Further and Beyond returns under new management team
On tomorrow’s 10-race card, the Alsafra Trophy, an Overnight Allowance event for three year olds and higher going one mile (1,600m), will take centre stage, and former Horse of the Year Further and Beyond will return.
Further and Beyond, who is racing for the first time in 343 days, will compete against nine other horses for a portion of the $1.14-million payout.
The Supreme Racing Guide examines the runners and their prospects of victory in the analysis below.
1. MARQUESAS: (8 b h by Coded Warning – Islamorada) – Finished a good third behind Miniature Man and Stomp The Rhythm in a 9-furlong (1,820m) on May 13. Marquesas‘ prospect of winning here is limited by the presence of second-place finisher Stomp The Rhythm.
2. GAMBLER: (6 b m by Freedom For Jante – Kenisha) – There is no form to suggest for a winning run here.
3. FURTHER AND BEYOND: (5 ch h by Blue Pepsi Lodge – Rumble) – Under new management, Further and Beyond returned to competitive racing after a nearly one-year hiatus. Further and Beyond last raced on July 2, 2016, finishing third behind Mahogany and Calculus in a 7 1/2-furlong (1,500m) event before undergoing arthroscopic surgery to remove chip bones from his knees. One would think that Further and Beyond would need a run or two to regain his fitness, but this chestnut horse doesn’t need any pipe-openers to put these away. Further and Beyond should comfortably win this without Mahogany or Calculus in the line-up. If he loses this race, there must be something seriously wrong with Further and Beyond.
4. OMRON: (5 b m by Storm Craft, Impetus) – Has no realistic chance of winning here.
5. POSITIVE ID: (5 b h Bern Identity – Bubble Gal Bubble) – Came home in fourth position by 7 ½ lengths behind I Am Fred, Calculus, and Mahogany in The Viceroy Trophy on April 22. With that encouraging run, Positive ID is expected to go home with a piece of the pie.
6. STOMP THE RHYTHM: (4 b g by Savoy Stomp, River Rhythm) – Ran an encouraging race at this level for the first time on May 13 when finishing second behind Miniature Man over 9 furlongs. Stomp The Rhythm should again put in another good effort here.
7. BERN NOTICE: (5 ch h by Bern Identity – Blufield) – Is going to be left behind.
8. D HEAD CORNERSTONE: (4 b c by Bern Identity – Soul Of The Heart) – Was an upset winner in a 5 1/2-furlong (1,100m) event on May 27. Although D Head Cornerstone is going to appreciate this extended trip, repeating it will be a very difficult task.
9. PERFECT BREW: (4 b c by Bern Identity – Moonlight) – Was no match for Horse of the Year Atomica on May 23 when he finished 9 lengths behind the filly over 7 furlongs (1,400m). Perfect Brew should make another brave bid here.
10. CRIMSON: (7 b c by Nuclear Wayne – Sarah Barracuda) – Has been struggling of late and that should continue here.
