The Big Dog Bonanza

Another beautiful day is forecast for racing in the Sunshine State this week and we have 8 2yo colts facing the starter and bidding for stakes glory. These all important stakes points are very important for colts at this time of year as trainers start to eye off the big turf feature races that lie ahead in their 3yo season. Let’s have a closer look at today’s sprint feature and see if we have any budding champs.

1 – HELLO I’M MR ED (AUS) (grassman) – Unwanted by the punters at 19/1 this Aussie bred youngster is certainly great value. He won well on debut where he was also at big odds sitting on the pace and kicking on for a good win registering a 72 speed rating. Big ask tackling stakes company at his second start but with natural improvement it would not surprise to see him in the finish here.

2 – APMAT (GB) (thylacine) – Very strong, consistent performer with the impressive record of 2 wins and a place from his only 3 starts. Wired the field in his first 2 runs after jumping well and leading all the way. Tried different riding tactics last time out when unlucky not to pick up the leaders after dropping towards the rear of the field early. Looks like he will enjoy racing over a mile or further when he gets his chance but he is equally adept sprinting and he will have a big say in the finish of this race.

3 – ROCK HARD MAPLE (wistful) – Started his racing career with 4 straight runs on the dirt and moderate success. Appreciated the switch to the lawn last time out and won his first allowance with a solid time over 6 and half furlongs. Very well bred horse that may go on with it now he has found what looks like his preferred surface. Looks capable of stepping up to the next level and today will be a good test.

4 – MAGNIFICENT HERO (GB) (ildottore3) – Very consistent colt that has earnt a pay check in all of his 7 races to date. One of the more experienced youngsters he was graded placed 4 starts back, running 3^rd in a grade 3 over 6 furlongs. One of the few horses that will settle back in the field its likely he will enjoy a fast paced race with plenty of runners going forward early. I think he will enjoy stepping up to 8 furlongs later in the year but his best will put him right in the finish of this race.

5 – SUPERIOR VICTORY (IRE) (jacklad) – Another impressive progeny of boom sire North Light this colt has yet to miss the board and ran a very encouraging second last time out in stakes company. He has been improving every run with experience and longer journeys. May appreciate it even further than todays sprint distance but if there is enough pace on early look for him to be coming home strongly with Magnificent Hero.

6 – DIXIE’S PAPPILLA (doctahg1) – Colt putting his unbeaten record on the line as he steps up to stakes company for the first time. He has been very impressive winning his maiden and allowance in stylish fashion and his running style should put him in the mix of things here. Look for him to sit just behind the leaders and then make his move entering the straight. This is his big test but he looks up to the mark.

7 – X FRACTER (AUS) (cjt1) – Scratch bred colt by Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe out of a Balmerino mare. Rank outsider of the field and considering he is making his debut its not hard to see why. Diatribe has only thrown one stakes winner from limited opportunities in his 4 years at stud in the sim and it would be a mammoth task for X Fracter to become his second today. Needs and easier spot for his maiden.

8 – MIA’S MYSTERY (IRE) (pirate) – Beautifully bred blue blood that will start equal favourite for todays feature, this colt is yet to finish further back than second in his 4 races to date. He is capable of running good times and he generally likes to lead or sit with the leading horses. My only query is whether he will finish the race of strongly enough to take the win. He has faded a little in the two races where he had is colours lowered and now stepping up to stakes company for the first time he will find it tougher again. With his pedigree he could be a likely improver and it would pay to keep him safe in betting.

A very even bunch of 2yo colts today with no horse standing out. If I was pressed for some picks I would lean towards Dixie’s Pappilla. He is a horse on the improve and looks like he won his first two races with a little in reserve. I like Apmat to place, not sure what his riding tactics will be today but his versatility should put him in the picture when the whips are cracking. Magnificent Hero has experience on his side and the runs on the board. Might be getting the tag of a “non-winner” so his connections will be looking to set the record straight here.

Good luck to all trainers.