{"id":17549,"date":"2013-12-25T22:24:54","date_gmt":"2013-12-26T03:24:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=17549"},"modified":"2013-12-29T13:55:30","modified_gmt":"2013-12-29T18:55:30","slug":"competitive-field-assembles-for-japans-g1-winter-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=17549","title":{"rendered":"Competitive Field Assembles for Japan’s G1 Winter Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

This years edition of the Grade 1 Winter Cup<\/strong> boasts a highly competitive field and promises to be an\u00a0exciting affair with no fewer\u00a0than thirteen Graded winners\u00a0in attendance for the main event.\u00a0 Among the entrants we find a top mare, three improving three year olds and several seasoned veterans of the turf led by the six year old hard knocking mare\u00a0MAGNIFORMA\u00a0<\/strong> (italst2).\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>This\u00a0group is so evenly matched that the track handicapper had difficulty seperating them\u00a0with three horses sharing the favorites role\u00a0at \u00a07-1\u00a0and a second pair at 8-1!\u00a0 Without further delay let’s handicap this\u00a0field and make our selections.\u00a0 Good luck to All!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

PARALLEL LINE<\/b><\/p>\n

HenrytheNavigator x Danzig x Nijinsky 2nd<\/sup> (CAN)<\/p>\n

5 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 super28<\/em>\u00a0 (17-1)<\/p>\n

This has been a challenging season for the five year old son of HenrytheNavigator in which he has yet to get untracked.\u00a0 Last season\u2019s edition of the G1 Winter Cup ended his three race Graded win streak and started another winless one which he has yet to shake. In eight starts this season he has produced two seconds and one third while covering two miles of ground in every 2013 event.\u00a0 However it will take more than a cutback in distance to produce a positive result as better form and a little racing luck would be a blessing in this spot against a tough group.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

REEK\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b>New Approach (IRE) x Kris S x Northern Dancer<\/p>\n

4 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner<\/strong>:\u00a0 thethumb<\/em>\u00a0 (15-1)<\/p>\n

In a nutshell this handsome four year old son of New Approach is a running machine.\u00a0 The longer the race the more Reek likes it and that goes against what he needs to do today.\u00a0 Like others in the field he comes out of the two mile G1 Millwood Cup where he finished evenly and was a distant third.\u00a0 A strategic approach will be needed here as this big cutback in distance is a new challenge for him and will be the task at hand for top jockey Radzinski to solve.\u00a0 With a career high race rating of 108 he will need an extraordinary effort here to be a factor and impact the end result.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

COWS WITH GUNS<\/b><\/p>\n

Tapit x Mr. Greeley x Giant\u2019s Causeway<\/p>\n

6 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0shaghar1<\/em>\u00a0 (7-1)<\/p>\n

One of two six year olds in the field Cows With Guns comes off a disappointing effort in the G1 Japan Cup where he failed to fire when called upon. \u00a0He last won three starts ago in the G3 Autumn Stakes where he posted a 113 while pulling away to win by five leaving three G1 winners in his wake.\u00a0 He stretches out here an eighth which can only help his cause as he did win a minor Stake back in the Spring over this same distance.\u00a0 A return to his best form is needed in this spot for an\u00a0chance to make some noise.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

APEX FALLACY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Montjeu (IRE) x Darshaan x Caerleon<\/p>\n

5 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 mtk76<\/em>\u00a0 (10-1)<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been a long time between celebratory drinks for this five year old son of Montjeu.\u00a0 He last raced back in early November where he competed in the G2 New Zealand Drinking Device Stakes over two miles of ground.\u00a0 In that one he was poised to run down his opponent sitting chilly in second and closing at the top of the stretch but it wasn\u2019t to be on that day.\u00a0 A bit of an in and outer Apex will need to bring his \u201cA\u201d game today to have any prospect of pulling off the upset while the cutback of three eighths of a mile will only help his cause.\u00a0 Jockey M. Kelly makes the trip from Delaware and was on his back last time out which produced a second place finish in a Grade 2 event.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

LEMONDROP MINI MOO<\/b><\/p>\n

Lemon Drop Kid x Ela-Mana-Mou (IRE) x Troy<\/p>\n

5 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0gr8white<\/em>\u00a0 (8-1)<\/p>\n

