Divine Force to lead home rivals in Division Two of Vestia Trophy feature
A field of 10 runners is set to face the starter in Division Two of the $1.19-million Vestia Trophy feature.
The Restricted Stakes contest for native-bred three-year-olds and four-year-olds and imported three-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) will run over 7½ furlongs (1,500m).
Below is the analysis of each runner and their chances of winning this trophy race.
1. JOY IS GOLDEN (USA): (3 b f by Goldencents – Sylvan Light) – Has been underperforming of late in her races. Joy Is Golden should be able to earn a piece of the pie here. Note: Tongue-tie on.
2. SUPERIO: (3 b c by Soul Warrior – Ashtrid) – Was a winner over five furlongs (1,000m) straight on December 23. Superio is going to find the going tough here.
3. ACKNOWLEDGEME: (3 b f by Key To Power – Gentle Officer) – Has some ability but is going to find this journey a bit taxing.
4. DIVINE FORCE (USA): (3 b c by Alternation – Dance America) – On paper he is the horse to beat. Divine Force finished a good second to Rhythm Buzz over one mile (1,600m) on December 17. A reproduction of that effort would see Divine Force being unsaddled in the winners’ enclosure.
5. EL AFORTUNADO: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Urgent Appeal) – Can be safely bypassed here.
6. HERE COMES DOC: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Indian Bluff) – Has no chance where winning is concerned.
7. ESSENTIAL QUALITY: (3 ch f by Sensational Slam – Texas Missy) – Has been struggling in her recent races. Little to no improvement is expected from Essential Quality here. Note: Figure 8 on.
8. GEOLITHIC (USA): (3 b f by Neolithic – Queen G) – Returns to competitive racing from a 105-day break. Geolithic comes into this race on the backend of two consecutive victories. Geolithic has been training fairly well for her re-entry and should run a very good race as well.
9. ALL FOR LOVE: (3 ch f by Nuclear Wayne – Princess Sallema) – Consistent filly who should hit the board here.
10. BURNING VALOR: (3 b c by Silent Valor – Burning Clearance) – Has no form to recommend for a winning run here but Burning Valor could get among the mix for a minor placing.
