10 Run In The Grade II Archibald Primrose Classic
10 runners line up for this valuable graded race, a field that includes a real superstar in Sim terms. Surprisingly not many of these have run up against each other so far this year so there’s not a lot of 1 on 1 form to go by so it looks a tough one to call. The runners are:
Cortez(IRE)
Trainer: slipknot22
(High Chaparral (IRE) x Conquistador Cielo x Foolish Tanner)
Odds: 4/1 Earnings: 3,219,610 Runs/Wins: 34/12
A 5yo scratch bred horse from Tequila Mockingbird. This horse has won more in prize money than the rest of the runners put together thanks to some outstanding races as a 3yo – winning G1-Mick Dittman, G3-Theregoesmyhereo Stakes, G1- Sydney Derby, G1-Adelaide
Empire Starter(ENG)
Trainer: snappa
(Rainbow Quest x
Odds: 8/1 Earnings: 132,048 Runs/Wins: 8/4
A 4yo colt from Snappa Racing Syndicate and based on a D class horse. A lightly raced colt that looks to be brimming with talent, and looks like he will be a monster over two miles if he should move up to that distance. Hasn’t had the happiest of runs in graded races as a 3yo but as he grows in stature will certainly put that right before too long. I suspect he and Cortez will be close to each other throughout the race waiting for the right moment to attack the leaders.
Trainer: sdmfclaims
(Fantastic Light x Vice Regent x Halo)
Odds: 16/1 Earnings: 138,195 Runs/Wins: 15/4
A 4yo scratch bred colt from Black label Stables. A promising youngster who had a very easy allowance win in his only race this year, easily beating Clairaudience(KY) into 2nd place. Hasn’t won too often and has yet to make his breakthrough in the big races, which is a worry, but in time will be a horse to be reckoned with. Maybe it’s just a bit too early in his career to expect too much this time out.
Naga King(KY)
Trainer: gonzo2
(Crafty Prospector x Nureyev x Secreto)
Odds: 20/1 Earnings: 94,336 Runs/Wins: 8/3
A 4yo colt from Ace Stables – RASH Division and bred from an F class mare. He may be the outsider of the race but he put in a terrific performance in his only run of the year so far and can by no means be written off. He took a while to lose his maiden tag but has progressed well since and it’s only his relative inexperience that may send a note of caution to potential backers.
Clairaudience(KY)
Trainer: nane
(Eavesdropper x Stage Door Johnny x Viceregal)
Odds: 18/1 Earnings: 152,131 Runs/Wins: 17/3
A 4yo scratch bred filly from Nane Pastures. One of two fillies in the race and a reasonable one at that, she’s put in some handy performances in the past but she was easily beaten by Motor City Madman(JPN)last time and probably needs to find quite a bit of improvement to compete with some of the others here. She’d probably want to be near the front in the opening stages but may just struggle for pace.
Elvis Victory(AUS)
Trainer: dirtranch3
(Elvstroem (AUS) x Victory Gallop x Kingmambo)
Odds: 8/1 Earnings: 241,368 Runs/Wins: 15/6
A 4yo colt from Liddleski Empire and bred from a G class mare. A colt from one of the largest owners in the sim, he has been pretty successful in Stakes races as a 3yo but came up short in his only graded run, being tailed off in last place. He does seem to have recovered from that so if he’s on top form he will be a real danger, tracking the leaders in his usual predatory style. Elvis is in the building so the rest of the field will have to be very much on their guard.
Stunning Blow(IRE)
Trainer: latte
(Theatrical(IRE) x Blushing Groom(FR) x Nijinsky II)
Odds: 7/2 Earnings: 434,775 Runs/Wins: 23/7
A 5yo scratch bred horse from Toplight Stables. A very consistent runner who really should have won more runs than he has so far. Having said that his only race of the year was an owner restricted stakes race, in which he trotted up in impressive form, so maybe he will put that right this year. I doubt he will find this an easy run as he is yet another one who likes to lie slightly off of the pace – and it will be very crowded.
Circle Of Solace(KY)
Trainer: weller1
(Awesome Again x A.P. Indy x Nijinsky II)
Odds: 3/1 Earnings: 352,492 Runs/Wins: 16/8
A 4yo scratch bred colt from Deadinthelane Stables. The favourite comes into this race in sparkling for just now but may suffer from a lack of pace in the early stages. Though he has made the running himself in the past that may not be the best option in a field with such devastating finishers, so his trainer and jockey may have a slight dilemma on their hands. The only solace is that on paper at least he can win this – the problem is this race is on turf not paper.
Valyrian(IRE)
Trainer: devil01
(Galileo (IRE) x Nureyev x Never Say Die)
Odds: 10/1 Earnings: 493,570 Runs/Wins: 11/5
A 4yo scratch bred colt from Galileo Stables. The second filly in the race comes here hoping for a hat-trick of wins after a couple of comfortable allowance victories this year. She may be forced into being the hare of the race early on and I am not convinced she has the stamina to hold off the chasing pack over the last furlong. I am sure she will perform well but that may not be enough on this occasion.
New Forge Bargain
Trainer: sozzled
(Fort Wood x Quest For Fame(GB) x Loft)
Odds: 7/1 Earnings: 202,785 Runs/Wins: 18/5
A 5yo scratch bred horse from Jacklad Empire. A horse whose best runs seem to have come over 10 furlongs and who has had a terrible 2008 so far, failing to earn a cheque in any of his 3 races. He’ll probably take an early lead but looks a bit like an accident waiting to happen, so we can only hope his confidence isn’t too dented and that he can regain some form and improved results in the near future.
Summary
I have to mention Cortez(IRE) here because he comes from a stable I originally registered – although sadly I parted with it long before he was bred – but it’s still good to see he’s done so well. Sadly I doubt that he will play too much of a part in this race unless he can turn the clock back and perform somewhere near his best. That leaves a number of runners capable of winning this but due to his recent phenomenal form I’ll go for the favourite Circle Of Solace(KY).