CLOVIS METCALFE: Desert of Malibu, Run Julie Run to fight out the finish
A talented field of nine runners is set to compete in the Clovis Metcalfe Trophy feature on tomorrow’s 10-race card. The Open Allowance contest, open to three-year-olds and upward, will be run over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) with a purse of $1.4 million.
Here’s a breakdown of the runners and their chances of winning.
1. DIVINE FORCE (USA): (5 b h by Alternation – Dance America) – Divine Force doesn’t seem to have the necessary form or momentum to make a significant impact in this race. He’s likely to be left behind and won’t be a factor in the contest.
2. FEARLESS FORCE: (5 ch h by Soul Warrior – Rumble) – Fearless Force has some ability, but he lacks the class to compete with the top contenders in this field. He might struggle to keep up with the pace and won’t be a major threat.
3. SHEER DELIGHT (USA): (4 dk b c by Girvin – Pantyhouse) – Sheer Delight doesn’t have a chance of winning this one.
4. DESERT OF MALIBU (USA): (6 ch m by Malibu Moon – Lady Digger) – Desert of Malibu was disappointed on her seasonal debut on May 17, finishing eighth by some 26 lengths. However, she’s looked better at exercise and has the class and talent to bounce back with a strong performance. If she can rediscover her form, she could be a threat.
5. UNSPUN (USA): (3 dk b/br c by Spun to Run – U Needa Ride) – Unspun is the champion two-year-old from last season, and he’s expected to go home earning here.
6. INSPIRE FORCE (USA): (5 ch h by Union Jackson – Exotic Design) – Inspire Force has been a model of consistency, despite finishing 10th in his last start. He’s expected to run a pleasing race here and could be a threat to the top contenders if he can build on his consistency.
7. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD: (4 b c by Bold Conquest – My Friend Lucy) – Intrestntimesahead isn’t expected to win, but he should make a brave bid here. He might not have the class to win, but he could finish in a respectable position.
8. MOJITO: (5 gr h by Savoy Stomp – Fiftyshadesofray) – Mojito has been training well coming into this race, and he’s expected to run accordingly. While it’s unclear if he has the class to compete with the top contenders, he could still finish in a good position if he can capitalise on his good form.
9. RUN JULIE RUN: (4 gr f by Successful Native – Runaway Julie) – Run Julie Run is a hard-knocking filly who always gives her best when raced. She finished a good second in her previous start, beating by a length and a half by Horse of the Year Funcaandun over nine furlongs and 25 yards. With her determination and ability, Run Julie Run is more than capable enough to win here and could be a strong contender for the top spot.