Grade III Long Legged Handicap

Secretary Sahkee
(SAKHEE x SECRETARIAT x SIR IVOR)
TRAINER: STRSTABLE5

Since being claimed in his last start as a 3yo Secretary Sahkee has gone on to become one of those enigmatic Sim horses, teasing their owner with nice allowance performances but never really moving on up to Stakes class. He has been posting very consistant mid to high 90’s every start in 2006 but is yet to break through to triple digit figures. Something he will definitely need to do to be competitive here. Possibly should remain at allowance levels or look for a soft listed Stakes. Not up to Graded class at this time.

Transcending (Ire)
(EL PRADO(IRE) x BRIAN’S TIME x JUDGER)
TRAINER: AERO44

Since changing this horse over to the grass, he has gone ahead in great strides winning his 1st four attempts with an increase in speed every start. Moving up to Graded company last start he flew home to just fail, recording his 1st loss on the turf. Has a big opportunity here to atone for that loss and record his 1st Graded win. I am sure Aero44 is still wondering why he didn’t try the switch to Turf much earlier than he did. I don’t think Transcending has shown us his best yet.

Ale N’ Skittles
(JADE HUNTER x THEATRICAL(IRE) x CAVEAT)
TRAINER: BIGTIME

Has been Ultra consistant finishing top 3 in 15 of his 17 starts (including 10 wins), however failed badly last time out when got out of his ground early and couldn’t seem to find anything when it counted. Seems to race much better either just off the pace or even taking the pace setter role if allowed his own way in front. Winner of multiple non-graded Stakes, and other than his last start failure has only had 1 other Graded attempt for a fast finishing 2nd. Certainly is up to this class and should put in a strong effort.

Title Duke
(BLUE MOONOFALASKA x GREEN DESERT x COX’S RIDGE)
TRAINER: JOHNNO1

Looks to be one of the Johnno1 Stable’s original horses,and what a great one he is. Seems to find it extremely difficult to break through, but keeps charging home and posting impressive speeds but always seems to find that 1 horse per race that is better than him on the day. Strangely enough he only has 1 Stakes win to his credit and that was a Grade III (his last win 15 months ago). But he has been placed at Grade 1 level 3 times since. Deserves a change of luck and will go to the gate this Saturday as the morning line favorite.

Colorado Force
(ROYAL ACADEMY x DANZIG x SILVER HAWK)
TRAINER: HIGHFIVE

Trainer Highfive tried the move up to Grade 1 and 2 company in Colorado Force’s past 2 starts but unfortunately he was not up to the task and was beaten rather easily. Although the winner of Stakes and and even the Grade II Choo Choo Stakes last year, the one thing missing from this guy’s repertoir is speed, having a lifetime high of a 101 SP. He will need to improve here to be in the running or hope 4 or 5 of the others run well below their best.

Egyptian Empire
(EMPIRE MAKER x PINE BLUFF x GREINTON(GB))
TRAINER: HOLYGHOST

Strung 4 wins together at the end of 2005 before probably being out of his class and distance in the Equinics 1st up for 2006. In his 2 starts since then he has for the 1st time in his carreer strung 2 triple digit speeds together back to back, for a Stakes win and a Grade III 3rd. Has ability, whether he can match some of the others here is the question, but given a soft ride off the pace he should be right in the final mix.

Flawless Victory
(KINGMAMBO x STORM CAT x BENNY THE DIP)
TRAINER: JACKLAD

Another that came off a string of wins at the end of 2005 only to try the jump up to Grade I class in the Equnics, whether it was the class or the yielding track on the day we don’t know, but since being badly beaten that day his next 2 starts have resulted in the runner-up spot. He rarely manages that magic triple digit speed figure but if he can reproduce the 107 SP of 2 starts back has to be a chance here.

P J Turf Mirage
(ALJABR x THOWRA(FR) x GRAUSTARK)
TRAINER: OSSTABLE2

Has never attempted Stakes class before and it is a bit of a wishful leap of faith to step up straight into Graded ranks. Well beaten in his last 2 starts at much lower level than this, and probably better suited back at allowance levels. Should be looking to show better speed and form in open allowances before stepping up again.

Jumpin’ Java
(JAVA GOLD x SEEKING THE GOLD x SPECTACULAR BID)
TRAINER: WARADMIRAL

I have no idea what to say about this horse, how can you analyze his form when his 4 starts this year have been over 10f, 6.5f, 8.5f, and 14f in that order (and all at stakes or GrIII level). Especially when his worst finish in all those races was 4th and 3 times hitting triple digit speeds (yet no wins). Also if you travel back his 1st 9 starts were on the main track (including 4 wins and 6 of those starts being 100+ SP). Now this horse and Waradmirals training methods are a definite puzzle to me. His wins have come from 6 – 9f on the dirt and at a mile on the grass, his best speeds on both surfaces at a mile, but he has definitely shown competitive speeds on both surfaces from 6 – 11f. I surrender!

Wild Trips
(FOREST WILDCAT x SADLER’S WELLS x PACIFIC NATIVE)
TRAINER: GRAYWOLF6

Showed early promise as a 3yo with a Grade II and Grade III win to his credit, but as his sophomore year progressed his form waned under his heavy racing schedule (19 starts in his 3yo year). Graywolf6 has kept him hard at work again this year with this being his 6th visit to the track in 4 months and his form and speeds have continued their downhill slide. If he doesn’t perform this week it may be time to send him to pasture for a 3 month (or longer) break from racing.

Well we have a mixed field lining up on Saturday 4 definite contenders 2 maybes and 4 that are probably in over their heads. So who are my tips?

1st   No. 2 Transcending – I like the way aero44 has brought this guy along and I believe he has the most improvement left in him of all the runners.

2nd  No. 9 Jumpin’ Java – The complete opposite of my 1st pick horse, I have no idea what Waradmiral is trying to do with this guy (I don’t think the horse does either) but no matter what, he is always thereabouts and never leaves anything on the track.

3rd No. 3 Ale N’ Skittles – Earns my selection through his pure consistancy.