Huntsman on the prowl for another victory
A field of six runners are down to contest the $1.19-million Restricted Stakes event for imported three-year-olds and upwards (non-winners of three) and native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds (non-winners of four) going 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m).
Below is the analysis of each runner in post-position order.
1. BURLAP: (3 b c by Casual Trick – Fedora) – Came from behind runners to win a 5-furlong (1,000m) round event by a length on July 22. Burlap has shown steady improvement but faces tougher opponents and should be hard-pressed to land a blow.
2. THE CITADEL: (4 ch g by Key To Power – Wings of Faith) – Has been struggling recently in his races. Based on current form, The Citadel has no chance of winning but in this small field, he could hit the board.
3. ROULETTE BOSS: (3 b c by Hedge Fund –My Heartbeat) – Last raced on April 9 in the Prince Consort Stakes (1,400m) where he finished down the track behind Mojito and Rejected Raja. Roulette Boss, who returns well-freshened from a 132-day break, is expected to challenge for top honours.
4. HUNTSMAN: (3 ch c by Key To Power – Dream Point) – Has failed to live up to early expectations and is coming off poor performances in both the 10-furlong (2,000m) Jamaica St Leger and the 12-furlong (2,400m) Jamaica Derby. Huntsman finished sixth in the St Leger by more than 27 lengths on July 1 and then finished 10th in the Derby by more than 60 lengths on August 7. Huntsman seeks redemption against a considerably lesser field. With his known speed and ability to race close to the early pace, Huntsman will be difficult to defeat.
5. DUROCELL: (3 ch f by Soul Warrior – Savanna Smile) – Has no chance where winning is concerned.
6. AWESOME ANTHONY: (3 ch c by Soul Warrior – Antoinette) – Should find the distance of 7 ½ furlongs taxing and is expected to be left behind.