AB FAB result for ELIXIR Sprint
At last the review for the GRADE 1 ELIXIR SPRINT, the final event on the card in Kentucky, is here, after some technical difficulties.
This race shapes up as a huge test for a few up and comers, who, on paper look tested against some of the top ranked dirt sprinters in the Sim.
PP1 IN BBOR (IRE) ID#12296 racing4lif 23/1
Very capable Allowance class galloper, taking a steep rise in class to a Grade 1 here. Used the Watson’s Bungholes Challenge Stakes as a steping stone to this, and finished a handy 4th, although struggled to get within 4 lengths of the leaders throughout. Prior to that he won 4 from 5 Allowance starts. Has improved since making the switch to dirt mid-career, and has topped SP#100 at his last 3 runs, but may be outclassed.
PP2 MYLEDE (IRE) ID#89736 ets9 8/1
5yo Grand Lodge brown horse who has won half of his 8 starts for the ets9 stable, including the Grade 3 Smart School Cap last month. His front running tactics have brought about new found recent success, and proves he has some early gate speed which will be a must for this race. However, considering his first rate SP#s have all been at distances in excess of a mile (up to 10f), the drop back to a 6f sprint is a major concern. This is an opportunity to show his versitility – or lack thereof, whichever the case may be on race day.
PP3 CRYPTO FLOW ID#30618 kyclocker 13/1
Million dollar winning horse who has had a rare form slump at his last 2 starts, and is looking to turn it around here. Couldn’t keep up last time out in this class over the same distance, when finished almost 9 lengths behind second placed SAMOTH, who he faces again here today. Was a Grade 1 winner as a 3yo and has been close up in most performances at the elite level, with the exception of his latest 2, but he is capable of an upset.
PP4 BARNY THE DRUNK ID#44226 exceller 16/1
Following 2 impressive runs in his new stable, BARNY makes the jump straight from a restricted Allowance to a Grade 1. Had some mixed fortunes at the end of last year when he ran in 4 listed stakes races, but was able to take one home with an SP#108. He is best suited to a midfield position and with some luck in the stretch he could be finishing on, and is a rough place chance at odds.
PP5 DELIGENCE ID#101779 julie 8/1
Was well placed last start in the Sand Castle Golden Sprint, but just didn’t finish it off for a rare miss. He had hit the board at his previous 7 starts, all in listed and graded stakes races. Has early speed and will pressure for the lead from the gate, and his top 10 ranking in dirt sprints suggests he is one of the main chances. Look for him to bounce back.
PP6 CAT OF THE TAIL ID#93247 graywold3 24/1
Mad the step up to a Grade 3 last time following a solid listed win in Texas, but was not up to the class. Trainer, graywolf3, brings him down in distance where he has had varying success in the past. He looks a capable sort, but would prefer to see him over more ground, as a few of these are likely to have a bit too much speed. Place best.
PP7 DIVINE INSPIRATION ID#44135 win 20/1
Another trying his luck back in distance after good results over the longer journeys, this son of Pulpit did not appreciate the off track in the Count Fingers Sprint, G3 last start. He lines up here a little out of sorts, trying to recapture the form that saw him take out the LA Derby over 10f last year. Despite his genuine ability, he is probably more likely to return to his best in something easier, but at 20/1 and almost $1m in prizemoney, he looks a good long shot bet for a place.
PP8 CYBORG SID ID#94736 li3 6/1
Still chasing his first Graded win, SID gets one of his best chances here, lining up with the share of equal favouritism and coming off a 5 week break. His latest form has been competitive without winning, so he’ll be looking to turn that around with a drop back from his more typical distances of 7 – 7.5 furlongs. At his best he is up to topping SP#s of 113, so has a stack of talent, and will be prominant throughout.
PP9 FAME AND FORTUNE ID#23843 lenny11 6/1
Another of the equal favourites in the morning line, this Danehill horse has found some rare form, with only one run from his last 10 registering an SP# of less than 100. Took home the Watson’s Bunghole Challenge Stakes last time when he burst clear before the home turn and was too quick to run down. If he can put it together again as he did in that race, he shapes up as one of the main dangers here, and capable jockey, D Sherman (11%) takes the ride. Great chance.
PP10 SAMOTH ID#103459 jtlincoln 9/1
Distance specialist who ran a blinder last start in the Sand Castle Golden Sprint to finish second. His back marking style doesn’t see him win too many, but he is always exciting to watch as he finishes his races off with eye catching sprints to the line. His excellent result in a top class race last time out signals he is on the verge of a big win, and this looks like an ideal race for him. Watch for him to be getting by most of the field in the stretch.
PP11 AB FAB !D#96965 dolphinman 6/1
The third of the morning line favourites, this monster comes back to the track after more than 2 months off. No stranger to the winners circle in a Grade 1 event, he is the best credentialled runner in the field, with a dirt sprint ranking of 2. Has only missed the board once in a race under a mile, and can win from any position. Look for him to be settling back towards the rear, and coming home strongly. The one to beat.
PP12 SHADES OF GOLD ID#23959 pg53 14/1
Put together 3 in a row prior to his last start failure when stepping up to Graded company. His most recent win in the Phoenix Project Stakes with an SP#110 and a 3.5 length margin suggests he could be a new sensation. His last run is a bit of a concern, but if you forget that one blemish, he shapes up as a more than handy type who could surprise here.
PP13 REXTON ID#34256 arthurs 10/1
Was too good for a fairly weak stakes field last time, when started the short priced favourite and led from gate to wire. Meets some much better opposition here and will need to be at his peak to register a similar result. He does seem to run his best races over this distance, with his most recent 6f start returning a listed race victory with an SP# of 107. Hasn’t quite got the class of a few of his rivals, but he is a worthy contender in an open race, and will be in the mix for a long way.
PP14 DEPRAVITY ID#97567 funster 8/1
Flew home last start in the Sand Castle Godofin Mile to just fall short when got back almost 15 lengths from the lead. Despite his impressive results over longer journeys, his record in the sprints is still good, but won’t be able to afford this line up such a big start if he is going to trouble them for the win. Won a Grade 2 event at this track and distance as a juvenile, and will be another late swooper who will be dive bombing the leaders on the line.
Selections
1st – AB FAB
2nd – SAMOTH
3rd – FAME AND FORTUNE
other main dangers –
DEPRAVITY, CYBORG SID, DELIGENCE