The Texas Storm Stakes

Welcome to the preview for the running of the $70,000 Texas Storm Stakes to take place at Newmarket this Saturday.

Fine weather is expected for this 7.5-furlong turf sprint, which pits some consistent gallopers against one another.

PP1 FANTASTIC FLAG ID#27605 highclaim 11/1

This 5yo chestnut horse by Fantastic Light is very capable on his day, topping a 103 SP# just three starts ago.  Unfortunately, he followed that up with two disappointing efforts, and will be looking for some improvement here with the drop back from graded company.  Gets an extra 2 furlongs from last start and looks much better suited, but would prefer to see a return to form before picking him on top.

PP2 ROYAL JACK (IRE) ID#3109 bizalls 12/1

After not competing at stakes level since he was a 2yo, this son of Irish Royal made it more than clear that he wanted back with a blistering SP# of 109 over 7 furlongs four starts ago.  And next time in he didn’t disappoint his trainer, hitting the front right on the line in a blanket finish in the Matt’s Ride Stakes.  The move up to grade 2 was ambitious and he found them a bit quick, before returning injured last time out.  He has had a nice little break since then, and look for some improvement fresh, although will need to be at his best for this.

PP3 FINAL FAN ID#111866 nextbonus 4/1

The second favourite in the morning line comes back slightly from his pet distance of a mile, for his first ever try at a sprint.  He has such a good record at a mile with five wins from eight starts, that you wouldn’t think the 7.5 furlongs would be too much of a disadvantage.  He’s topping 100 SP#s consistently and has won three of his last four starts.  Should sit up close to the lead and then try and put a gap on them before the stretch.  Will be tough to run down.

PP4 LUCKY’S BCS ID#133812 winnett 99/1

Looked good winning his maiden at his one and only start, going wire to wire.  Meets a very tough field here and winnett has set his young charge a big assignment.  Would be a big surprise to see him get near them here.

PP5 PRESIDENTIAL (IRE) ID#89816 cbrady 8/1

Another who was screaming out for a second chance at stakes since his juvenile days, and another who did not let his trainer down, getting up in the Frugal Shin Memorial two starts ago.  Followed that triumph up with a seventh last time when he only battled.  Might be looking for the extra ground now, so could fill a place if he runs up to his best.

PP6 EONIAN (IRE) ID#1020 odubhghail 8/1

Was just tipped out in a two horse race last start in a huge effort.  Gets the call back up to stakes from that, and his fantastic record of 14 times ITM from 16 starts on firm turf tracks proves he has a tremendous fighting spirit.  Has won over a quarter of a million dollars in prizemoney, and is capable of an upset over the favourites here.

PP7 NATIVE DISCOVERER (IRE) ID#95539 4seasons 9/1

The fourth of the five Irish bred gallopers in the race is this Galileo 5yo brown horse.  He has been in very good form of late, leading the field in nine of his last ten starts from the gate, and staying there twice, going all the way.  Rarely runs a bad race, although is having his first shot at a stakes here.  Will most likely try for the lead again and could show some cheek and sneak into the money.

PP8 LETTER OF LOVE ID#103922 nodafan 9/1

Steps up to stakes here after two commanding allowance wins, running 101 and 104 SP#s to get the prize.  This fellow is another with a good record, with 13 finishes on the board from 16 starts on turf.  Had an easy win in the Epsomdown Residency 2000 Guineas for 3 year olds.  Should be competitive again, but may not be at his top for his first race start as a 4yo, and maybe wait for next time.

PP9 WHY CRY ID#111456 freedominc 30/1

Didn’t handle the 12 furlongs in Japan last start, where he finished 20 lengths from the winner.  Put two wins together toward the end of last year over more ground then he gets here, and he was well beaten at his only attempt at stakes.  Although he is a handy battler, he is likely to be outclassed here, but his on pace racing pattern will give him every chance to do well.

PP10 GLITTERHAWK ID#7091 bbudgies2 20/1

Trainer, bbudgies2, could not have hoped for more from this 5yo Glitterman chestnut, as he crossed the finish line over 2 lengths clear and improved 24 SP#s on his previous race, in which he claimed him.  If he has thrived in his new stable as much as that run suggests, he can’t be discounted here, but his form before that was poor.  Is a long shot hope again, but will find this tougher.

PP11 OUT OF CONTROL ID#67162 kevoman 5/1

Well bred 5yo looking to top half a million in prizemoney here.  After not having the legs in the stretch to catch them last time when he stepped up to a route, he finds himself over the more suitable 7.5 furlongs this time and should be better for it.  He won his previous two starts at this trip and is very consistent, although hasn’t been able to put it all together in this company since his 5 stakes wins as a 2yo.  Should be getting home late.

PP12 MYSTERY AND MAGIC ID#90606 dshock 3/1

The top ranked turf sprinter in the race is the morning line favourite and he showed why last time when he blew the opposition away with ease (SP#108).  Failed at his previous start when he got too far out of his ground.  With top jockey, A Craig (30%) in the saddle, he should be given a beautiful ride and the outside post will see him have plenty of room to make his run at them.  Looks the one to beat again.