She’s A Wonder makes season’s debut in today’s feature race
After nearly a six-month break, last year’s double Classic race winner She’s A Wonder makes her long-awaited seasonal debut in the $1.05-million Information and Communication Technology Department Cup feature race, the main attraction on the 11-race card at Caymanas Park today.
She’s A Wonder, who had won the 1000 Guineas and Jamaica Oaks last year, has been absent from competitive racing since December 27, 2021. The four-year-old bay filly drops down to the Overnight Allowance grade, but has to overcome her bad habit of being slow out of the box.
If all goes well for her at the start, She’s A Wonder will be difficult to beat, plus the Ian Parsard trainee has been meticulously prepared for her seasonal entry and has shown her readiness at exercise.
The three-year-old upwards contest going six-and-a-half furlongs (1,300m) is positioned as the 11th and final event on the card with a post time of 5:30 pm. First race is at 11:30 am.
She’s A Wonder, working alongside her more decorated stablemate, the talented Mahogany on May 30, has caught the attention of many in that spin. Cantering from the nine-furlong (1,800m) marker, She’s A Wonder galloped six furlongs (1,200m) in a fast 1:12.3, beating Mahogany (1:13.0).
The likes of Lure of Lucy, Curlin’s Affair and Solid Approach could make the race more interesting, given their abilities.
Lure of Lucy, a consistent foreigner, finished fourth 28 days ago behind God of Love when travelling five furlongs round (1,000m). Lure of Lucy faces Solid Approach who was in front the last time they met, but if judiciously ridden, Lure of Lucy can be difficult to contend with.
The four-year-old bay filly has also caught the eye at exercise. On June 5, Lure of Lucy cantered from the nine-furlong pole and galloped five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:05.4 with the last five furlongs done in 59.4. Note, Lure of Lucy races with the tongue tie on.
Curlin’s Affair has been going well at this level. The Anthony Nunes trainee is fit and the distance is right, and although allowing the weight, he is going to be a factor when the winning post comes into view.
The Gary Crawford-trained Solid Approach returned to competitive racing from a 241-day break on May 21 and finished a creditable third behind God of Love and Laban at five furlongs round. With that run under her girt and the trip being perfect, Solid Approach has a good chance of winning.
Of the other runners in the 12-horse field probably Secret Identity and Jordon Reign’s could put up challenges.
Secret Identity, in her last race on June 5, was third behind Laban and Rojorn Di Pilot over the five straight. Secret Identity is equally effective on the round and could put in a good effort but she will not have it her own way on the lead, which might hamper her chances of winning
Jordon Reign’s, who is a stable companion of She’s A Wonder, was as all the rage when coming off a lay-off on April 3 but finished in fourth place down the straight. Jordon Reign’s returns here well trained and, from this convenient mark, should put in a good effort.
Ones to watch:
Race 1) Hunter’s Ridge/Euphoria/Plutologist
Race 2) The Nextbigting/Radical/Rockdale
Race 3) Sweet Medicine/Dallas/Awesome Aviator
Race 4) Baltusrol/Colour Me Tan/Casual Charm
Race 5) Last Bid/North London/Berlino’s Choice
Race 6) XY Soul/Better Best/Quanna
Race 7) Flight Time/Muzzo/Noa Li
Race 8) Thegoodlife/Letters in Gold/Jahsendblessings
Race 9) D Head Cornerstone/Howilookin/Secret Emperor
Race 10) Positive ID/T Brady/Prince Marshall
Race 11) She’s A Wonder/Lure of Lucy/Solid Approach