TODAY'S $1.75-million None Such Sprint Trophy feature on the nine-race programme at Caymanas Park pits the talented Runaway Algo against five other challengers, in search of his fourth-straight triumph.
Runaway Algo, a four-year-old, American-bred, chestnut horse, has been nothing short of spectacular this season, winning five of seven races. His two defeats were at sprint distances of six and a half furlongs (1,300m), wherein he finished second behind I Am Fred, and five furlongs (1,000m) when he finished fourth behind Emperorofthecats.
All of his successes this season have come over seven furlongs (1,400m) or longer, making today's None Such Sprint at six furlongs (1,200m) an intriguing prospect for the Dale Murphy youngster. However, judging on his recent form, Runaway Algo is unquestionably the horse to beat, and a difficult one at that. Though he may not appreciate being forced to race here, Runaway Algo is more than capable of taking these away handily, but he must do everything just right. He has been training well for this event, clocking a time of 22.2 seconds over two furlongs (400m) on Wednesday, September 6.
Look for something exceptional from the Algorithms — Misunify offsping, despite holding a high weight of 57.0kgs (126lb) and offering weight all around.
The None Such Sprint Trophy, a Graded Stakes/Open Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward, is positioned as the seventh event with a post time of 3:45 pm. First race is at high noon.
If things don't go well for Runaway Algo the only other runner in the field capable of taking first place is Jason DaCosta's She's My Destiny, who is regarded as one of the country's finest sprinters at this time.
She's My Destiny comes into this race on the heels of two excellent victories. The daughter of Bern Identity and Woman Is Boss won over five and a half furlongs (1,100m) in 1:062 on June 24, and over the five-furlong straight course in 1:00.2 on August 12.
She has four victories from eight starts at this distance, making her a real candidate to consider today. The racing conditions are favourable for She's My Destiny, who might make it three victories in a row if the favourite falters. She's My Destiny goes with 47.0kgs (104lb) here, getting all of 22lb from Runaway Algo.
Despite the volatility of horse racing,it is difficult to envisage any of the other four runners in the field — King Arthur, Lure of Lucy, God of Love, and Generational — producing an upset here.
Arthur is a hard-knocking horse who always gives of his best here but facing the likes of stablemate She's My Destiny and the talent Runaway Algo in this sprint doesn't say well for his chances. He has no speed, and the by the time he gets rolling the race will be over. A minor placing looks his best hope.
Lure of Lucy is a capable foreigner who should enjoy this galloping course but getting by the top two here is going to prove a difficult task for her, especially with her not having the class to do so.
God of Love is a good sort who has 15 career wins from 54 starts, however he is going to find the favourite too hot to handle here. Generational has no realistic chance of winning.
Ones to watch:
Race 1) Neo Star/Millinium Star/Who Doneit
Race 2) Schlesinger/Okahumpka/Chitu Prince
Race 3) Lion Talk/Blue Seas/Dotlin
Race 4) Hecandance/Zabratone/Sunshine Cat
Race 5) Slammer/KP Choice/She's My Friend
Race 6) Curlin's Affair/Secret Traveller/Ras Emanuel
Race 7) Runaway Algo/She's My Destiny/God of Love
Race 8) Password/Mr Senator/Princess Talise
Race 9) Bootylicious/Royal Ash/Platinum Force
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