We’re Going The Distance
Race ID:2958.3314
Race # 14
The Archer Cup
Grade I
Two miles
Firm Turf
$500,000
All horses, 4 years old and up
PP Horse Owner Jockey Odds Pedigree
1 RAINBOW MOONSHELL cleverdoc M Day 7/2 Rainbow Quest x Sadler’s Wells x Kris
2 PHARAO’S TORNADO(IRE) star1 M Van Dam 5/1 Doyoun x Darshaan x Sir Ivor
3 TEDDY’S REPUBLICS fangs T Moss 11/1 Seattle Dancer x Slew’s Royalty x Mummy’s Pet
4 BXCVN mitenpow J Wesselman 7/1 Tarlac x Sifounas x Storm Bird
5 BAND OF BUDAS chop P Harzeim 3/1 Tribal Rule x Affirmed x Native Dancer
6 JOHNNY FAIRPLAY(IRE) hollandia6 J Mcrea 25/1 Generous x Stage Door Johnny x Tom Fool
7 SOHA sunkitten T Forster 19/1 Red Ransom x Darshaan x Riverman
8 RUNNIN’ REBEL lenny29 Ja White 10/1 Red Ransom x Sword Dance x Riverman
9 WORLDFLY’S WELLS dawnrun J Dyson 5/1 Spinning World x Sadler’s Wells x Blushing Groom
10 CASEY’S QUEST stalcasey R Williams 10/1 Gulch x Rainbow Quest x Nureyev
1. RAINBOW MOONSHELL
5yo bred to relish this marathon distance is starting to get up there in terms of number of races run (44) but this old warrior is still showing his mettle. A recent 3rd place finisher in Smackdown 2 and Equinics makes this guy one of the top contenders. Should collect a paycheck today.
2. PHARAO’S TORNADO
Another 5yo who is comfortable with the marathon distance (6 wins at 1 ½ miles or more) but he has done his best running on the main track. His 1 for 6 career record on the weeds is quite discouraging and to expect a win here in this G1 after not running on the grass since he was a 3yo is far fetched. It’s tough for the gamblers to swallow the 5/1 price here.
3. TEDDY’S REPUBLICS
This one time winner of the G1 Sword Swallower did not race in 2005 as a 6yo and is attempting a comeback now as a 7yo. Old age may be finally catching up with him as his top speed figure this year is 93 and he’s been an also ran in his two graded tries. Can’t envision a top 3 performance today.
4. BXCVN
Hey, I don’t know how to pronounce it either! Like many of the runners in here, this guy looks like he isn’t quite graded material at the moment. He’ll be sitting toward the back of the pack and will have to fire huge to get past everyone else in this field. A minor award is a possibility but taking home the winner’s share would be a surprise.
5. BAND OF BUDAS
The slight favorite is in good form, excels at the distance, and picks up top jock Harzeim. Everything says go to this handicapper and it would take an off day for this guy to not finish in the top 2. Top choice and most likely winner.
6. JOHNNY FAIRPLAY
An intriguing longshot from the hollandia horde of stables. This guy has managed to win 10 races in the past year (I guess there were no NW11y races this week) albeit in starters, claimers, and low level allowances. Regardless, he likes to win and does so at this distance (10 career 16f wins). Speed figures are lacking for this level but he’s got the underdog crowd behind him.
7. SOHA
Lightly raced 4yo makes his graded stakes debut today in quite a demanding spot since he’s been on the dirt for his last 6 races. Hasn’t really liked the final furlongs of his previous tries at 16f and with a career high speed figure of 91 on the grass, he’s tough to endorse. Hoping for a piece.
8. RUNNIN’ REBEL
Yet another horse coming into this turf G1 off of multiple dirt efforts. Who am I to question the great Lenny though (wink, wink)? He’s probably just hoping for a random freakish performance to get more people to hate him. If this gal can transfer her dirt form over to the lawn she has a chance though. Others look better but this one will probably get the “magic milkshake” pre-race.
9. WORLDFLY’S WELLS
Very nicely bred horse (3×4 RF to influential mare Special) is ultra consistent and a big threat today. He has won 3 16f races this year including the G1 Bourbon Cup. No doubt this is he one they’ll have to catch to win. Wouldn’t be surprised to see him runaway with this on the front end.
10. CASEY’S QUEST
This guy may have lost his will to win as his last three efforts have been quite poor. He’s been beaten by 25, 16, and 25 ½ lengths in those races without making his presence felt. It would take quite a form reversal for this guy to get his picture taken today.