The More Of The Ginny Memorial

As the political pressure of the World tightens on the North Korean Government racing in its neighbour South Korea continues unabated, even if it is in a cloud of uncertainty.  Today’s feature on the card is for 2yo fillies on the grass over the sprint journey of 6.5 furlongs. It has only drawn a disappointingly small field of 6 fillies all striving for that all important black type victory or placing that will enhance their value at stud.  With all the runners starting at under double figures lets have a closer look at their credentials and form.

1 – LIGHT ON THE HILL (calle) – 2^nd offspring of Indian Danehill (IRE) mare Storming Hill (IRE) by outstanding stud prospect Fantastic Light.  Only having her 3^rd race start today and her second on the grass.  Not unexpectedly didn’t enjoy the dirt on her debut but turned it all around last time out with an explosive win on the grass over today’s distance.  Big rise in class jumping from maiden’s to stakes company but she was ultra impressive in breaking her maiden and if she can replicate that performance she is more than capable of taking this out.

2 – ZALDIBIA (rheffisimo) – By Dubawi, who is having a great first year at stud in the sim with 5 stakes and 1 group winner all ready, she is out of the Beat Hollow (GB) mare Almandoz (GB) who was a solid performer on the track winning on the turf and dirt.  Another only having her 3^rd race day appearance she is coming off a nice 3^rd last time out in stakes company.  She only faced a field of 5 that day and her speed figures are a little low to be winning at this level.  On the plus side she has the services of top jockey K Hellestrae and she could be a likely improver with the experience under her belt. 

3 – NASHANISI (IRE) (cozyfarms) – Scratch bred filly by Kalanisi (IRE) out of a Nashwan mare.  Broke her maiden at her second attempt recording a speed figure of 60 over 6 furlongs on the turf.  Stepped up to the mile in an allowance at her next and latest effort and was a disappointing 4^th with a speed figure of 66.  Back to the sprint journey for today’s race but up in class again it will require a big effort and a large jump in form for her to steal this one, however it is only a small field and it would not surprise to see her grab a place.

4 – KIRBY’S KAYRN (kirby88) – The 3^rd foal and most promising to date of the moderately performed but well bred mare Karing Karyn, Kirby’s Karyn is by Forty Niner stallion Ecton Park.  She broke her maiden at her first attempt over 6.5 furlongs then stepped straight up to stakes level next time out with a solid 3^rd and a speed figure of 71.  She was slightly disappointing last time out again at stakes level with a tiring 4^th over 7.5 furlongs.  Coming back to 6.5 furlongs today could be to her advantage but she will have to take the next step to take the victory.  Should put herself in the mix of things by running on the pace and if she can find a little extra could be in the finish when the whips are cracking.

5 – NICKKI BENZ (juimmyd) – The most experienced runner in today’s field Nickki Benz is a scratch bred filly by Quiet American out of the outstanding dam sire Gone West.  While this is her 7^th race day appearance it is only her 2^nd on the turf and she was disappointing when she made her debut on the lawn in week 2846 with a speed rating of 58.  Her efforts on the main track have been solid but it is a big ask switching to the lawn and tackling a stakes field.  If she can replicate her dirt form she will be a chance for a place but I would prefer to see her in allowance company first.

6 – BONES OF THUNDER (ksparrow) – Today’s favourite will jump from the outside barrier and she is by the 1995 Kentucky Derby winner Thunder Gulch out of the Deputy Minister mare The Bone Minister. This is her 4^th race start and 3^rd attempt at taking out a stakes race.  Her last two efforts at this level have been solid without being earth shattering and today’s price of 9/5 looks a bit skinny.  I suspect she may be better suited on the main track but her speed figures put her in the mix today and she will feature prominently in the stretch.

I like Light On The Hill at the good odds of 6/1 to take out today’s feature.  She is relatively inexperienced but she relished switching to the grass last start and she should make her own luck sitting just behind the leaders today.  The favourite Bones of Thunder has the runs on the board but like I said in the preview I think she could be better suited on the main track.   I think Zaldibia is the other horse to watch with top jockey K. Hellestrae aboard.  She is beautifully bred for this type of race and with the experience last time out is a likely improver.

Good luck to all trainers.