Ackland Cup Sees Spreadout Field
The Ackland Cup, a 2 mile route, ended with a record time and a wide spread out field. First, the winner set a stakes record for time running this G1 event in 3:28. It was an easy thing to do, since this was the first time the Ackland Cup was run, so we’d see a track record established here either way.
K’s Zarak had everything go his way in this race and made an easy game of capturing the cup. The win was the 14th of his career and brought his earnings to over $3.1 million. K’s Zarak took a nice comfortable position early in the second spot, coasting easily about 2 lengths off Alzwell who set the pace. Just before the mile marker, K’s Zarak was urged by Jockey Inzamam and easily powered his way to the front. From there, K’s Zarak cruised to the wire, never being challenged in a speed of 108, rewarding backers a nice $17.50 win price. (K’s Zarak was my top selection)
Not So Cheap took up a good position early on, sitting back in the fifth spot, abourt 4 lengths from the front spot for most of the race. Not So Cheap finished second in his graded stake debut, proving he can compete at this level, boasting a speed of 105.
The Oil Rules All got up just in time to take the show spot. This was his first 2 mile race and he closed from 12th and also proved that he can handle this distance.
Finishing forth was Tilt A Wheel, one of two girls running in this race. She stumbled out of the gate, and trailed early on, spotting up to 15 lengths. She rallied late and very hard coming up short by 5 3/4 lengths, managing to post a speed of 103.
Not So Kool Aid looked competitive early on, running third a few lengths off the top spot. After the 3/4 pole, Not So Kool Aid started to tire and gave up positioning to stronger late closing horses. He was my second choice and ended up in the fifth spot.
Shacklebolt continued to have his problems in the graded company. He ran in the middle of the field for virtually the entire race…and ended there too, taking the 6th spot.
The field spread out from here, as Shacklebolt ended 10 lengths behind the winner. From here, the 7th spot went to Awesome Bambino whe never got into the race. He looked to be overmatched by some of the more experienced graded stake runners.
Holdo crossed the wire with Awesom Bambino, some 18 strides back. Holdo finished with a speed of 97 which was a drop from the 100 level he normally performs at. He ran near the lead early on and was 5th by the third call. From this point, he gave up 10 lengths and dropped back into the 8th spot as the well beaten 4-1 favorite.
Paul the Apostle had no blessings in this race. He ran towards the rear of the field the entire race and lost 10 lengths in the final quarter mile finishing a well back 9th.
The 10th spot went to Muggsy, who despite running 13th for almost the whole race, managed to pass some badly tiring horses to take this spot.
Maadly got caught up in the middle of the field early on but turned out not to be a factor in the race as she steadily dropped back. She was unable to keep pace with the speed in the race hurting her efforts.
Footsteps on Grass ran a competitive 6th up until the mile marker. At that point, he hit a wall and dropped way back finishing 12th.
Fezzene was a disappointment to me as my 3rd selection. He does have a record of being inconsistant with his speed numbers and coming off his last, I felt he would put in a much superior effort then he did. I had tore up my losing wagers on him, found a trash can, and tossed them out before he crossed the finish line.
Alzwell saw every position in the race. He took off as the early leader and after the 7 furlongs, dropped all the way to last, hitting every position briefly in between. He was outclassed in the race, but it was nice to see him being in front of this field for a while.