field of 13 for the Sand Castle Turf Sprint 2012

Hello everyone and welcome to Dubai, where at the moment it’s racing central. We have 6 Group1 races and 1 Group2 race in what promises to be history making racing. There is $22,451,000 in prize money and it shows as it has attracted quality horses and super awesome fields. This is without a doubt the biggest day of racing in Dubai and lots of people are expected to show up. Some will come by car while others will take the bus,train, and airoplane just to make sure they see their favourite hourses up close and personal.

Today I will cover race 5 The Sand Castle Turf Sprint over 1200m on the turf track with a million dollars up for grabs. This is the third running of the race and today they we have a field of 13 horses which is 2 more than last year and 5 more than 2010. There is a good mix of horses some are 4yo,5yo,6yo, and we even have a mare in the race. We have the 1st,2nd, and 10th best in their division and also the 1st ranked mare in NETWORK NEWS(KY).

A Bit of Race History:
In 2010 this race was first run and it attracted a field of 7. TATSU(KY) was the winner going from the front he was never caught and the bookies were happy cause he was the favourite. In 2011 TATSU(KY) returned to face a field of 12 where he made history by going back to back in the same running style as the previous year.

This year WATER LANDING(NY) has returned to try and go one better and win after he was beaten favourite in last years race. The bookies have given him odds of 9/1 probably due to his form slump.

2010: Results
1st TATSU(KY) 113 $2.30 given H Harzheim barrier7
2nd: THOR’S ODYSSEY(KY) 109 $7.40 aaafarms G Ayso barrier3
3rd: URKO’S KING(IRE) 108 $4.30 urko1 Q Cassell barrier6

2011: Results
1st: TATSU(KY) 112 $7.30 given H Harzheim barrier3
2nd: WATER LANDING(NY) 109 $4.40 dixiedotc4 Q Cassell barrier6
3rd: LATTITUDE(KY) 109 $7.30 super14 S L Ledwith barrier4

Jockey/Trainer Stats (2011 season):

PP#1 H Harzheim 1:0-0-0
He has rode TATSU (KY) for the last 2 wins in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is currently Ranked#1

PP#2 G Ayso No Rides
He rode THOR’S ODYSSEY(KY) for a second in 2010 and a sixth on HAACK’S A.P.(KY) in 2011. He is Ranked#5

PP#3 M Kidder No Rides
This is his first ride in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is Ranked#15

PP#4 G Harmon No Rides
He rode SCATTERED KASH(KY) in 2011 for a second last. He is Ranked#7

PP#5 Z Edwards No Rides
He rode EXPLOSIVE QUALITY(AUS) for a fifth in 2011. He is Ranked#9

PP#6 T Tippett No Rides
This is his first ride in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is Ranked#11

PP#7 S L Ledwith 3:0-1-0
He rode ETHICS PARADOX(KY) in 2010 where he finished fourth, then rode LATTITUDE(KY) for a third in 2011. He is Ranked#2

PP#8 N Hansen No Rides
This is his first ride in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is Ranked#26

PP#9 P Kinchen No Rides
This is his first ride in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is Ranked#20

PP#10 T Jay No Rides
This is his first ride in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is Ranked#32

PP#11 Q Cassell No Rides
Rode URKO’S KING(IRE) for a third in 2010, and WATER LANDING(NY) for a second in 2011. He is Ranked#3

PP#12 M Perez 2:0-0-0
This is his first ride in the Sand Castle Turf Sprint. He is Ranked#4

PP#13 B Friedrich No Rides
Rode SHEA BUTTER(KY) in 2010 for a fifth. He is Ranked#17

Race: Sand Castle Turf Sprint (3rd running)
Class: Grade I (Group1)
Distance: Six furlongs (1200m)
Track Condition: Firm Turf
Prize Money: $1,000,000
Restrictions: All horses, 4 years old and up

This years field 2012:

PP#1 189110 SCHICKEDANZ 9thstreet H Harzheim $7
5yo Chestnut Horse by PEINTRE CELEBRE (IRE) x MISWAKI
Running Style: Runs mid-field or behind the pace
Starts: 22:8-4-3
Money: $1,419,242
Dist Starts: 4:2-1-0
Class Starts: 4:3-0-0
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 1
Average speed by last 5 starts: 110
Best Run: 5/11/11 Kentucky GRP1 1300m sp118 1st-14
Last 5 Starts: 11182
Days Since Last Raced: 49 days

