Buck Dharma Handicap

This week finds us at Louisana for the GradeIII  Buck Dharma Handicap  over a mile and three eighths on firm turf.

We have a field of seven entered  with two of them having wins at their last runs. On paper it doesn’t appear a strong field but that could make for an exciting race.

From post 1 we have the 18 ranked turfer, the 5 year old Swingshift Sal who is by Nightshift and is  trained by click and is the 2/1 favourite for this race. A last start winner of an owner restricted Stakes.  Prior to that run his last four starts have all been Graded races and except for the Breeders Bowl his performances have been sound. With the services of a top jock and his class this race should be to his liking.

Out of post 2 with odds of 5/1 and ranked 100 is the 7 year old Forty Niner horse Mokele Mbembe with reems11 the trainer.  He is the winner of two Stakes in his past six starts and two starts back did put in a good run to get seconded in a Grade3 over this distance. He is an on the pace runner who will give a good account of himself especially if he can lift that little extra. A bonus is him having the services of a top jock.

From post 3 at 5/1 is the 5 year old Desert King mare Grand Caffrey’s (IRE) trained by corka. Six runs back she won a GradeI over 9 furlongs but since than her form has not been up to her usual high standard and one wonders if father time is catching up to her. If and it is a big if she can recapture her old spark she could throw a spanner in the works here.

From post 4 is the 4 year old High Chaparral horse Bane (IRE) at 6/1 and trained by samurai. As a 3 year old he won his last three starts which were  all Stakes and was very impressive. Stepping out for his first go as a 4 year old he has the form on the board to cause a few headaches here especially if on turning 4 he has improved. He loves to be on the pace and he is going to give them a run for their money in this one.

From 5 we have the 5/1 5 year old Beat Hollow horse At The Chateau(GB) trained by saver. This bloke who is ranked 59 didn’t fire at his last start over 9.5 in a GradeI  though thr race prior to that ran a good race to get third over this distance in a Grade2 . Obviously a horse with a ton of talent he appears to have lost his way of late and hid connections have the use of a top jock so no doubt they will be hoping he can turn his form around.

From 6 and at 7/2 is the 5 year old Storm Cat horse Are You Surprised who is ranked 45 and is trained by tidy4. Five starts back he failed to fire in a Grde1 but since than has been ulta consistent in four Stakes with one win two runs back. He also likes to be on the pace and will be in this right up to his back teeth. He only needs to lift slightly and this distance appears to be right up his alley.