Aggulotto puts faith in last years winner to make it three consecutive winsd at 12f dirt on TT day

The celebration of massive betting plunges and subsequent raids on the TAB is the theme here as we take a look at the Punters Prevail Classic – a 12f dirt race open to all horses three years and older. The race has been won by none other than Gianluigi Aggulotto in the previous two editions with the Conglomerates biggest owner Mr Pierre Croissant gyrating the air as his horse Bobbsy Babes cantered to victory last year. She is bringing her sexy back this year and again looks like the most likely to stop the clock first however there are a few challenges that wouldn’t surprise if they conquer her so let’s take a look at the entries in order of ranking points.

 

Bobbsy Babes (Lonhro x Rahy x Roberto)                                                                              Gianluigi Aggulotto

17/5-4-2 ($673k)

Came of age last year in this race confirming her status as a long dirt runner. Since winning that she has gone on to establish herself as one of the Sim’s leading mares on dirt at long distance with a ranking of 6^th. Although her eight races this year only resulted in two wins (one including a six length win at 16f in ungraded stakes), she did place three times at G1 level and once at G2 level. Her best run of 112 SP at 12f for 5^th place two runs back stated that she is primed for this and her last run at 14f in G1 company confirmed that she will love the drop back to 12f and will dominate with the massive drop back in class. A born race leader who puts it all out there regardless of class, she will again lead and finish 1^st or 2^nd.

 

 

Blank Space (Tapit x Taylor’s Story (G1))                                                                                                Deyoto Lefranse

14/6-1-3 ($1.29M)

This colt is incredible. He won a G3 at 8.5f as a 2yo in September 2015 and went on to place 3^rd in the 2yo Breeders Bowl. Most 2yo wouldn’t box on in their 3yo career but this guy continued to prove himself and made it to the KY Derby where he again finished 3^rd. A massive effort and a good example of why you cannot write him off. His first effort at over 10f was his last start when dropping back to allowance level at 12f on rain affected ground to win easily by four lengths posting a 89 SP. Obviously the SP doesn’t matter as a win is a win however his two previous races at 9f did indicate that he could be on the decline with two average efforts at G1 level but only posting 103 SP each time.

His 89 SP at 12f with a margin of four lengths at allowance level doesn’t stack up to Bobbsy Babes 112 at 12f in G2 company. I cannot see Blank Space pushing Bobbsy here and I think there are a few that may finish ahead of him.

 

 

Novak Attack (Pivotal x Rainbow Quest x Lyphard)                                                           Deyoto Lefranse

13/3-2-2 ($1.17M)

Started his career like a cat with five average runs on turf that had him on The Lodge death row. His first run on dirt saved his hide with a lead all the way win posting a 94 SP. From there he went from zero to hero with a next up win in ungraded stakes posting a 101 SP and the hunt for the KY Derby had started….

His 3^rd placing at G2 level saw the glimmer of hope fade but Lefranse had bigger plans. His next up flop in the G1 First Day in May was supposed to prove to all that he should have made the KY Derby field but Lefranse carried on undeterred as he trust Novak into G2 level at 10f. The colt responded magnificently with a 108 SP and subsequent win. He then ran a 106 SP in G3 company for 4^th when fading late in his only attempt over 10f. His last two runs have been incredible with a 2^nd place at G1 level against his own age and 112 SP and then last time out posted a 115 SP against older horses.

Both his last runs have been at 10f and he appears a 9-10f specialist. He is an exceptional horse and even if he doesn’t run a strong 12f compared to his 10f efforts I still think he will run top three here purely on class….

 

Mochaccino Messiah (Camelot x Havana Goodtime (SW))                                            Gianluigi Aggulotto

23/7-2-1 ($230k)

This fellow has been entered then scratched then re-entered a total of four times in the lead up. He has retained his spot over more fancied runners from the Briant Breeding & Racing Empire as Aggulotto would prefer 4yo colts over 3yo fillies to represent in longer staying tests. Ran forth in this race last year and has since recorded six wins in eleven starts including three in a row which ended last start when beaten well in ungraded stakes. A definite long dirt runner however he looks as if this class jump will find him wanting….. Outside top six is my prediction.

 

 

Love Your Jive (Savabeel x In The Wings x Ela-Mana-Mou)                                            Gianluigi Aggulotto

13/2-3-3 ($105k)

Bred for the distance and a decent allowance class horse means this 4yo colt gets a run. Looks ten lengths off the winner but may well box on for third place. 3^rd – 6^th best case scenario for this fellow.

 

 

Transpiring (Bodemeister x Machiavellian x Empire Maker)                                          Captain Nog

11/3-1-1 ($142k)

3^rd in this race last year when beaten ten lengths. She then went on to do as her name suggests by winning her next two at 12f then stepped up to ungraded stakes but flopped. Subsequent four runs since June have been horrid and doesn’t fill me with much hope. If she replicates her performance last year she should finished at least 8^th……. Transpiring taking on some of these horses reminds me of the fat kid who had no skills when I was growing up. He always tried and his parents though he was cute but everyone knew he had no chance……

 

 

Sound Touch (Siyouni x Kris. S x Caerleon)                                                                            Gianluigi Aggulotto

12/4-2-3 ($167k)

Was 3^rd in the Sunline on TT day last year in only her 2^nd race. Nailed her first attempt on dirt in February this year with a win at 10f by over three lengths. Showed massive promise when switched back to turf for her next four runs but really announced herself as a contender in this race in July with a two length win at 12f on dirt posting a 103 SP when leading all the way. Went to 12f ungraded on dirt in August for a 5^th posting a 102 SP. Switched back to turf last time out with a nice result and probably should be in the Sunline this year.