This horse just happens to be the best ranked horse in his division. Has only once missed a placing at this distance and has won 3 of his 4 starts at this class. Has won the following GRP1 races G1-Breeders’ Bowl Turf Sprint 1300m, G1-Longchamp Sprint 1000m, G1-The Sprint Cup 1200m and they were all one after the other. At his last GRP1 start he just didn’t come home early enough at that could have been the jockeys fault for not pulling the whip out earlier. He produced a good run last start in an owner restricted stakes race over 1500m where he finished second. Will enjoy the drop back in distance and has got H Harzheim on his back who has won this race both previous years. I think we will see a huge run from him and should go close.

PP#2 72050 GUNS LIKE GIRLS(IRE) astinator G Ayso $8
4yo Brown Colt by DANEHILL DANCER (IRE) x UNBRIDLED
Running Style: Runs from the front
Starts: 21:12-0-3
Money: $346,087
Dist Starts: 6:3-0-0
Class Starts: First Start
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 59
Average speed by last 5 starts: 109
Best Run: 3/3/12 Paris STKS 1300m sp115 1st-10
Last 5 Starts: 11711
Days Since Last Raced: 28 days

This colt is having his first start in a GRP1 race here today and also his first start on the track. Runs really well in stakes races and has won all of them except one, but the step up in class is a worry. Hasn’t done well in GRP2 & GRP3 races apart from his third place in the G2-The Future 1400m back when he was a 2yo. Will probably run from the front again, but I expect him to fade away in the home stretch.

PP#3 177484 RAPT(ENG) tyr M Kidder $13
5yo Chestnut Horse by KINGSGATE NATIVE(IRE) x NOVERRE (IRE)
Running Style: Runs mid-field
Starts: 35:13-2-3
Money: $1,461,285
Dist Starts: 11:6-0-1
Class Starts: 3:0-0-0
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 17
Average speed by last 5 starts: 104
Best Run: 5/11/11 Kentucky GRP1 1300m sp114 5ft-14
Last 5 Starts: 15704
Days Since Last Raced: 28 days

This horse hasn’t done well at GRP1 races either and prehaps that’s why he has attracted the 13/1 odds. Has won 6 times at this distance from 11 starts. Some of his better wins include the G2-The Sprinter Stakes 1200m, and the G2-The Duke Of Mork 1200m. Has been out of form his last 4 starts and was dissapointing last start in an NW2S allowance over 1200m where he was favourite but finished fourth. This is his first start at the track and I don’t think he will finish top5 here.

PP#4 177214 SILVER SQUALL YELL(KY) cut999 G Harmon $14
6yo Brown Horse by SILVER DEPUTY x SUMMER SQUALL
Running Style: Runs from the front
Starts: 35:14-7-6
Money: $732,726
Dist Starts: 13:6-3-3
Class Starts: 2:0-1-0
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 20
Average speed by last 5 starts: 101
Best Run: 10/9/11 Berkshire GRP1 1200m sp112 2nd-12
Last 5 Starts: 20113
Days Since Last Raced: 42 days

This horse loves this distance has placed 12 of his 13 starts at 1200m. He is at bigg odds here today and that might have something to do with the fact that this is his first start at the track, and he hasn’t won at this class yet. This horse has a bit of history because if you take a look at his career starts you will see that he was auctioned off after his fourth start, but since then he has improved out of sight. When a horse does that it means he is happy where he is and the trainer knows his horse, but I think he is no better than a place chance here.

PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY) lenny11 Z Edwards $6
5yo Chestnut Mare by GONE WEST x NORTHERN DANCER
Running Style: Runs from the back
Starts: 28:13-7-4
Money: $2,673,240
Dist Starts: 11:9-1-0
Class Starts: 4:1-2-0
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 1
Average speed by last 5 starts: 109
Best Run: 5/11/11 Kentucky GRP1 1300m sp117 2nd-14
Last 5 Starts: 21242
Days Since Last Raced: 35 days

Well this is our only girl in the field, and I have a feeling she was set for this race. The reason I think she was set for here is that she was the first horse entered into the race. As you can see she is ranked 1 in her division and that is great to see the best male and female horse in the same race. There is no doubt she is a super horse and I think she has only once missed the placings when she has raced against the males. Loves this distance as she has won 9 of 11 starts at 1200m. Some of her better wins include the G1-King Kong Sprint 1200m, G2-The Goldene 1200m, G3-The Hackwood 1200m, G3-The ANCHORMAN HANDICAP 1300m, and the G3-The Chasing Carl 1200m. Look for her to be storming home late and is a big danger here.

