FLASHBACK 2014: Alacrann wins Pick 3
ON his way to claiming the crown of champion two-year-old of 2014, the Anthony Nunes-trained Alacrann scored an emphatic victory in the Pick 3 Super Challenge Trophy race.
Ridden by jockey Andre Martin, Alacrann defeated Dreamcometrue by two and a half lengths with odds on favourite Come Dance With Me third.
The following is the report by the Complete Racing Guide on the win by Alacrann on November 29, 2014.
‘Punters were warned last Friday in the Observer’s Complete Racing Guide’s preview not to throw out the chances of the Andre Martin-ridden Alacrann in the Pick3 Challenge Trophy run over seven furlongs on Saturday last at Caymanas Park.’
In analysing the chances of the main contenders in the race, this was what the race analyst wrote.
“While the majority of interest will naturally surround the clash involving Come Dance With Me and Polly B, punters should not discard the chances of the Anthony Nunes-trained chestnut colt Alacrann by tested and proven sire Traditional and the mare Maria’s Appeal.
“Alacrann did not run up to scratch in the race won by Polly B when defeating Turn Me Loose. His performance was lacklustre as his usual final kick was absent. Punters should note that Alacrann will be administered with Lasix for the first time, which is a sign that he probably bled in the event. If that is indeed so and Alacrann returns to his best, watch for him to come on strong in the final furlong and look for him to win if the front-running duel between Polly B and Come Dance With Me turns out to be too hot.”
‘These were prophetic words as the blistering front duel between Come Dance With Me (Dane Nelson) and Polly B (Dick Cardenas) paved the way for the late surge of Alacrann, who simply ran by rivals for an easy two-and-a-half-length win over Dreamcometrue, with Come Dance With Me third. Setting splits of 22.4 and 45.4 seconds proved the undoing of both Come Dance With Me and Polly B, as they simply could not keep up that sort of running in the straight. For Alacrann and the patient Andre Martin, the race was a perfect set-up for the strong closing finish of the chestnut colt.
