The AUTUMNS ROO(GB) Stakes
The AUTUMNS ROO(GB) Stakes 2741.6310
9.5f Turf. (Open) in Italy.
By Heavy Gear
Well we are in Italy this week and it’s going
to be another one of those wacky
distance races, where last years 2 year olds try and
show they’re the man or the woman over the
longer trip. Only the truly mad would bet on one
of these races, this one is no exception..
(1) NIGHTHAWK GUEST 5/1
Has been a long-time since last Turf start which was over sprints.
Early career has been as a Dirt sprinter but moved up to router with last
start 2nd in The SIR JOKER Challenge Stakes over 8.5f on Dirt.
Hard to say how much speed it’ll lose with the surface change.
The Bookies think it will feature here but I have my doubts. Wildcard.
(2) COZ I’M BLUFFING 22/1
Okay run two starts back in allowance company in Ireland over the 8.5f, before
breaking down in France in the DEBEE’S LOOP Challenge over 8.5f,
Might need another start to get back to full fitness but has ability.
Not without a chance.
(3) COMISKEY 6/1
Not far away last time when 2 ¼ lengths 2nd in The SALBRIDGE Memorial Stakes over 8f. Has been a late closer in nearly all his starts and the extra 1 ½ furlongs
may be to his liking. Has competent jockey in J. Riggs.
With the right run and a little improvement he could surprise here.
(4) INEPT DISTORTIONS 9/2
Form was okay with a win and a place in Stakes company at 8,5f’s until
being soundly beaten by 10 ¼ lengths in the 9f G3 –“Apparently Juvenile” Stakes.
Has Competent Jockey aboard in J. Jubel.
The bookmakers are keeping it safe, suggesting it will be very competitive here
with the drop in class from G3 racing. Each-Way Chance.
(5) OJAI TOOT 4/1
Has won three turf stakes races in a row including the DEBEE’S LOOP Challenge over 8.5f. Has an excellent jockey in N.Labreche who should give horse every chance to
get a fourth straight victory. The horse has the ability to kick again down the straight,
Will take a lot to beat it here and probably should of started favorite.
(6) SEEKING QUIRT 11/1
Form has been ordinary to poor in Stakes company and especially the few times
it’s been asked to route. Form suggests a liking for Dirt Sprinting.
Hard to see it getting another 3f from last start 5th in 6.5f REDHEAD BINGO Challenge
stakes start. Nope not for me.
(7) RAISING HELL 7/2
Has excellent turf routing form going into this race with a win in The GRAPHIC
WITH JUMBO memorial stakes over 8.5f last start and a narrow 2nd in stakes company
before that. Likes to lead out which worries me with an extra furlong to cover here.
But his 2nd on a rain-affected track over 8.5f proves he’s got ticker. A big chance here,
and if not challenged up front may steal this.
(8) MISTER MIGRAINE 3/1
Very fast in last two stakes races on dirt 8f to 8.5f.
Was 4th three starts back in The Great White Special Stakes over 8f on turf, so does
run okay over turf routes, but has been burning out in its races so small question mark
over the distance here. Another Wildcard.
Conclusion
I think Ojai Toot and Raising Hell will battle it out for the win, with the
two wildcards Mister Migraine and Nighthawk Guest finishing thereabouts
somewhere around the money.
Rant
• I’m hating all the Mr. Prospector breed horses in these
races. It’s 9.5f on turf where are the European tags, the true turf stayers.
To any observer it looks absolutely bogus, tweak the game for
some realism please. Sheesh..