G1 John Scott Review

After much anticipation, the G1 John Scott Appreciation Stakes has been run and convincingly won by 6yo war horse Jumpin’ Java in what many felt was a disappointing finish to such a prestigious race. He was simply too good as the legendary Sunnybank Memorial attempted to run him down leaving all challengers in their wake.

Confederacy took up the running and lead by a length for a good part of the race followed by Jumpin’ Java. I was disappointed to see Freeze sitting so far forward in third position so early with Western Sculpture and outsider Drama King following them. Sunnybank sat in eighth but still in touch as Land Of Legends was sixteen lengths off them in tenth.

When the pressure arrived, Jumpin’ Java moved up and nailed Confederacy who began to fade along with Freeze and Western Sculpture whilst Sunnybank was moving up through the field. Land Of Legends was running on strongly gaining positions as horses dropped off severely in front of him.

In the stretch, Jumpin’ Java began to draw away from the field with the exception of Sunnybank who was making ground, albeit not enough. Whilst continuing to fade badly, Confederacy and Freeze held their positions unable to stay with the two horses in front. Land Of Legends was coming hard at Freeze and gave Western Sculpture wind burn as he flew by. A very disappointing Cortez did not fire a shot and continued to fade with Green Valley whilst Drama King and Flower Beehives as expected we not in the race.

On the line, Jumpin’ Java saluted paying $9.70 two lengths clear of Sunnybank at $3.90 for second. Almost nine lengths behind the leader was Confederacy at $4.10 for 3rd as a disappointing Freeze was able to hold on to 4th finishing the same margin behind the leader as 5th placed Land Of Legends who had a great run and needed more ground whilst closing.

It was not a quick race as Jumpin’ Java ran a 2:30 2/5 which was almost 2 seconds outside the race record. Jumpin’ Java takes his turf long rank to 14 and earnings to double what he already had, now 1.25 million. Sunnybank has hit the board on his last four runs and will win again soon as his earnings move to 10.8 million and is now the top ranked turf long runner in the game. Although Confederacy did not run as well as dawgpound would have hoped, another G1 placing is a huge effort and he will be back to form next run.

Exacta: $34.50
Trifecta: $146.30