Who will prove to be the Fastest Mover?

This weekend gives the lesser lights a chance to shine with big purses on offer for those unhailed hero’s of the racing world. A full field lines up for this race with a chance being given to all the runners.

Down the card

#1 Sycophant (13/1)- Squity. 4 year old bay colt by Empire Maker out of a Summer Squall mare, 22 runs, 3 wins.

Ran just the once as a two year old when finishing second over 7½f, broke his maiden at the third time of asking as a three year old, followed that up with a second place finish over 8f, managed one more win as a three year old in allowance company and was also given a couple of tries on the turf which he didn’t take to. As a four year old he finished down the field on his debut and was switched to claiming company for his next start, finished second with a solid SP and two races on he picked up his next win, he was claimed out of that race and after two mediocre runs he was claimed from a low end claimer by his current trainer, failed to sparkle in two starter allowances but ran much bet on his latest start to finish third in a claimer. Analysis: Best Trip 7f – 8f, Fastest SP – 96 (8f on dirt) A horse who has a little bit lost his way this season, runs best when up with the pace although has run well when dropped out the back, will need to put his best hoof forward.

#2 Tizwow (10/1) – Silkworm. 5 year old bay horse by Tiznow out of a Conquistador Cielo mare, 41 runs, 8 wins.

Impressed on his two year old debut when winning with an SP of 82, switched to the turf for his next start and ran miserably, was straight back to the dirt and won his second race, won twice more as a two year old and managed a fourth place in a stakes race. Started his three year old season in stakes races but failed to make an impact and was dropped back to allowance company, was highly consistent throughout the year rarely coming home without some of the purse and in one race running an SP of triple figures, which made his trainer’s decision to drop him to claimers a surprise. His trainer hung onto him until his second start as a four year old before losing him, was uninspiring in his sole start for his new trainer and was claimed on again. Was better for his new trainer and managed a couple of win and place’s before being claimed two starts back by his current trainer, ran a nice enough race last time to warrant a chance in this race when finishing a closing third in a starter allowance. Analysis: Best Trip – 6½f, Fastest SP – 100 (6½f on dirt) Has conditions to suit and has a fairly adaptable running style, should run with credit.

#3 Our Paraphenalia (9/1) – Bagpuss. 8 year old chestnut horse by Lion Cavern out of a Triocala mare, 30 runs, 9 wins.

Made his debut as a five year old, broke his maiden at the second time of asking and posted an SP of 100 in the process, ran well throughout the year and picked up a second win before disappointing on his final start, unraced as a six year old as his owner retired from racing, struggled to recapture his form and was finally dropped to a $2,500k claimer to pick up his next win, claimed into a new stable he ran consistently in starter allowances before being claimed away again, failed to win for his new trainer he was moved on again this season. Won on his only start for his new trainer before being claimed by his current trainer who claimed him to try him on the turf. Finished third and won on his last two starts both on the grass and will be switched back to the dirt for this race. Analysis: Best Trip – 6f, Fastest SP – 102 (6½f on dirt) Trainer is hoping that the switch back to what seems to be his favoured surface will bring about a boost in performance that a surface switch often produces.

#4 Rapid Harassment (17/1) – Gsrprize. 6 year old chestnut horse by Yankee Victor out of an Architect mare, 48 runs, 8 wins.

Started out life as a CPU horse at three years old, broke his maiden in his second start, was claimed on his third start, ran twice more without inspiring before being sold on. His form for his new trainer was a little hit and miss in low end claimers but he still managed to win two races. Continued in much the same way as a four year old picking up three more wins along the way as well as disappointing on his only try on the turf. Became more consistent as a five year old finishing more often in the money than out of it, although he did fail to pick up a win and was finally claimed on his final outing by his current trainer. Started off well this season winning his first two starts but then struggled a little after although he still managed to keep picking bits of purse here and there. Analysis: Best Trip 6½f, Fastest SP – 95 (6½f on dirt). A horse who looks a little one paced at the end of his races, overall his speeds give him something to find here and I think he will be vulnerable to stronger finishers.

#5 Cancri Fifty Five – Astronomer. 5 year old bay horse by Dehere out of a Coronado’s Quest mare, 26 runs, 4 wins.

Owned, trained and bred by Astonomer, this 5 year started out his life by winning on his debut as a two year old, showed good form as a two year old by finishing in the top three in three Stakes races including a Grade III, flopped badly on his final start when given his only try on the grass. Disappointing as a three year where he picked up one win before being beaten big distances in the remainder of his runs although these can be written off as he shown he is a sprinter and 6½f looks to be about his limit. After a couple more tries in allowance company his trainer bit the bullet and dropped him to the claiming ranks where he was revitalised enough to pick up another win, however he struggled again to hit the board in the remainder of the season. This season he has hinted at a return to form especially last time out when posting a 95 over 7f. Analysis: Best Trip – 6½f, Fastest SP – 99 (6f on dirt) Has shown some bits of form at Arizona and looks to have a liking for this track, shows up best when running from the back.

