WILL IT BE A HARD VICTORY
The Land Of The Rising Sun, Japan again plays host to a super race that sees horses competing for a massive purse this week. On this occasion it is the annual running of the Kinsho Kho Classic Grade II, worth a whopping $1,200,000. The race is for all horses 3yo and up and is over the picturesque mile and a quarter turf course at the Japan racecourse. There were eight acceptances for the event so let’s chek them out.
1 – PERFECT STRANGER(KY) – malekfarms – 5/1
(GIANT’S CAUSEWAY (IRE) x MISWAKI x PLEASANT COLONY)
K Ledwith ( 358 – 89 – 67 – 53 – 25% )
A winner of eight from twenty one career starts who specialises at this distance and is no stranger to the top level. Led for a long way last time out before finishing third at Grade III level. Was a Grade II winner over this trip five starts back when storming home from back in the field. Does have the services of K Ledwith which is a huge bonus. Not without his share of hopes in this.
2 – ETERNIUM(KY) – luckydaze – 12/1
(MINESHAFT x EL PRADO(IRE) x KALANISI (IRE))
D Davis ( 132 – 12 – 11 – 8 – 9% )
Had performed very well in allowance races with three recent wins before making the step up to stakes racing in his last three outings. He finished second at his first attempt but has struggled in his subsequent outings which were easier fields than this. May be tested in this race.
3 – SHIMMERING LIGHT(IRE) – cocoabeach – 7/1
(MANDURO x HENNESSY x SHIRLEY HEIGHTS(GB))
W Lloyd ( 113 – 17 – 13 – 17 – 15% )
Boasts a nice strike rate with five wins from fifteen outings albeit mainly in allowance company. He won convincingly last time out over 9 furlongs in an allowance and has earned a crack at stakes level at the very least on the credence of that performance. Should race on the speed and will make his own luck. Rough chance.
4 – RED FOG(KY) – bigspruce – 3/1
(SEEKING THE GOLD x THEATRICAL(IRE) x DANZIG)
G Arnold ( 344 – 61 – 67 – 56 – 18% )
An extremely precocious 4yo colt who looks to be the real deal. Finished 3rd over this trip last start at Grade 1 level. Bolted in in a fourteen furlong event the start before at Grade 2 level as well. Ran an SP# of 114 last time out and looks to keep improving each time he appears at the track. He is a huge chance here.
5 – CAPTAIN BREES(KY) – lilfrenchy – 4/1
(FUSAICHI PEGASUS x DEPUTY MINISTER x ALYDAR)
L Fenner ( 78 – 8 – 9 – 13 – 10% )
Made it seven career wins in style last time out when saluting in a 9.5 furlong stakes event. He produced an SP# or 107 in the process too. Ran a similar eye catching run when winning an allowance three starts back on top of that which suggests he is racing well. If he can find that little bit extra he may surprise here, although the 4/1 quote does seem a little skinny. Chance on best efforts.
6 – GHOST DANCERS(KY) – super22 – 7/1
(GHOSTZAPPER x KINGMAMBO x DANEHILL)
R Duffy ( 65 – 8 – 8 – 7 – 12% )
Set tongues wagging last start after he led all the way at Grade 3 level over this distance to win by no less than nine lengths. That was in stark contrast to his fading third over the same trip the start before at stakes level. He did win well over this trip four starts back at allowance level and the only question mark is if the best of him will turn up for this race. If he does we could witness a fine front running spectacle. Take this guy on trust.
7 – HARD VICTORY(AUS) – jacklad – 4/1
(MANDURO x HENNESSY x SHIRLEY HEIGHTS(GB))
W Lloyd ( 113 – 17 – 13 – 17 – 15% )
This is the only female in the race and she Is on the crest of a winning wave of form after four consecutive victories. She has won her last 3 over this trip all at stakes level and is definitely ready for a go at a race like this one. Has won eight from twenty four and has a turf classic rank of 154. There is plenty to like about this girl, she can definitely mix it with the boys here.
8 – CREEK MAMBO(KY) – stcselur – 5/1
(KINGMAMBO x STRODES CREEK x HERBAGER)
C Roser ( 266 – 37 – 31 – 32 – 14% )
Has won three of his last four including a superb victory last time out at Grade 2 level over fourteen furlongs. Was second two starts back over this trip at stakes level and could easily go one better on that here. Loved to lead the field and could give them something to catch in this race.
So All in all a very even affair with many of these being the types who will win this if they can find their best. The big question being who is most likely to do it in this race!
I’ve gone for 7 – 4 – 8
Good Luck and Good Punting
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