Queensland Juniors Face Centre Stage
This is certainly one of the most exciting and highly anticipated parts of the year and it’s not The Breeder’s Bowl. This week, 20 of Queensland’s newest 2yos debut in the Resident Restricted “My Wonderful First Run” Maiden over 1100m on Turf. While it may be wonderful for some, others will disappoint but the uncertainty of these races is what makes it so special. Lets have a quick look at the runners and try some guess work,
1. ORATOR’S CORNER(IRE) 11/1 breeding: ORATORIO (IRE) x KRIS(GB) x VICTORIA PARK (remy). Filly bred from scrtach so difficult to guage ability from Dam but does have some of the best breeding in the race. Expect a bold showing.
2. KOOL(CAN) 99/1 breeding: BAND AIGHT x ECSTATIC RIDE x RAISE MY EGO (toplight2). From a freshman sire and very much bargain bred. At big odds but from an astute stable.
3. MUTTS RHYTHM(KY) 43/1 breeding: MUTAKDDIM x RHYTHM x WIND CHILL (galaxyy3). From a lighly used sire who has produced the odd stakes winner generally on dirt. Will only improve on what she does here.
4. TORRENTIAL RAIN(BRZ) 23/1 breeding: TORRENTIAL x RUBITON(AUS) x MASTER WILLIE(GB) (dvtkat1) From another sire with little exposure in the Sim but Rubiton helps her cause on the turf.
5. SMART FRENCH(KY) 11/1 breeding: SMART STRIKE x FRENCH DEPUTY x ARCH SCULPTOR(GB) (thebaker) Very clever breeding here using inexpensive but well renowned sires with the ability to produce an early winner. One of the better chances.
6. DEL TORO(AUS) 9/1 breeding: BENICIO x SUMMER SQUALL x SWAIN (IRE) (thebaker2) The second runner from thebaker group of stables. Out of a mare that seemed to prefer the dirt but Benicio provides some turf blood in this, his freshman year.
7. VEAL PARMIGIANA(AUS) 10/1 breeding: SNITZEL x MOUNTAIN CAT x SIR TRISTRAM(IRE) (marto) Cleverly named out of a great 2yo turfer and solid early maturing bloodlines with Mountain Cat. I would expect this colt to produce early if he has the ability. Well repected stable so watch betting moves.
8. YOU GOTTA MOVE(SWE) 39/1 breeding: DIAGHLYPHARD x GUNNER B(GB) x HORATIUS (youngmarto) This one appearrs to be bred more on the dirt side but anything can happen and generally does.
9. GOTTA RUSH(IRE) 43/1 breeding: ORATORIO (IRE) x PORTRUSH x PROSPECTORS DELITE (hawkz2) Out of very handy mare Five Cent Rush who despite her obscure bloodlines, pocketed $178k in stakes. Hasn’t done much in the breeding barn yet but this could be the one.
10. SLAP N TICKLE(AUS) 37/1 breeding: FOREPLAY x FUTURE STORM x TOUCHING WOOD (runvus1) Already the winner of the “best name in race” competition! Another that is expected to be an early maturer and out of a more than handy freshman sire. Could show up here.
11. SECOND IN CHARGE(JPN) 4/1 breeding: FRENCH DEPUTY x REDOUTE’S CHOICE (AUS) x FAIRY KING (dowelly2) Out of Jenna’s Choice which makes him a full brother to one of Queensland’s best 2yos last year in Jenna’s Deputy. If he’s half as good as his brother, he’ll take some catching.
12. MARTO RANSOME(AUS) 11/1 breeding: SNITZEL x RED RANSOM x RED ANCHOR (NZ) (marto3) Nicely bred Snitzel colt with plenty of good blood on the Dam side. Another who is expected to be winning sooner rather than later.
13. NOT UNDOUBTEDLY(AUS) 9/1 breeding: UNDOUBTEDLY x POINT GIVEN x DEPUTY MINISTER (4state) Out of Cinnamon Bolt CB who has had some success in the breeding barn on turf but the big query here is sire Undoubtedly.
14. TOP CHART(AZ) 99/1 breeding: TOP HIT x NEWTON’S LAW(IRE) x LIVELY ONE (stickup) Bargain bred colt and out of a sire that is yet to produce a winner in the sim. Could be struggling.
15. KINGSALSABOY(FR) 30/1 breeding: KINGSALSA x MR. REDOY x ROUSILLON (dvtka5) Sire hasn’t tasted too much success in the sim and most money has been on dirt. Maybe it’s time to shine ??
16. UNDOUBTEDLY FAST(AUS) 10/1 breeding: UNDOUBTEDLY x GRAND SLAM x BOLD REASON (dvtka6) Dam won one race on dirt but the bloodlines are solid enough to be waranted consideration. At 10/1 maybe Mike has a good opinion of Undoubtedly.
17. SHOW A HAART(AUS) 33/1 breeding: SHOW A HEART (AUS) x ALHAARTH(IRE) x MENOCAL (winhunter) From a well respected 2yo producing sire in Australia IRL. Certainly not the worst.
18. CALLAWAY BLACK(ITY) 15/1 breeding: MUTAMAM (GB) x THATCHING(IRE) x PHARLY(FR) (kodekracke) Nice bloodlines but I get the feeling this one will be better in the latter part of the year and as a 3yo.
19. ARWON(IRE) 6/1 breeding: ELNADIM x STRIKE THE GOLD x STORM CAT (eaglehawk2) First foal from Golden Gata who won 4 races on dirt. Elnadim certainly adds some turf influence.
20. HAPNESS KING(AUS)41/1 breeding: KING OF HAPPINESS x P. T. INDY x DIXIELAND BAND (graywolf13) Never heard of the sire which is a worry. Will be relying heavily on Dixieland Band on the bottom line.
This shapes as being a most interesting race. Going on bloodlines, I beleive only a handyful of horses can win it but as I’ve said previously, the uncertaintly is what makes these types of races great. Although I’m not going to tip a winner here, I’m keen to see the performance of the 2yos from SNITZEL and UNDOUDTEDLY and whether one of those cheap bargain breds makes any impression. Good Luck everyone.