Italian G1 Run – Rhymes…
The DiCaprio Handicap
Grade I
One mile
Firm Turf
$500,000
All horses, 3 years old and up
Yes folks the title rhymes which is all good and fine but if thats the only reason you came in to read this article then can I politely suggest you step out and go do something else. I would prefer you came in to read this article because either 1) you were interested in the quality of the runners here or 2) you particularly like reading my articles (highly unlikely). Regardless you are here so this is the G1 race for Italy this week and a good field of 9 runners. Some absolutely pacey runners here too so should be a fast one. I like Moron Gold by a long way to win.
1 MACKINAW PEACH(KY)
Record: 25-11-3-3
Owner: wrecks2
Jockey: N Labreche
Odds: 9/2
Struggling to reach the mile range in his last 2 races at G1 and G2 level, prior to that was making the distance no problem and looked like he could even go further. Might be a touch of soreness or just a bit of fatigue btu at the moment he is struggling with the distance. Will need to be in tip top shape here to hold out for the win.
2 NOTHIN’ TO PLUNDER(IRE)
Record: 25-9-5-1
Owner: stormboot
Jockey: G Moss
Odds: 6/1
Has been in reasonable form and is certainly a Graded class horse but has also been struggling to maintain the pace and speed over the 8 furlongs. After a 2 month spell didn’t find it any easier last time out – in fact faded very very badly to finish 11th across the line. Would prefer to see him on an off track – 4 runs with 2 wins… Looks far more like a champion on that style of track.
3 MORON GOLD(KY)
Record: 34-20-3-4
Owner: perko1
Jockey: J Jubel
Odds: 3/1
Wow is all I can say. 20 wins from 34 strarts including 3 on the trot here now with 2 at Stakes level and his last at G3 over the mile with a massive speed of 119. Really starting to hit his form here with that kind of pace, this is also his debut at G1 level. Looks very much ready for it though and I would say looks the winner just on his record as well as his last race. Hard to beat here.
4 SPARTIATE(ENG)
Record: 35-7-5-5
Owner: wicked
Jockey: M McMahan
Odds: 9/1
With the first two runners in this field probably struggling to make the distance, here we have a 5yo out of Pivotal(GB) who will probably be just winding up as he passes the finish line. Has had a few races of late over the 10 furlong range and there has been asking for more room. This will be way too short for him – wants 12f and beyond. No go here.
5 THIS TIME(CAN)
Record: 23-6-7-4
Owner: eddington
Jockey: J Riggs
Odds: 7/1
With most of his career on dirt was moved over to the turf track only 3 runs ago with good success straight up with a win at Stakes level over 7.5 furlongs and a speed of 110. That was followed by a 3rd place finish in a G2 race over the mile. Last run on an off track was not good at G1 level but that may well have been the fact the track was not rated firm. Looks likely here – could certainly challenge the favourite.
6 MOON CAT(KY)
Record: 24-6-7-1
Owner: desperado4
Jockey: F Marshall
Odds: 8/1
Out of Storm Cat which is impressive in itself this colt has been getting a couple of good results at G3 level with a win, 2 2nd place and a third place finish in his last 5 races. Not sure if the mile will be just out of his range, it will definitely be at his limit I would think with most of his racing of late over 7 furlongs. Could surprise though…
7 FAMOUS HAACK(KY)
Record: 24-8-11-4
Owner: erendirax
Jockey: C Indy
Odds: 5/1
In very excellent and consistent form finishing only once out of the top 3 in his last 8 races. Does seem to prefer the 7 furlong range though – I think the mile here is going to leave him gasping for breath and running out of steam. Will lead early and then fade quite dramatically in the run to the line I would suggest.
8 CHANGING EMPIRES(KY)
Record: 29-9-4-5
Owner: sdmf
Jockey: R Perez
Odds: 7/1
Looks equally as good on an off track to the firm, in fact might even look better on the off track. Really stepping up in class here to G1 level which he hasn’t run on a firm track. Distance is ok but probably wants a tad longer. Would expect him to be closing but not close enough for the win.
9 RARE MEDAL(KY)
Record: 13-5-3-0
Owner: jrogue3
Jockey: Y Lozano
Odds: 10/1
Had a magnificent run 3 runs back with a speed of 115 at G3 over the mile for the win. Excellent run that and was followed up by another win at G2 level over 9 furlogns and a speed of 105. Ignore his last run was that was on an off track – looks in form and at 10/1 odds certainly one worth backing in my opinion. Could win this quite easily if he gets his run right.