PP#6 67226 ZETASCORPII(AUS) littorio T Tippett $11
4yo Brown Colt by SEBRING (AUS) x DIESIS(GB)
Running Style: Runs off the pace or from the front
Starts: 18:8-4-2
Money: $214,275
Dist Starts: 3:1-1-0
Class Starts: 1:0-0-0
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 83
Average speed by last 5 starts: 106
Best Run: 11/2/12 New Zealand GRP3 1400m sp111 3rd-14
Last 5 Starts: 51733
Days Since Last Raced: 21 days

This horse is lightly raced compared to some of the others. Has only once raced at this class and that was at 1200m where he was going well but faded in the straight. He is at 11/1 here today so the punters don’t think he’s the worst of the lot, but will have to run out of his skin to produce something here. First start at the track and I can’t see him doing well here especially after only 21 days break.

PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB) tigereyes S L Ledwith $6
4yo Brown Colt by DANSILI (GB) x DIESIS (GB)
Running Style: Runs mid-field
Starts: 16:8-6-0
Money: $2,812,175
Dist Starts: 4:1-3-0
Class Starts: 3:2-1-0
Track Starts: 2:1-1-0
Ranking: 2
Average speed by last 5 starts: 113
Best Run: 21/1/12 New Zealand GRP1 1200m sp118 2nd-14
Last 5 Starts: 22121
Days Since Last Raced: 42 days

This horse either wins or goes close, as you can see by his starts. Has great stats, he is yet to miss a place at the class, distance, and track. Has S L Ledwith on his back for the first time and he did ride the third placed horse in last years race. Is in some very nice form and is never far away. His better wins include the G1-The SABALOU SPECIAL 1400m, and the G1-Penn Dash 1400m. He is one of the early favourites here and has definately a great chance of winning this.

PP#8 17549 WATER LANDING(NY) dixiedotc4 N Hansen $9
6yo Brown Horse by A. P JET x HABITAT
Running Style: Runs from the front
Starts: 25:9-8-1
Money: $1,744,747
Dist Starts: 6:1-4-0
Class Starts: 9:1-3-0
Track Starts: 1:0-1-0
Ranking: 32
Average speed by last 5 starts: 104
Best Run: 28/8/10 Kentucky STKS 1500m sp116 1st-6
Last 5 Starts: 14657
Days Since Last Raced: 56 days

This horse is definately out of form and looking to get back into it here isn’t a good idea. Loves the distance and has placed at this track at his only start which just happens to be in last years race. Was in much better shape a year ago and that’s why the bookies have given him the 9/1 odds. Did win the G1-Longchamp Sprint 1000m back in 2010 but age seems to be catching up with him. Will put in a good race but a place chance seems the best option.

PP#9 70875 CANADIAN POWERPLAY(KY) vkstables2 P Kinchen $17
4yo Brown Colt by DISCREET CAT x SEEKING THE GOLD
Running Style: Runs mid-field
Starts: 16:3-5-3
Money: $291,302
Dist Starts: 2:0-0-1
Class Starts: 1:0-0-1
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 80
Average speed by last 5 starts: 106
Best Run: 24/9/11 Surrey GRP3 1000m sp109 2nd-8
Last 5 Starts: 233s2
Days Since Last Raced: 28 days

This horse is yet to win at this class and distance, and this is his first start at the track. Did surprise many 2 starts back when he finished third in the G1-King Kong Sprint 1200m at big odds. Is in form but not at this class so will have to give him a miss here today.

