Fort Noble should not be discarded and is a strong contender to finish in the placings.
Favourite: Over The Ocean
Dangers: Fraser, Baynesfield, Baron Blixen
Race 2:
Destiny’s Tale is the favourite in this 1000m sprint and despite being drawn badly he has the ability to lead and he is not bothered upfront, he will be very hard to catch. On his previous outing, he was just piped on the post by Cassido. Appeal Board, who has the best draw, is also one to be followed. He has won all his races over that trip in Mauritius. With good draws, both Smitten and Campus can make the frame especially if the pace is hot. Sunday Monday did not finish far away in his last outing and with a better run, he could be the ‘dark horse’ of this sprint.
Favourite: Destiny’s Tale
Dangers: Appeal Board, Campus, Smitten
Race 3:
After a superb win in the last race of last year’s International Jockey’s Weekend, the combination Carcassonne/Rye Joorawon will be strongly fancied in the 3rd race. However, on our point of view Carcassonne may need that run as it’s not easy to start the season over 1600m. Marine Sky has greatly improved and the fact that he will run over further is definitely in his favour. Shakleton should not be discounted as he has performed well in an upper class and the same applies for Moon Raider, who has at last gave a good account of himself. Let us not forget that he is now trained by Budheswar Gujadhur. Dreams Come True has been in solid form lately and is an outsider to make the frame.
Favourite: Marine Sky
Dangers: Carcassonne, Moon Raider, Shakleton
Race 4:
After winning his first race in his last run, Pageantry is in top condition and is expected to do well again in this race. He has a decent draw and should be thereabouts. Even Chance will be a tough nut to crack as he has a prime draw. If he breaks well and has a soft lead, he can definitely make it a ‘pillar to post’. King Fahiem has rediscovered his form and could well finish in the placings with Richard Mullen on board. Variant won his last race over 1000m and should improve over this longer trip, despite being drawn badly.
Favourite: Even Chance
Dangers: Pageantry, King Fahiem, Variant
Race 5:
After winning in last year’s International Jockey’s Weekend with French jockey Christophe Soumillon, Solar Symbol has started this season in the same fashion and is expected to give another bold account of himself. He has the perfect draw and has won on the 1850 metres. Prince of Troy will be a worthy contender as he has won his two last races. He has been impressive in training and his connections expect him to make it three in a row. Lord Googol was disappointing in his last run due to the fact that he had the blinkers. He won’t have them on this occasion, and this should help him to perform much better. Silver Dice will have to be followed over that longer trip, whilst Royal Chalon is an interesting outsider for a place. Monsieurnando has climbed up 3 divisions and should find it very harder.
Favourite: Prince of Troy
Dangers: Solar Symbol, Lord Googol, Silver Dice
Race 6:
The main race of the day looks to be a wide-open affair over 1000 metres. Ice Axe is making his first start of the season. However, although the weight is in his favour, the trip looks to be on the very sharp side for him. But he is a classy sort and he won’t surprise us if he makes the frame. Both Casey’s War and Chief Mambo have their chances. The former has drawn badly and thus, we’ll give our vote to Casey’s War who will be fitted with the blinkers. Mr Black Tom and Prince Paseo are both suited to the distance and if the pace is hot, they should be in contention. Eskimo Roll will surely have a lot of supporters, whilst Cash Lord and Always A Pleasure will fight for minor placings.
Favourite: Casey’s War
Dangers: Ice Axe, Mr Black Tom, Prince Paseo
Race 7:
Imperial Palace looks to be a decent choice in this 1500m race. He mustn’t be rushed at the start and if his jockey, Cédric Ségeon rides him patiently, he is bound to make the frame. Wing Man has improved and his trainer, Serge Henry believes that he will definitely run a good race. Pride of Prussia is an interesting outsider with Nishal Teeha on board. Good Time Charlie has drawn well and cannot be ignored.
Favourite: Imperial Palace
Dangers: Wing Man, Good Time Charlie, Pride of Prussia
Race 8:
The final race of the meeting is very open as there are many contenders. Flaming Al and Freedom are expected to go close but both should keep a close eye on Amazing Bolt, who has been preferred to Dee Major to participate in that contest. Johnny Geroudis will ride him and if he breaks well, he could well open his account. Man of His Word has run under par on his two last runs but this time he will have Robbie Burke in the saddle and this could be enough to make a massive impact. Both Freedom and Night Club are outsiders for the minor placings.
Favourite: Amazing Bolt
Dangers: Flaming Al, Freedom, Man Of His Word
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