Welcome all readers to the new season in the brand, spanking new BTB. Having previously covered the Tokyo racetrack I have now been given licence to roam the world in search of the best racing and having covered the Oaks De English in my last assignment last term I now find myself back on the Epsom Downs to cover the G1 Judgemont Stakes.

Although the race may be missing some of the stellar stars from the division, it is headed by 2 horses who have run creditably all season in graded races, namely Preferred Power and Rise To KLP, and this is an ideal opportunity for one of them to add their name to the role of honour for G1 winners this season. Let’s review the field:

Pepe’s Pipes

Lightly-raced 4yo colt whose immediate parentage may not be inspiring but if you look further back into his pedigree it is filled with quality and that’s where this colt derives his talent. Owner dundey5 wasn’t immediately impressed by the son of Singingintherain and started him off in maiden claimers but it soon became apparent that the colt was better than he looked. Having run up a succession of wins in starter allowances, connections became ambitious and targeted a G3 race over 9 furlongs. The colt proved up to the task, narrowly prevailing by a head. Following a disappointing outing over 8.5 furlongs he now tries this trip for the first time. Experience has taught me not to under-estimate this type of horse and although he tackles the highest class, he could surprise.

Preferred Power 

This son of Pulpit has always had a touch of class and is no stranger to this level of competition. He was on an upward curve this time last year when he contested the Big Red Stakes(G1) and unfortunately suffered a season-ending injury. Connections have patiently brought him back to peak fitness and he was unlucky not to score in the Keg Of Guinness(G1) in Ireland where he was just touched off. His only disappointing run this term was in the Doomben Cup(G1) where admittedly he was taking on a high class field. Deserves to be favorite on his record.

Bullocks(GB) 

In a quirk of fate, this fellows best-ever performance came in the very race where rival Preferred Power got injured, last year’s Big Red Stakes(G1). He finished with purpose that day only being beaten by top turf horse Rain God. He looked a star in the making that day but has failed to build on that run and these days looks a shadow of his former self. Seems more at ease in allowance class and as he is still eligible for NW4L races it may pay for connections to allow him to gain some much needed confidence in easier conditions.

Rise To KLP

4yo son of Capote who has a better than 50% strike rate over his 27-race career which incorporates an astounding 11 stakes victories. Came close to breaking his graded duck in the Movieland Turf Cup(G1) this term where the line just came too soon for him. His record in graded races is mediocre and connections have done well to find a soft spot for him where he holds every chance of success.

Northern Desert

The only G1 winner in the field, an honor he achieved when successful in the GSR Derby(G1) over 12 furlongs as a 3yo. His record in graded competition since that race has been very much hit-and-miss with some mediocre performances being interspersed with such fine runs as a victory in the Bluegrass Cup Turf(G2) last year. Connections have largely kept him in allowance class this term where he has rewarded them with 3 wins from 8 runs. The distance on Saturday should suit him perfectly and is not one to take lightly if back to his best.

Hans Aroo

Veteran 7yo of 44 races, connections seem determined to go out with a bang as he nears the twilight of his career. His previous forays in this class have been lackluster and it would be a surprise if he was able to improve at this point to make an impact here. Flying a little too high for my liking.

Roidazoid(Ire)

This 6yo son of Theatrical has endured a number of injuries over his career which has resulted in a very stop-start campaign. At his best he was able to run 3^rd in the New Oak Stakes(G3) over 11 furlongs but I would be shocked if after 2 prep runs he was able to be victorious in a Grade 1 following a win in a restricted allowance event.  

Summary

I think the race lies between 4 contenders. In these events it is always prudent to side with those horses who have proved themselves in this class but it wouldn’t surprise me if something like Pepe’s Pipes was able to bridge the class gap. My picks for the places would be:

1. Preferred Power
2. Northern Desert
3. Rise To KLP
4. Pepe’s Pipes