PP#10 30215 S R GIANTS(IRE) lordpye3 T Jay $16
4yo Chestnut Colt by KEY OF LUCK x PRIVATE KEY
Running Style: Runs from the back or behind the pace
Starts: 20:5-7-2
Money: $218,816
Dist Starts: 4:1-0-1
Class Starts: First Start
Track Starts: 3:1-1-0
Ranking: 179
Average speed by last 5 starts: 102
Best Run: 28/1/12 Belgium NW2S 1300m sp111 1st-14
Last 5 Starts: 14657
Days Since Last Raced: 56 days

This colt is having his first start in a GRP1 race, and has been racing in allowance and stakes races recently. Has got back to back wins his last 2 starts but they were both restricted allowance races which gives me no choice but to say he has no chance here.

PP#11 37965 SPANISH FIRE(KY) super5 Q Cassell $9
4yo Chestnut Colt by BIRDSTONE x A.P. INDY
Running Style: Runs behind the pace
Starts: 21:5-6-3
Money: $860,590
Dist Starts: 11:2-5-2
Class Starts: 5:0-0-1
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 10
Average speed by last 5 starts: 107
Best Run: 21/1/12 New Zealand GRP1 1200m sp111 3rd-14
Last 5 Starts: 31243
Days Since Last Raced: 70 days

This colt is ranked 10th in his division and goes ok at this distance. The concern with this one is that he has only the one third from 5 starts at this class. Did win the G2-The Ascot Vail 1200m late last year and has placed in GRP races before. Isn’t in bad form and is coming off a 70 day rest which might help, but he’s only a place chance at best.

PP#12 184458 KYBONG(AUS) thewash M Perez $11
5yo Brown Horse by ENCOSTA DE LAGO (AUS) x MISWAKI
Running Style: Runs from the front
Starts: 30:18-4-2
Money: $607,185
Dist Starts: 13:6-3-0
Class Starts: First Start
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 18
Average speed by last 5 starts: 104
Best Run: 7/5/11 Surrey O-All 1200m sp111 1st-14
Last 5 Starts: 11113
Days Since Last Raced: 35 days

This horse has won 9 of his last 10 starts and is racing well. Has never raced on the track or in GRP1 level but did win the G3-Zeppelin Cap 1200m last year. Looking at his form you would have to give him some sort of chance, but be warned take him at your own risk.

PP#13 193162 MR. COFFEE(KY) kilbirnie B Friedrich $6
6yo Chestnut Horse by EMPIRE MAKER x NORTHERN DANCER
Running Style: Runs behind the pace
Starts: 24:11-5-3
Money: $2,611,081
Dist Starts: 6:4-1-1
Class Starts: 4:1-0-1
Track Starts: First Start
Ranking: 201
Average speed by last 5 starts: 109
Best Run: 9/10/10 Paris GRP2 1400m sp118 2nd-11
Last 5 Starts: 214s2
Days Since Last Raced: 28 days

This is the last horse for this years race, and how apropriate that he was the last horse entered in the race. Has these good wins under his belt G1-Penn Dash 1400m, and the G2-Because I Said So Stakes 1200m. Came from a 3 months spell last start and finished 2nd in an open allowance which he really should have won. Looks well placed here and is one of the early favourite so expect him to put in a huge run second up.

My Tips:
PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY)
PP#13 193162 MR. COFFEE(KY)
PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB)

Tips by Most Wins:
PP#12 184458 KYBONG(AUS)
PP#4 177214 SILVER SQUALL YELL(KY)
PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY)

Tips By Odds:
PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY)
PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB)
PP#13 193162 MR. COFFEE(KY)

Tips By Most Money Earnt:
PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB)
PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY)
PP#13 193162 MR. COFFEE(KY)

Tips By Ranking:
PP#1 189110 SCHICKEDANZ
PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY)
PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB)

Tips By Best Run Speed:
PP#1 189110 SCHICKEDANZ
PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB)
PP#13 193162 MR. COFFEE(KY)

Total Tip Points:
PP#5 15396 NETWORK NEWS(KY) 11 points
PP#7 86820 BATTLE DREAM(GB)9 points
PP#1 189110 SCHICKEDANZ 6 points
PP#13 193162 MR. COFFEE(KY)5 points
PP#12 184458 KYBONG(AUS)3 points
PP#4 177214 SILVER SQUALL YELL(KY) 2 points

So there we have it good luck to all owners, punters, jockeys, and horses.