Stars are out in India

Welcome to India today for the Star Athlete Handicap. We have 8 horses in the paddock about to head around to post so lets take a look at the field.

1. El Industrial – 45- 10-6-2

Has been mixing his form in his past 4 runs. 2 starts ago in an allowance race he was well back early before unleashing a brillant turn of foot to run away with the prize posting a 104SP. If you can look past his mixed form then he is well worth an each way ticket.

2. Oathbound – 25- 6-3-4

Has been racing well in allowance company with his last run provided a nice win with a very good 112SP. This son of Tale Of The Cat could be one to sit in behind the speed and find his way into the placings.

3. Rum Runner – 27- 9-2-6

The 5/2 favorite for the race and looking at this light grey son of Buddha’s recent form it is easy to see why. His last run in the Grade3 Fus Gonner Handicap was brillant. Coming from well back in the field he exploded in the stretch running away to win by 1-3/4 lengths posting a 112SP. The start before he ran a 116SP running 2nd in a stakes race at Kansas.

4. Seven One Four – 15- 6-1-2

He worked his way through his classes nicely and of late has turned into a real stakes class horse. Last start in the Duke Storm Stakes he really put it all together with a barnstorming win making ground at every call before turning on the speed late to win running away posting a 117SP.

5. Youn Know Why – 13- 6-0-0

This young fellow reminds me of a line from Ricky Bobby “If your not 1st your last” as he has had 6 wins but no placings in his 13 starts. Even though his form on paper doesn’t look as good as some of his rivals he might be able to get a nice run just behind the speed and at odds of 22/1, he is definately one to consider for the trifectas.

6. King of Darkness – 17- 6-3-2

If we overlook his past 2 starts this son of Kingmambo would be in this race up to his ears. Prior to his last 2 runs he had run 2 great stakes races with a win and a second posting SP’s of 112 & 111. It is also worth noting that his trainer thought he was good enough to run in a Grade1 race not that long ago.

7. Irrational Demand – 25- 8-2-3

This son of Storm Cat is building an amazing record in recent times running 100+SP’s in all of his past 10 starts. Considering the lack of early speed if he gets a soft lead and is allowed to stride along at his leasurie then they may not be able to catch this fellow in the run home.

8.Central Lark – 26- 6-8-2

Will be racing just behind the speed in this race and if he can run up to his last start 2nd in the Grade3 Mohammed Ali Stakes where he posted a 106SP the he would also have to be considered a chance in this event. A very good horse who with luck in running could be there at the end.

Having said that my selections for the race are 4 – 7 – 3.

I hope all horse have a safe run and I wish all the trainers the best.

Chris