Small field in the Halo Indy
Small field here for the Halo Indy Memorial Stakes race in South Carolina. Decent distance at a mile and three eighths on what is rated as a fast dirt course. Purse of $55,000 where the four 3yo’s and up runners will be contesting for the major prize.
(The race is named after the Halo Indy horse who had 7 starts for 2 wins – one of those being a Stakes level race. Earnings of $89,994 in those 7 races. Sunny’s Halo x Nureyev x Sovereign Dancer)
Now to the 4 starters who are hoping to take away the majority of that prize money and add the Halo Indy Memorial trophy to their cabinet:
1. Marmelo (IRE) – trained by jayjay – V Webb riding – Odds of 4/5
Clearly the out and out favourite in this race with those odds. This 5yo out of Refuse To Bend (IRE) is coming off an impressive spate of four consecutive wins. Three of those wins were Stakes level with the fourth being in Allowance company. Loves this distance and has been extending his lead in each race with some great speed ratings of 111, 107 and 105 in those wins. Has V Webb on board who is an experienced rider and knows how to win. Good form, experienced jockey and a talented horse – couple that with the talented knowledge of trainer jayjay and we have a sure winner here. Hard to go past this one. In fact I recommend you dont – put all your money on this one folks.
2. Sudden Dancer – trained by pogwillck- Be Dixon riding – Odds of 5/1
Out of Sudden Thunder x Fusaichi Pegasus x Northern Dancer. Now that is an impressive line. Earnings of over $100,000 and coming off an uncontested win at Allowance level by three lengths over 11 furlongs. 7 wins out of 22 outings with 6 of those wins coming on the dirt. Very lightly raced for a 5yo. One of the roughies at 5/1!! Will need a good run though to finish over top of the favourite. Small field so will have to make the most of every chance. Trainer will be dancing if he does come in!
3. BrightFire (IRE) – trained by asoiaf – M Mickson riding – Odds of 5/1
Out of El Prado (IRE), this 4yo dark grey colt is also very well bred and looking to break the favourite here and have the Halo Indy Memorial trophy in his cabinet back home on the ranch. Had a very good run back in March with a speed rating of 108. Since then though it has been pretty much disappointing and eventually was put back in the Allowance racing. Last time out was a win and the trainer is hoping he will make the step back into Stakes as well as in form. Can definitely win this just needs a good run and that good form back. Lets hope he makes a race of it.
4. Andrew John (KY) – trained by sonofaus – M Epps riding – Odds of 7/5
The other favourite in this small field on the tote is Andrew John out of A.P. Indy. Not too sure why he is called Andrew John – you’ll have to talk to the trainer for the story behind the name and Im sure there is one as there is for every other horse both here as well as in real life. Only 12 races for this 4yo with 5 wins all on dirt. Earnings just shy of $200k and a recent win in the French Under Riffs Challenge over 11 furlongs. Speed of 113 that day and winning by 3 lengths. Do that again here and he should be crossing first. Fail and he will be finishing last as it is a fairly close and tight field. Should be pushing for the lead though you would think.
Small field then folks so really anyone of these four can take it out. In saying that though it is very very hard to go past the favourite in Marmelo(IRE). I just can’t see him getting beat here today. Second I think will be Andrew John (KY) as long as he gets a good run and pushes early. Third will be Sudden Dancer who may well push these two frontrunners. Wouldnt surprise me. Good luck to all the runners as well as all the punters hoping to go home with a big stash of cash. As am I!!!!