Grade III Sussex Cap’s Local Festival
Race ID:3854.3415
Grade III Sussex Handicap
$125,000
4 Years Olds & Up
Turf: 8.5 furlongs
A capacity cowd filled the grandstand at Surrey to witness the 10th renewal of the Grade 3 Sussex Handicap and see the Royal family in a rare public appearance. A field of eleven went to post in a “wide open” affair that had the crowd buzzing with anticipation. From the outset, SILENT AND SMOOTH(IRE) finalfix2 jumped to a quick lead and began the task of creating seperation in the opening half mile. Clearly the strategy of choice, jockey Risquez continued to carve out a rapid pace, opening up a six length lead as the horses entered the far turn. Entering the stretch, the field began to gather itself for the final charge to the wire. ENCHANTERS ENDGAME(KY) alverton, who stalked the rapid pace in second throughout, now had the leader in his sights as jockey Aniel took dead aim. Several others were set down as well including third place finisher DYNA IN DUBAI(KY) desperdo, I DON’T GIVE A DAN(ENG) tyedye and ALLUMNER (deajai2). Running the fastest speed figure of his career (114), ENCHANTERS ENDGAME(KY) smashed the Sussex Handicap Stakes record with a time of 1:40:4. Place THE OIL RULES ALL (KY) tao on your “watch list” as he finished a fast closing sixth after gaining almost 9 lengths through the stretch … his rapid improvement continues.
Hladun’s Pre-Race Analysis:
ENCHANTERS ENDGAME(KY) alverton
“This strapping roan son of Badge of Silver has won eight of twelve starts and has only missed the board once in his brief career. He comes into this race off a surging win in The Clique Ralph Handicap covering today’s distance in 1:41:2 for a speed figure of 109. His lone graded effort to date came in the Grade III Haw Haw Derby where he finished a fourth on a tiring track listed as “good”. He has earned triple digit speed figures over his last seven consecutive starts and there’s no reason to expect a drop off here. A strong contender.”
SILENT AND SMOOTH(IRE) finalfix2
“Two for two as a two year old, this son of Shamardal began his three year old season with five consecutive second place finishes in allowance company. Now four, he has had some Stakes experience sprinkled onto his resume with his best finish to date being a fourth in the Grade II Jockey Club Classic on a yielding course in which he attempted to wire the field. If he can get loose it may be his best tactic today and this race has little speed to contend with.”
DYNA IN DUBAI(KY) desperado
“A roan son of Dynaformer, this four year old is riding a three race win streak. Most recently, he comes out of The Bailey Beach Challenge Stakes (GA) at today’s distance of grass covering it in a smart 1:41:1 to win going away under a hand ride. In two previous graded appearances he finished well back however, that was much earlier in his career and he is clearly not the same horse. His last race, his first as a four year old, may be signaling greater improvement on the horizon and he is the dark horse in here. Watch out!”
POST RACE NOTES:
- Nine horses in the race earned a triple digit speed figure (102-114)
- Prince Philip presented the Sussex Handicap trophy to winning connection alverton in a touching ceremony … the first Royal presentation in five years.
- ENCHANTERS ENDGAME(KY) won his 9th race in thirteen starts and first in Graded company, bringing his bankroll to $367K.
- The Swami’s selections … two out of three in the money (7-1 & 13-1)