Phenomenal Power to dismantle the competition in Hall-of-Fame Stakes
The $1.5-million Thoroughbred Racing Hall-of-Fame Stakes Trophy takes centre stage on tomorrow’s 10-race card.
The Open Allowance for three-year-olds and upward is set for 6 furlongs (1,200m) and has attracted a competitive field of eight runners, including 7½-furlong track record holder
Phenomenal Power.
Below, the Jamaica Observer’s The Supreme Racing Guide takes a closer look at each runner and their chances of winning.
1. MIGHTY GULLY: (4 b f by Buzz Nightmare – Lady Exotic) – Speedy filly who should do her running from early. Pace could be her undoing though — expected to falter in the latter stages.
2. DON KWESI: (4 b c by Sensational Slam – Lookatmenow) – Vastly improved sort who should run an honest race. Don Kwesi looks out-gunned for the win against this lot.
3. DESERT OF MALIBU: (USA) (7 ch m by Malibu Moon – Lady Digger) – Finished fifth behind Don Kwesi and California Crown over 5½ furlongs (1,100m) on May 30. Desert of Malibu is expected to run a much improved race here.
4. PHENOMENAL POWER: (USA) (3 dk b c by Violence – Drinking Dixie) – The one to beat. Phenomenal Power got tongues wagging on July 4 when erasing Sky Train’s 43-year-old track record of 1:29.2, clocking 1:29.0 for 7½ furlong. That was also his first run beyond 5½ furlongs. Coming off that blistering effort, he looks very hard to beat here.
5. DOTHRAKI: (USA) (5 b h by Into Mischief – Vanquished) – Winner over 5½ furlongs on July 5 in a sharp 1:04.2. That form puts him right in the mix and he should run well again.
6. CALIFORNIA CROWN: (5 ch h by Hedge Fund – Dream Big) – Solid type who is expected to make a bold bid from somewhere in mid-pack.
7. UNBELIEVABLE FORCE: (USA) (5 dk b/br m by McCraken – Debit or Credit) – Won last time out but faces much tougher here. Repeating looks unlikely.
8. DIGITAL ONE (USA): (5 b m by Uncle Lino – Legal Redemption) – Talented mare who should make her presence felt throughout. One for the exotics.
VERDICT:
Phenomenal Power sets the standard after his track record run and drops back in trip. If he reproduces that form, he wins. His main dangers are Dothraki and Digital One. California Crown and Desert Of Malibu can fill out the superfecta.
