Taking Flight in the Griffen
The Griffen is a traditional prep for the Jockey Club-G1, run in three weeks’ time. The winner two years ago went on to win the Adelaide Derby-G1, last year’s winner went to win several other graded stakes, so in its short history, this race has come up with some pretty nice winners. This year, only six horses have answered the call to the post. With four graded stakes for 3yo turf routers, there were plenty of opportunities to go around.
The oddsmaker has set Maruxa’s Il Due the morning line favorite at 9/5. The long-striding son of Arch has come into his own since the distances have increased, which should come as no surprise. He scored his first stakes victory in a 9 1/2 furlong listed stakes with a 99 SF, and followed that up with a win over the boggy turf course in Germany. Stepped up to graded competition, he was a game second behind Wheel of Kash at 9 furlongs with a career best 102 SF. Tends to come from midpack – low percentage jock is really the only concern, as this guy gives every indication of relishing 10 furlongs.
A close second choice in the wagering is wistful2’s Lorenzo. The son of Medicean has done little wrong on the turf, winning a G2 at a mile as a juvenile, and finishing a close second in the No Allies-G2 at 10 1/2 furlongs two starts ago before finishing a distant fourth in the Sydney Derby-G1. Has hit the 100 SF mark once, and is a half brother to millionaire and Japanese 2000 Guineas-G1 hero Blind Harry, who has done his best running at this distance.
Thunor, after an unsuccessful try on the Triple Crown trail with Mystic Fusion, switches his compact son of Giant’s Causeway back to the lawn. The colt has raced only three times on the turf, breaking his maiden on that surface. His highest speed figure was a 70 SF, not bad for June of a 2yo year, and was in a sprint. Didn’t fare well in either of his tries at 9 and 9 1/2 furlongs on the dirt, so lots of question marks here, but with the small field, I can totally see why the connections would take a shot. Could surprise.
Correction selected this spot for the stakes debut of Kolonien. The rangy son of Cape Cross has been patiently worked through his conditions, compiling an 8-3-3-0 record on the turf, including an allowance score at 11 panels last time out with a 91 SF. Could very well end up the lone speed in the race, which makes him dangerous, especially with the cut back in distance.
The lightly raced Royal Love Tap is another colt making his stakes debut. Unbeaten in two tries on the lawn, both at 9 furlongs, the son of Tapit looks ready to roll for trainer icbomber1. Already posted a 96 SF and has every reason to continue to improve; running style so far suggests that he should handle the extra furlong. Offers some value at 5/1.
The relative outsider in the field at 9/1 is desimster6’s Nuclear Mysticism. However, the Fuji Kiseki colt ran his best race to date last out, a win against allowance company at this distance with a 96 SF. He also makes his stakes debut here, and if he runs back to that speed figure, fits in with the rest of the group, so dismiss him at your peril.
Good luck to all the horses and their connections!