# 6 Neu Moon (24/1) – Spankme. 4 year old bay colt by Moon Ballad out of a Peintre Celebre mare, 32 runs, 1 wins.

Owned, trained and bred by Spankme, as a two year old start his best run was on his debut when finishing second, failed to reproduce that form on subsequent starts on both turf and dirt. As a three year old he broke his maiden at the second time of asking, followed that up with a third place in an allowance run but then struggled for the remainder of the season with his best start being another third in allowance company. Has been a bit in and out with his form this season and has already run thirteen times this year, has shown some bit of form, most noticeably on an off track and in most of his runs he has been doing his best work late on, was dropped to a claimer for his latest run but could finish no better than mid division. This is a horse I would consider could show better form around a mile as he likes to drop out the back and finish with a flourish. Analysis: Best Trip – 8f?, Fastest SP – 90 (7½f on dirt) Will be showing up best near the finish but the post could come too early for him.

#7 Notable David (8/1) – Shawninwy4. 7 year old bay horse by Notable Cat out of a Shining Steel mare, 67 runs, 13 wins.

A tough old campaigner who has been running since a two year old, never out of the first three as a two year old, as a three year old he showed that sprinting was his game when beaten out of sight in both trips further than a mile, after losing his form late on in the season his trainer dropped him into a claimer and he made his first barn move, won his first start for that trainer and after one more run was on the move again. As a four year old he won both his starts for his new trainer and was claimed on his second start, spent the rest of that season with his new trainer where he managed a turf win and two runs with an SP over 100. In his third start as a five year old he moved on again, running a blinder in his first start to run 105, followed that up with several solid starts but again needed the drop to claimers to win, continued to run well for his new trainer including a fourth in this race in 2004. As a six year old he moved barns 5 times but only managed to pick up one win although he looked just as good when posting 101 in his final start. This season he has already won one race and looks to retain his form, he has run mid field on both his starts at this course although they were allowance races. Analysis: Best Trip – 6½-7f, Fastest SP – 105(6f & 6½f on dirt) Runs his best races when allowed to dictate the pace.

#8 Long Live Liberty (9/1) – Acrylic. 4 year old bay colt by Statue Of Liberty out of a Sharastani mare, 26 runs, 4 wins.

Started off his career with two runs on the turf, his best finish was a second, bought out of the auction by Acrylic when Fletch was selling off his stock and was then switched to the dirt, failed to win as a two year old and was well on in his three year old season before finally breaking his maiden after being dropped into a claimer and back in trip, continued to run well enough as a three year old without winning again. Looked much better as a four year old when running a 95 on his seasonal debut, continued running in claimers and finally picked up his second win, after posting a 96 SP his trainer moved him into starter allowances and he picked up another win and with The Fast Mover in mind the trainer shipped him over from Europe for his latest run in allowance company where he picked up an unexpected victory. Analysis: Best Trip – 6½f, Fastest SP – 96 (6½f on dirt) This trip should suit this horse down to the ground, seems to be at his peak now.

#9 Fernando Angel (7/1) – Arthurs. 7 year old bay horse by Laroche out of a Phone Trick mare, 42 runs, 11 wins.

Began his career as a four year old, started out on the turf and recorded some solid efforts without winning, continued on the turf as a five year old and finally broke his maiden in his fourth run, was claimed out of that race and his new trainer immediately switched him to the dirt, this switch worked wonders and he won four races and posted numbers in the 100’s five times. Struggled as a six year to carry on that form and was finally dropped back into claimers to pick up another win and the switch to his current trainer, did his new trainer proud winning five races last season and showing his old speed. Struggled in allowance company this season after an early win and had to be dropped back into a claimer to regain his form, his trainer managed to keep him and make him eligible for this race. Has shown his best form when running from the middle of the pack and in the past has looked best around a mile. Analysis: Best Trip – 8f ?, Fastest SP – 105 ( 8f and 8½f on dirt). Adaptable over a variety of trips and if showing a return to past form will run a big race, gets the top jockey here to help him on his way.

#10 Storm Scat (8/1) – kkat127. 6 year old chestnut colt by Scatmandu out of a Jaklin Klugman mare, 40 runs, 6 wins.

Unraced as a two year, as a three year old he won on his debut over 8f, followed that up with a second place in an allowance, struggled as a four year old and on his third start he was claimed away, his new trainer tried him on the turf and after running poorly probably wasn’t that disappointed when he was claimed, ran in low level claimers for the remainder of the season and finally saw the winner’s circle again on his final start. His form improved as a five year old and he was a solid BP earner throughout the year and on his final outing was claimed by his current trainer. This season has seen him continuing to run well and he has already won three races this year. A horse who has improved with age and should make a bold show. Analysis: Best Trip – 6½f, Fastest SP – 96 (6½f on dirt). This horse has shown a real liking for this track and has won here on both his starts, this horse could easily up his game enough to run in the money.

#11 Day In May (10/1) – Beefcake9. 4 year old roan colt by Monarchos out of a Ferdinand mare, 12 runs, 3 wins.