This lumbering five year old son of Lemon Drop Kid can go all day and has had his best days at the track running over two miles of ground regardless of condition.\u00a0 He\u2019ll be challenged on the cutback to thirteen furlongs where he has been less effective in the past.\u00a0 He last raced in the G1 Millwood Cup seven weeks ago where he held the lead to the top of the lane but could not hold off a late charger through the stretch.\u00a0 His best running comes while either on an uncontested lead or sitting forward on the pace. In last year\u2019s edition of the G1 Winter Cup Lemondrop finished a middling fifth beaten over eight lengths. \u00a0He will need his best game today if he hopes to make things interesting.\u00a0 <\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

THANKS DUDE<\/strong><\/p>\n

Dynaformer x Sadler\u2019s Wells x Miswaki<\/p>\n

5 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 peachman4<\/em>\u00a0 (10-1)<\/p>\n

Thanks Dude has a penchant for stirring finishes and is a crowd favorite among the punters on the green.\u00a0 Of course one never knows on which day he will rouse but there\u2019s never a dull moment when he races.\u00a0 Two starts back in the G2 Longdale Cup he sat fourteen lengths in arrears at the top of the lane.\u00a0 With a roaring crowd trackside and closing like a freight train the \u201cDude\u201d caught a tiring field to win by three.\u00a0 He won\u2019t have the benefit of two miles of ground to work with today but he will have pace and has won at today\u2019s distance in the past albeit against an easier group.\u00a0 A nice value play at 10-1.\u00a0 We may be Thanking this Dude at the windows when all is said and done!<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

MACONDO BUENDIA<\/b><\/p>\n

Pivotal (GB) x Sadler\u2019s Wells x Theatrical (IRE)<\/p>\n

4 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 kuovadis<\/em>\u00a0 (8-1)<\/p>\n

This striking four year old son of Pivotal returns to the scene of his greatest triumph just three starts back in the G2 Shimko Classic here in Japan.\u00a0 A monster effort ensued after sitting chilly just off the flank of the leader early then taking command at the half and never looking back to win easily while putting up an impressive 116 race rating.\u00a0 Most recently he ran well to be second in the G2 Carlton Fisk Handicap but will need to step it up here as this group promises to be much tougher than his most recent opponents.\u00a0 I expect he\u2019ll be forwardly placed early and in spite of some additional ground to contend with will be of little consequence in determining his performance which can go either way.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

K’S FALLIBILISM<\/b><\/p>\n

Dubawi (IRE) x Danzig x Mill Reef<\/p>\n

3 Year Old Colt\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0bacchus\u00a0<\/em> (26-1)<\/p>\n

Super K just keeps getting better and better. \u00a0A three year old son of Dubawi this handsome colt comes off a winning effort in the G1 The Japanese Legend Stakes. He was dominant on a yielding course as he took charge early and toyed with a field that included his main rival today in Asador Etxebarri.\u00a0 He won\u2019t have the benefit of such conditions on this day but he\u2019s riding a four race win streak and is clearly on the rise.\u00a0 Tactically he can stalk or take the lead and that makes him dangerous with veteran jockey\u00a0S L Ledwith\u00a0on his back.\u00a0 A nice value at\u00a026 \u2013 1 and a must include in any exotic play.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

AUTHORING BALLET<\/b><\/p>\n

Authorized (IRE) x Danehill Dancer (IRE) x Groom Dancer<\/p>\n

4 Year Old\u00a0Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner<\/strong>:\u00a0 stcmead<\/em>\u00a0 (9-1)<\/p>\n

This handsome four year old son of Authorized became a Graded winner for the first time as he wired the field in the Grade 2 Cities Cup just four weeks ago in New Zealand.\u00a0 In that race he had some nice horses behind him including the 2012 G1 Winter Cup winner CAPINSKI who is not here today to defend his title.\u00a0 Today he\u2019ll be asked to travel a quarter of mile farther than ever before but is at the top of his game at present.\u00a0 Ever dangerous he must be kept close and not be allowed to get away on an uncontested lead which could prove fatal.\u00a0 For as far as he goes he\u2019s the one to catch!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

