The shozen one

The odds makers were spot on as the two joint favourites dominated the $50k Sir Fake Stakes at Texas, however the lack of a proven frontrunner in the line-up will probably have some form-readers questioning the validity of the result.

Wonder Shozen had been a shade unlucky on a few occasions already this term but he ran out a decisive winner here. He was able to lay up much closer to the leaders than he normally does due to the slow early pace and he bounded clear after hitting the front on the home turn. He crossed the line 2 lengths clear of his market rival, giving jockey J. Lucas his 14^th win of the year.

There was a strong word around the track for Two Storms prior to the race but the gamble failed to materialise. C. Shoemaker had his mount well positioned, sitting a few lengths behind the winner through the early stages but he couldn’t match that horse’s finishing kick. The slow early gallop probably went against him but Texas’ leading rider will probably be a bit disappointed with the result.

River Lodge ran a fine race considering the quality of the two horses that finished in front of him. He was keeping on well in the closing stages but he is getting long in the tooth now and will always be vulnerable to a younger, quicker type.

Five lengths behind the winner, Rocket Slew ran his best race for a while. He still has a bit to prove to show he is able to be competitive at this level but he has only raced sixteen times so time is on his side.

That last comment also applies to Ermington Who.. He was five lengths off the main pack at the halfway point but was making up lots of ground down the home stretch. Clearly not benefiting from the slow early pace here, he is one to keep an eye on in the future when he is granted a more truer gallop.