Unraced as a two year old, made a solid debut at three, broke his maiden on his second start, given a try on the turf for his next start where he flopped badly, for his final start he was switched back to the dirt and dropped to a $5k claimer, won that easily enough and unsurprisingly was claimed out of the race. For his first two runs this year he was tried in allowance company, ran respectfully enough then his claimer dropped him back to the claiming ranks where his current trainer picked him. Nicely placed by his new trainer he has run well in allowance company and has been unlucky not to have won, my only concern will be this horse is a bold front runner who looks like he barely lasts out the 6½f trip and with so many hold up horses in the race he looks very susceptible to a finisher, however this horse is still lightly raced and this is effectively a drop in class. Analysis: Best Trip – short, Fastest SP – 97 (6f on dirt). In good form this season and if lasting home will be a major player.

#12 Whoops Again (18/1) – Ritchie. 6 year old grey horse by Wild Again out of a Carson City mare, 34 runs, 3 wins.

Owned, trained and bred by Ritchie, unraced as a two year old this horse broke his maiden at the second time of asking as a three year old, struggled to repeat that form throughout the season including a try on the grass but finally came good in his final start when winning an allowance with a useful 99. Again struggled to hit form as a four year despite constantly running figures in the 90’s and it took him until his final outing to see the winner’s circle again. Came out flying as a five year old and was just touched off at the line in his first start, continued running in allowances and picked up bits of purse money here and there, spent most of this season running in Texas, which has been shown by Shagfarms fascinating track bias analysis to be one of the least favourable tracks for a horse with his closing running style, his best finish this season was his latest when finishing fourth on a sloppy track in Mexico, this horse suggests to me that with his style of running a few tries over a mile wouldn’t hurt. Analysis: Best Trip – 7-8f ?, Fastest SP – 99 (5f on dirt) A horse that will need every yard of this trip and will be praying the front runners don’t get beyond re-call.

#13 Troy Capote (6/1) – Kyladar. 5 year old bay horse by Capote out of a Riverman mare, 39 runs, 7 wins.

Owned, trained and bred by Kyladar, broke his maiden on his debut as a two year old, was tried in stakes company on his next start, finished down the field and was switched to the turf for his next two starts and picked up some prize money for his efforts. As a three year old he struggled to find his way for most of the season until suddenly winning an allowance with an SP of 106, ran respectable times on his next two starts before winning again with a staggering 114. As a four year old he managed four more starts with an SP in the 100’s and picked up two more wins and ran well on both surfaces. Lost his way a bit at the start of the year and his trainer risked dropping him into claimers and this eventually awoke his will to win, looked like the horse of old as he has won his last two races in high end starter allowances, one with an SP of 100. Analysis: Best Trip – 6-7f, Fastest SP – 114 (7½f on dirt) A horse with a huge amount of back class, has adopted a variety of running styles but seems happiest running up with the pace.

#14 Briefly Possible (8/1) – Bradyboy. 4 year old bay colt by Not Impossible out of a Brief Truce mare, 25 runs, 4 wins.

Owned, trained and bred by Bradyboy, he was debuted on the grass as a two year old and after a poor showing was switched to the dirt, winning cosily with an SP of 79 his trainer was suitably impressed to step him up to stakes company for his next start where he ran poorly, after that he was kept in allowance company and picked up his second win on his final start. As a three year old he picked up odd bits of purse money but by the end of the season his trainer decided a drop in class was needed and he got back into the winner’s circle with his first claiming run, he was kept in claimers until his first run this year when he was touched off over 6½f and posted an SP of 99, this was enough to persuade his trainer to run in starter allowances and he has run well at this level, not shown his best at this track but the trip will suit. Analysis: Best Trip – 6f, Fastest SP – 99 (6½f on dirt)

Morning Line: 6/1 Troy Capote; 7/1 Fernando Angel; 8/1 Notable David, Storm Scat, Briefly Possible; 9/1 Our Paraphenalia, Long Live Liberty; 10/1 Tizwow, Day In May; 12/1 Cancri Fifty Five; 13/1 Sycophant; 17/1 Rapid Harassment; 18/1 Whoops Again; 24/1 Neu Moon

The betting shows this to be an open heat with Troy Capote the favourite at 6/1, with his back class this is no surprise and he comes into this race in good form off the back of two wins, the other horse that comes into this race off two wins is Long Live Liberty and he throws consistent numbers. Our Paraphenalia could be woken up with the switch back to dirt, Storm Scat is cycling with every other race throwing up a win and he is scheduled to win this time around plus he has that form on this course.

I find it hard to look past Troy Capote but I expect a big run from Storm Scat, so they will be my boxed exacta, to fill the trifecta slot I shall look at Long Live Liberty for that.

What I find interesting is how many of these horses are still with their original trainers, showing that there are some solid runners available to be claimed, they may not be the fastest in the world but they are the BP earners which make them the most valuable horses around, so well done for those who have managed to hang onto these and of those horses that have moved around, they have some good form behind them and well done to the trainers for spotting these little gems.

Good luck to all

Bagpuss