Sydney Sprint Draws Awesome Field
A tremendous field of nine top turf sprinters is entered for this Saturday’s Grade 2 Sydney Sprint. Four of the Top 11 in the game ratings are here, and the other five runners are ranked in the Top 100. Even though he is not the favorite, SHICKEDANZ may be the headliner in terms of intrigue. The 2nd-ranked turf sprinter in the game, he won an Eclipse in 2011, but his form has soured of late and many are wondering if he can ever find his stride again.
Recent wet weather has dulled Queensland’s turf course, and it is officially rated “Good” for Saturday’s race card. Nearly all of the horses in the field have run at least pretty well on soft courses; how much of a factor the turf will be remains to be seen.
Let’s have a look at this star-studded field:
From the rail goes #8-ranked GUNS LIKE GIRLS, an up-and-coming 4yo Danehill Dancer colt from the powerful astinator stable. This speedy brown colt broke nabbed his first Graded trophy last time out, wiring an excellent G1 Sand Castle Turf Sprint field at Dubai while earning a sparkling 116 speed figure. Expect to see this one battling for the lead from the start. He’s somewhat unproven on wet turf; his single win was way back in mid-2010 in just his 2nd career start vs. unproven allowance foes. He gets 9/2 odds, but he could get cooked in what looks like a probable speed duel.
Next is #11-ranked SPANISH FIRE. Another improving 4yo with a single Graded win, this Birdstone colt finished well behind GUNS LIKE GIRLS in the G1 Sand Castle Sprint last time out. This was a rare off-the-board finish for the super5 trainee, and he’s out looking to turn things around at 7/1. The shakeout for jockeys didn’t come out in this guy’s favor, and he is one of few in here with no wet-turf experience.
The 7th-ranked PREPOSTERAGEOUS is next, the 4/1 favorite. This jetersring trainee has won a bundle of Sim money and five Graded races. Last fall, it was beginning to look as if the best years of the Medicean runners were behind him, but he turned things around in his last three and added that 5th Graded win last time in the G1 New Market Handicap. He has shown a liking for Good turf courses, and has a good rider aboard.
The versatile CERTAIN VICTORY goes off from the 4-hole at 9/2 and has the son of A. P. Warrior has shown the ability to handle off-going on the grass in the past. Says trainer hurons4: “This guy’s been lots of fun to train, and will run his eyeballs out on any surface we try him on. I think he’s ready for a huge run!” He gave an excellent effort last time while just missing in the G1 Sand Castle Turf Sprint.
ACAPULCO GOLD goes from the 5-slot at 11/1 for super24. This son of Dylan Thomas has fallen short in Graded tries thus far, and probably would prefer a firm racecourse. He has run well with three minor-stakes win in his last five, but looks to be in a little deep here.
HSM goes off at 5/1 from the 6 hole for alagou. The 5yo Hussonet runner has been closing late in shorter races at this track. He ran very well on a Good track at Italy a few starts ago despite not having a lot of Graded stakes experience and could get the job done here with a top effort.
SCHICKEDANZ goes off at 6/1 and looks to regain his tremendous 2011 form for 9thstreet. The wheels fell off at the end of last year, and his G1 Sand Castle Turf Sprint try was not encouraging. Can this #2-ranked Pientre Celebre runner get things rolling again? Gets a top rider and his one off-track try was a win, though it wasn’t quick. Mixed signals here…
HAGUENAU goes off at 8/1 from the 8-hole for leesnyder. The 4yo Deep Impact colt is just now coming to hand, and has shown consistency and toughness in Graded races in the past. Ran 2nd in his debut on soft going, and has a decent shot to pull the upset.
From the outside goes THOR’S ODYSSEY at 10/1. This 6yo son of Unbridled’s Song has won a ton of races, but may have lost a half-step off his best. He did run well in his one try on soft going, so maybe this aaafarms trainee can pull something from the past… Will need everything to fall just right, though.
Time to dust off the ol’ crystal ball…
HSM should love the extra distance and be able to catch the speedburners.
PREPOSTERAGEOUS should be the toughest speedball to catch.
SCHICKEDANZ looks like he can grab the show dough, and maybe begin his return to superstardom.
Good luck at the races!