Good Runners but Kirby’s Best? I Think Not…

Two miles here today in this G1 and there are a few good runners here which have the chance to certainly take this one, shake it all around, slap it a bit and walk away with a win.  Then there are runners like Kirby’s Best Yet which just leaves you thinking if this is the best what is the worst?  Regardless we have a somewhat decent field, the crowds are here, the drinks are flowing and Im stuck writing this last minute article.  Have a look, have a punt but by all means enjoy yourself!

1 GREAT AWAKENING(IRE)

Record: 15-6-3-1
Owner: megabps
Jockey: O Rann
Odds: 8/1

This 4yo out of Galileo(IRE) has never run on a dirt track which has absolutely nothing to do with this race as this race is on a turf track.  His last race was a bit of a shocker but it was a yielding track which just goes to prove he absolutely hates the mud.  No mud today which is all good and well but even so he is going to be doing this one tough today at Grade II level.  He has looked good at Stakes level recently – in fact that was his last win 3 runs back over 16 furlongs. And he has run a 2nd place finish in a G3 so there is hint of hope for him here.  Only a hint mind you as he has only started to come into form in the last couple of races particularly on the speed ratings.  Even chance though to finish top 3.

    
2 DANZA MACABRA(KY) 

Record: 32-14-6-3
Owner: shadowclaw
Jockey: T Mooney
Odds: 5/1    

Two wins on the run here now for this 5yo out of Theatrical(IRE). Now this horse has had some seriously big winning margins including 10 1/2 lengths on his last race on an off track!  That’s a pretty massive lead crossing for the win. His previous run was also a win at Allowance level by over 6 lengths so the other runners to be careful with this one – if he gets away he will be very hard to catch.  Still this is much harder than an allowance race. Has run in Graded company before but not since March of this year.

3 LEFT ALL ALONE(ENG)

Record: 32-9-6-1
Owner: wonder5
Jockey: P Chamberlin
Odds: 4/1

Having only picked up this mare recently, she has been run in 3 allowance races since for 2 wins and a second place finish with speeds all at 100 or better over 12, 13 and 14 furlongs. Her last run was signifcantly harder at G3 level over 16 furlongs where she finished a slowly closing 5th with a speed of 100. This will be yet harder for her again at G2 plus she is against the boys. Keep her at Stakes level until she is ready for this grade – then again she might totally surprise me and win as she does have some speed lurking there.
   
4 IN THE HUNT CH(IRE)

Record: 38-10-7-2
Owner: chevry
Jockey: F Inzamam
Odds: 7/1    

In the hunt alright here after coming off a win at G3 in The Gladiator over 16 furlongs.  Distance no problem and he led from start to finish in his last race.  Probably his best result for some time and needs to continue with that form today.  The only issue if there is one is the lack of speed he has been showing – the jockey will certainly need to get a lot more out of him here to have a good chance of holding them off at the end.

5 BOROMIR(IRE)

Record: 21-4-4-7
Owner: ceclaim9
Jockey: GD Mate 
Odds: 6/1

Distance absolutely no problem for this colt out of High Chaparral(IRE) as he is struggling to hit top gear over 16 furlongs.  Two miles again today for him – really hope the jockey can either wind him up earlier or even try to force him to lead early on as he has plenty of juice in the tank to run this race out.  Look for him closing down the inside in the final straight – probably be a couple of lengths off the winner as he crosses.
   
6 PARADISE ROVER(KY)

Record: 22-7-2-2
Owner: sparadise
Jockey: M Margolf
Odds: 4/1    

His last race although a win was on dirt so doesn’t really apply here other than his confidence levels in crossing first.  Certainly seems to have fallen out of touch on the turf after running a good in fact excellent speed of 107 over 12 furlongs in an allowance race in May.  Looks far far better on the dirt – Id certainly keep him on there for big results – easily could run Stakes or better on that type of track. You can lead a horse to turf but you can’t make him run on it!

7 KIRBY’S BEST YET(KY)

Record: 50-18-10-5
Owner: kingkirby
Jockey: T Rharfoman
Odds: 5/1    

Kirby’s best yet?  Hmmm you must be like me with a whole stableful of nags if this is the best one.   Still this one looks alright although doubtful whether he can hold off the closers over this distance.  Looks to be slightly beyond his running length although he has won over this distance in saying that at Stakes level.  Probably find this too hard though for the win although very well rated to get a top 3 finish.  Place money would be best for this one.

8 SLIGHTLY SPUN(KY)

Record: 22-7-5-4
Owner: fastracing 
Jockey: T Childress
Odds: 9/2

This one looks fine so very very fine, in form and ready to have a dash at this level.  Is coming off 2 wins in a row and 4 wins in his last 6 races all I must say though at Allowance level.  Is taking the jump straight to G2 here bypassing the normal stepping stone of Stakes or G3.  Will it be too hard for him?  We will find out but he is on song, he does have good speed all over 100 and the distance is no issue at all.  Be a fine way to win today with this one.