Nationwide Stakes 2011

Hi all and welcome to Ireland for the Nationwide Stakes. This race was first run in 2001 and until 2009 it was a group 1 race, so for anyone that knows anything about racing knows this is a big race. So now for some history, R Flint is the only jockey that has won this race more than once, but he hasn’t picked up a ride all day. The first 2 winners both had very close finishes, and the last 2 winners have been favourites. Z Kentucky is leading the jockey challenge this year and has got a smart horse under him today. A Reed who won the first Nationwide Stakes has also got a good chance with his mount INPAKUTO(JPN). No matter what we are in for a great race and may the best horse win.

Race: Nationwide Stakes (11th Running)
Class: Grade II (group2)
Distance: Seven furlongs (1400m)
Track Info: Firm Turf
Prize Money: $500,000
Restrictions: All horses, 2 years old

Previous Winners:
2001: TOO MUCH GROUND 91 $6.30 toplight A Reed
2002: WOODEN HEAD 97 $8.00 timmy2 P Jetter
2003: CHIEF STALLION 93 $8.70 ferdinand C Feller
2004: VALAMAR 97 $8.50 jbfarms R Flint
2005: NORTHERN CHANT 90 $5.30 jockeymax1 B Barnes
2006: LIFEFORCE(IRE) 90 $7.50 lenny3 R Flint
2007: CREZZINO(ENG) 88 $6.40 allvindy M Russell
2008: KIFFER(ENG) 89 $9.30 zambaygo2 C Rice
2009: EMPIRE DREAMER(ENG) 84 $2.30 bbudgies7 R Inch
2010: GONE FOR GIMLETS(JPN) 92 $1.50 skunkfeed Z Kentucky

And Now for this years field

PP#1 165329 INCREDIBLE PHENOM(KY) tg1 E C Doyle $12
Starts:3:2-0-0
Money:$28,980
Last 5 Starts: 911s

This FUSAICHI PEGASUS colt is coming off a spell, and is hoping the rest will give him more chances of winning this. One start at this class for a win, but first start over the distance and at this track. I think a each-way chance for him.

PP#2 139699 OVERINDULGENCE(KY) udhens M Fontain $3.5
Starts:3:1-1-0
Money:$43,029
Last 5 Starts: 512

This SMART STRIKE colt is our early favourite. Hasn’t been tried at this class, but is producing some good speeds. His last start was in an NW2L allowance at Japan over 1600m where it might have been a bit to far for him. Is the favourite and is a big shot here.

PP#3 17471 GHOST GREMLIN(JPN) themainman M Bulford $13
Starts:2:1-1-0
Money:$41,055
Last 5 Starts: 21

This VERMILION colt is the long shot of the race, but was brought in the auction for over 2 million a couple of months ago. So far he has been good and his last start win was more than impressive. I guess you have to take this one at your own risk.

PP#4 193214 SOME KINDA DANCER(IRE) vinery R Inch $4
Starts:1:1-0-0
Money:$13,980
Last 5 Starts: 1

This SHAMARDAL colt has had only one start for a win. His win was over 1300m in a maiden at Sweden, and he is the second favourite here. Must be considered a big danger to the favourite.

PP#5 52513 TRACE WOLF(PA) targetfarm M Russell $8
Starts:6:2-1-0
Money:$35,636
Last 5 Starts: 29511

This SMARTY JONES colt has found form on turf at his last 2 starts. He is coming from the US in hope to take the next step by winning a stakes race. I think this one could go either was, but a place chance is best I think.

PP#6 82406 TRUE CHAMPS(ENG) 7heaven Z Kentucky $5
Starts:4:2-2-0
Money:$117,780
Last 5 Starts: 2112

This CHAMPS ELYSEES (GB) colt is definately a class runner. His last start in the G2-The Rich Man was a very good run when he finished second in that race. He will be hard to beat here and my money is going on him.

PP#7 55529 MINED(JPN) digginin N Schreiber $6
Starts:5:2-0-1
Money:$44,980
Last 5 Starts: 11370

This CAME HOME colt started his racing career with a bang, but his last 2 starts have been dissapointing. Has won at this class and is going down in class here, so wouldn’t be suprised to see him bounce back here.

PP#8 171469 SEEKING BLOOD(KY) redhill3 P Jetter $8
Starts:3:2-0-1
Money:$51,480
Last 5 Starts: 131

This HEATSEEKER (IRE) colt has started off well, but this will be a step up in class. His last start was a good allowance win over 1600m and must be considered a place chance here.

PP#9 43630 INPAKUTO(JPN) socko A Reed $4.5
Starts:5:2-0-0
Money:$87,620
Last 5 Starts: 11458

This DEEP IMPACT colt started his racing career with 2 wins, but since than he has raced in some group races for no result. He is stepping down in class and has got the track experience with his last start been here. Has the talented A Reed on his back and will go close to winning this.

My Tips:
PP#6 82406 TRUE CHAMPS(ENG)
PP#2 139699 OVERINDULGENCE(KY)
PP#9 43630 INPAKUTO(JPN)

So there we have it good luck to all the runners.