This is a big step up against Bobbsy Babes and I have had to back off her early speed to preserve Bobbsy. She therefore may not run her best race but won’t be too far off. 3^rd – 5^th place is my prediction…..

 

Hollyifyahearme (Dubawi x Sadler’s Wells x Nijinsky 2^nd)                                                                Gianluigi Aggulotto

7/2-2-1 ($88k)

Immaculately bred 3yo filly raced by Aggulotto on behalf of the great Wolfgang Vansheen. She is Vansheen’s definite Vince Clever entry however one cannot go past her form on dirt. Starting her career in January this year, Hollyifyahearme showed very little on turf but did make ground late in her only attempt on dirt at 9.5f. Stepping up to 12f dirt in July, she grew wings and posted a 92 SP to win by four lengths. She boxed on well at 13f in August for a 2^nd place then announce herself as a massive chance last time out in September with a three and a half length win at 12f with a 99 SP. A late closer who will run 2^nd – 4^th here….

 

 

Blichmann (Siyouni x Big Weekend (G2))                                                                                               Gianluigi Aggulotto

10/5-1-2 ($163k)

From a turf G2 12f NZ Oaks winning mare who was also 2^nd at G2 level on dirt at 14f. She was bred to run a long trip and this 3yo filly is proving that she is able with three wins from four starts on dirt. Starting her career on turf with mixed success including a 3^rd place in a G3 at 10f on turf, Blichmann was switched to dirt in May where she immediately responded with three wins strait posting a 102 SP at 10f in allowance company in July. She was then rested eight weeks and took on ungraded stakes fillies at 9.5f where she was well beaten in 7^th. She wants longer than that and this is her opportunity. She cannot beat some of these horses however Aggulotto believes that she will surprise a few and possible get him a point……..

 

 

O Donkey My Donkey (War Emblem x Summer Squall x Wild Again)                         Captain Nog

2/1-0-1 ($24k)

Is a lock to win something this TT day with many believing he is the red hot favourite to win the worst name award. As much of a joke his name is, I think we should all take this fellow seriously. Bred to run long on dirt, he has opened his career in incredible fashion with a barnstorming win in a 10.5f maiden posting a 91 SP but winning in a canter. Last time out he proved that he will figure in this race with a 101 SP at 12f for 3^rd whilst making up ground late.

The big shame with his colt is that he is stepping up massively in class and after just two starts he won’t be 100% ready to show his best. That is yet to come and he will be a big chance to win this race in 2017 as long as this big challenge doesn’t terminate the young colt…..

 

Rays (Spectrum x Samum x Pikepass)                                                                                     Captain Nog

33/13-11-3 ($347k)

Acquired at auction by Captain Nog on behalf of that crazy cat owner Daralphy Duckworth-Lewis, this 4yo colt has run in just two allowance races in his thirty three starts with all other races below this level. Looks as if a few of these horses will be far too good for him however good form is good form so he won’t be an absolute failure. This will be the colts first race for the Hawk43 stable and I don’t think he will add to his $347,000 in earnings here. At least Daralphy didn’t pay $45 for this one….. (Too soon)?

 

 

Peate Avenue (Street Cry x Blevic x Sir Tristram)                                                                               Juan de Conte

36/7-6-8 ($208k)

Trained by The Cartel for BwuceX…. That’s where the warm and fuzzy stuff finishes. This horse has less chance of winning this race than his owner going 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. (Just in case you missed it, BwuceX is a weedy ponce with a pathetically small chest)….. 7yo horse that would look more at home in a glue factory than in the Conglomerate’s longest dirt race against Graded level 12f guns. Kinda cute they have entered him really……

 

 

Stacks On (Medicean x Undue Cause (SW))                                                                         Captain Nog

6/1-2-0 ($59k)

The first ever run on dirt for this 3yo colt who is out of a 9f dirt ungraded stakes winning mare. Has been average on turf so far and will need to explode to life on dirt if he is to run top half of this field. Unfortunately for The Cartel, this colt hasn’t been ‘stacking on’ any ability……

 

Waddamisteak (O’Reilly x Ela-Mana-Mou x Sunday Silence)                                         Juan de Conte

18/3-0-3 ($37k)

Claimed by The Cartel on behalf of their biggest owner BwuceX in August and immediately slit off his nuts. Great move that may just save this 4yo horse from finishing last. Previous owners bred him to run long on dirt but never gave him the opportunity??? One thing I think is almost certain on TT day is that The Cartel will be looking at each other after this race saying…………… Waddamistake…….. Boom!

 

 

Well folks that’s a wrap! Time for the tips……

1. Don’t bet on a Cartel horse
2. Tell Lefranse after the race that Novak Should have run in the Rumskull
3. Congratulate Aggulotto on winning three in a row @ 12f dirt races on TT day…

 

Horse tips:

1. Bobbsy Babes
2. Hollyifyahearme
3. Novak Attack

Smokey – Blichmann