Nunes’ strong hand: Fearless Force and Linguist lead pack in St Elizabeth Distaff
Trainer Anthony “Baba” Nunes is looking strong in Sunday’s $1.5-million St Elizabeth Distaff, with Fearless Force and Linguist, the top two runners, giving him a great chance to win the Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-old fillies and mares over one mile (1,600m).
Here’s the rundown on the runners and their chances:
1. PRETTY PERFECT: (3 b f by Sensational Slam – Black Bombshell) — Pretty Perfect, the winner of the Winston “Fanna” Griffiths Classic, faces a tough task ahead, as the competition appears too strong, making her likely to be outclassed.
2. BURNING HEDGE: (3 ch f by Hedge Fund – Burning Clearance) — This year’s 1000 Guineas winner, who has been a model of consistency and should make a strong bid, but faces tough competition from top-rated Fearless Force and stablemate Linguist.
3. SISTREN TREASURE (USA): (5 b m by Brethren – Katira) — Sistren Treasure has been struggling in recent times, making it hard to see the filly unsaddling in the winners’ enclosure here.
4. IMMEASURABLE JOY: (4 b f by War Correspondent – Moon Over Mallorca) —Immeasurable Joy has no chance of winning, given the strength of the competition.
5. MAIN MISTRESS (USA): (4 dk b/br f by Mo Town – Timetobegone) — Main Mistress was a fighting winner on October 25 and should run well without actually winning.
6. FEARLESS FORCE (USA): (4 dk b/br f by Anchor Down – A Merry Song) — Fearless Force looks unbeatable on paper, having trained well and stepped down in class, making her the top contender to lead home rivals and claim the trophy.
7. LINGUIST: (3 b f by Aveenu Malcainu – Bilingual) — This year’s Jamaica Oaks winner, who has done well in her two starts at this level and could challenge stablemate Fearless Force for top honors, making her a strong contender to cause an upset.
— Ruddy Allen