G1 Allied Assault Handicap Review
As the starter mounted his platform to let them go in the $2,000,000 G1 Allied Assault Handicap, there was an eerie feeling that this race may be the last time that the legend Horseshoe Bay competes in the sim. As the multiple G1 winners and those aspiring to greater heights came into line, everyone was on the edge of their seats to see just which horse would get the leading position and just what pace the race would be run at.
The start – 4 furlongs:
Lex Luthor jumped ahead of the field but not at his normal pace with Balerion taking a sit off him and brave colt S R Awareness also stalking Lex. These three were a few lengths ahead of a close-nit bunch of five in Darkdoun, Rosenthal – who was traveling nicely, Another Tenpin Tap, Northern Gibraltar and Harrison’s Clocks.
Ottoman Turks was a lot further back than usual with the jockey indicating that something wasn’t quite right with his action. Following him another couple of lengths back were Galactic Bomber and Rural Law, who was off the bit and not traveling well. Jazztown, Horseshoe Bay and the only female in the field in Kneel Before Zod were all well over ten lengths off the lead.
Mid race – the stretch:
Lex continued to bowl along but was feeling the pressure of being stalked so closely by Balerion as he usually opens up a far greater lead. S R Awareness was traveling better than expected and was within a length but looked to be tiring slightly. Although drifting back a little, Rosenthal looked perfectly placed and was just over three lengths off with Another Tenpin Tap cruising with Rosenthal. Darkdoun and Northern Gibraltar did not look as comfortable and were fading gradually and so to Harrison’s Clocks.
Ottoman Turks was obviously in some trouble as rider P Wright did as Stoners would have wanted for his gun 4yo colt and began to pull him up. This was a shame as Ottoman Turks was probably in the top 5 turf routers (form wise) in the sim. Galactic Bomber and Rural Law never looked interested in running today and both continued to fade back but Jazztown and Horseshoe Bay were a different story as both began to rally when the pressure came on. Game filly Kneel Before Zod certainly had a job ahead of her with a 22 length gap looking an impossibility to recover from.
In the stretch:
Rosenthal moved up to head both Balerion, Lex Luthor and S R Awareness, with Another Tenpin Tap also really hitting his stride as the pair strode clear. Rosenthal looked to have Another Tenpin Tap’s measure whilst Jazztown gave almost every horse in the field wind burn as he rattled through the pack like a freight train. Horseshoe was missing his turn of foot and couldn’t accelerate as quickly but was still making ground as Lex and Balerion held on gamely watching all their hard work turn sour. Galactic Bomber ran on marginally but S R Awareness and Northern Gibraltar were simply outclassed and dropping back rapidly. Rural Law, who never looked happy also continued to give ground up, whilst Darkdoun and Harrison’s Clocks were gone.
On the line:
Rosenthal was driving home with O A Haack aboard riding hands and heels to collect the winners loot of 1.2 million dollars. Running a 2:28 4/5, Rosenthal showed he is a force to be reckoned with next year as he easily eclipsed the 2:30 mark set by Confederacy last year who beat Sunnybank Memorial, Horseshoe Bay, Puppet Regime and Director.
Another Tenpin Tap was a great run for 2nd place and also looks great for next year. This was the fifth time he has run either 2nd or 3rd in a G1 this year and conbined with his first G1 win and two listed stakes wins this year, it is fair to say he has had a giant killing 2007.
Cinderella story Jazztown continued his amazing career to fly home and nab 3rd place in what was by far the best run of his strange career. Running as if he is half his age, Jazztown will be interesting to watch next year as a 9yo.
Others of note were Lex Luthor in 4th who is at the end of an enormous year and a Christmas break will do him the world of good before another massive year as a 5yo.
5yo war horse Balerion battled gamely with the champ up front and given will be very proud of him. Although he is 6yo next year, Balerion is still going as good as ever and if anyone knows how to handle a 6yo gun, given has the results that speak for themselves.
Legend Horseshoe looked slower than usual and rumors of a possible retirement run rampant with many in the media industry keen to get a few minutes with his trainer Texasace. 6th place and posting a 105 SP in a $2,000,000 G1 is better than 99.95% of horses in the game but after a career that needs a special article to cover it, Horseshoe and texasace will have to relax back at the Lone Star Racing Stables and decide on their next move.
That’s the wrap folks, a very good race with a very good horse winning it ahead of some future hall of famers.
Have a great Christmas all…..
Lado