The Mine Thorn Stakes, 11F for all horses 4 years old and up
Race ID:2741.8710: The MINE THORN Challenge
Stakes
A mile and three eighths
Firm Turf
$90,000
All horses, 4 years old and up
Just 6 horses to contest the Mine Thorn Challenge in
Awesome Again x Riverman x Pleasant Colony 7/2
Returning to racing after a reasonably successful 3 year old season, breaking his maiden and scoring 2 stakes wins in the past 12 months. Has been impressive over this distance and is a real chance in this small field. Look for him to settle well back and close from halfway. A strong chance and won’t be far away at the end.
PJ Free Runner: Owned by flyingfinn
War Chant x Sadler’s Well’s x Affirmed 5/1
A well-bred distance runner who ran a triple digit speed figure in his first race as a 4 year old. A similar performance here will see him right in there at the finish. Might prefer more ground but is a good chance here. Will head to the back and close late.
Silky Wells: Owned by punta2
Lear Fan x Sadler’s Wells x Buckpasser 6/1
Coming of two of his poorest performances, this horse has both the talent and the breeding to win at this level but has been disappointing in his 2 attempts so far. Has to step up eventually if he wants that first stakes win and the drop down form grade 1 last start may help. Not without a chance if he can step up to the plate and provides a bit of variability to this race with his previous form. May take the early lead in a race with little pace on offer.
Surgeon Tubes: Owned by bigrams
Rousillon x Be My Guest x Never So Bold (IRE) 4/5
All I can say is wow! This guy’s record speaks for itself: 13 ITM’s from 17 starts and 7 triple digit speed figures last year. Deserves the short-priced favouritism here and is improving with every race. Will head towards the back and close late. Should win his first stakes race in style here.
Merryxmasdaddy: Owned by dapsal
Trempolino x Persian Bold (
Has looked likely at this level but has only produced the one win with 92 speed figure. Needs to return to his 3 year old form to have any real chance here. Not hopeless, but will need some luck against better opposition.
Crisco Kid: Owned by irishluck2
Dixieland Band x Robellino x Le Fabuleux 15/1
Although disappointing as a young horse, he has matured decently and has benefited from small field stakes races with 3 places in his career. Will be up against it here though, as even his best speed figures don’t really compare with his competition. Would take an enormous effort to win this. Place chance at best. Prefers a quick pace.
That’s the field. As for my tips, it really is a two horse race here between Surgeon’s Tubes and
Good luck to all horses,
Scootboy