HANNABAA<\/b><\/p>\n

Anabaa x Peintre Celebre x Prince John<\/p>\n

6 Year Old Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 flurgen3\u00a0<\/em> (14-1)<\/p>\n

After a strong 2012 campaign this season has been a challenge for this six year old son of Anabaa which has seen him struggle in Graded company with his only victory coming at the Allowance level two starts back.\u00a0 Even his reputation for delivering big results on his favored off tracks has eluded him in 2013.\u00a0 He comes to Japan out of a minor Stakes event in which he finished in mid-pack while delivering his second lowest turf rating of the season.\u00a0 Perhaps this handsome fellow has one more good effort left in him and we\u2019ll be rooting from the bleachers for him to upset this quality field.<\/b><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

ASADOR ETXEBARRI<\/b><\/p>\n

Invincible Spirit (IRE) x Rainbow Quest x Nureyev<\/p>\n

3 Year Old Colt\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>dabears<\/em>\u00a0<\/strong> (10-1)<\/p>\n

This strapping 3 year old son of Invincible Spirit comes into the G1 Winter Cup fresh off a two and a half length win in the Grade 1 Japan Cup just twenty three days ago over twelve furlongs of firm ground.\u00a0 In doing so he posted a career high 113 while defeating #1 Ranked and G1 Breeders Bowl Turf winner TO CATCH A KITTY who was not himself that day.\u00a0 The only off the board finish to date came just two starts back over a yielding course considered heavy but the forecast for Saturday is sunny and dry.\u00a0 A winner of $3.4 Mil to date Asador is being asked to go a furlong farther today and seems quite capable as he looks to pad his account in this spot.\u00a0 His running style will have him far back early and he\u2019ll be closing hard into what he hopes will be a quick pace and a clear path to the winners circle.\u00a0 Beware the bounce but a serious contender none the less.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

THE APOCALYPSE<\/b><\/p>\n

Monsun (GER) x Dynaformer x Deputy Minister (CAN)<\/p>\n

3 Year Old Colt\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong> \u00a0icbomber2\u00a0<\/em> (11-1)<\/p>\n

This handsome three year old son of Monsun continues to improve with each start and in spite of excellent dirt results to date finds himself on the turf once again to face this quality group of seasoned performers.\u00a0 After a disappointing result in the G1 Travelers Stakes on the dirt his connections sent him back to the lawn and the move proved to be a tonic as he destroyed a quality field of graded performers in a minor Stakes event four weeks ago.\u00a0 In that event he put up a career high 114 while covering the ten furlongs in 2:28 and change after chasing quick fractions throughout.\u00a0 As a result he has attracted top jockey Z. Kentucky to ship in from Ireland.\u00a0 If he can repeat the form he displayed on that day he\u2019ll be one to reckon with late in the game.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

BICHENO LAD<\/b><\/p>\n

Deep Impact (JPN) x Octagonal (NZ) x Danehill<\/p>\n

4 Year Old\u00a0Horse\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong> \u00a0liam\u00a0\u00a0<\/em>(7-1)<\/p>\n

This event marks the fifth straight Grade 1 and seventh consecutive Graded race on the calendar for this consistent son of Deep Impact. \u00a0Back in May he won the Grade 2 Kinsho Kho Classic over ten furlongs of firm Japan turf and though he has been competitive since has not been able to revisit the winners circle.\u00a0 Perhaps his two best efforts of the season came in Graded affairs in which he finished second both times while putting up race ratings of 113 and 116 of with the latter coming here in japan. \u00a0Clearly he enjoys this racecourse and can run both on or off the pace depending on how the race unfolds once the gates open.\u00a0 Stable favorite P. Bangs returns to take the reins here and guide this colt to a good result once more.\u00a0 A strong contender.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

MAGNIFORMA<\/b><\/p>\n

Galileo (IRE) x Dynaformer x Mr. Prospector<\/p>\n

6 Year Old Mare\u00a0 …\u00a0 Owner:<\/strong>\u00a0 italst2\u00a0<\/em> (7-1)<\/p>\n

An outstanding daughter of Galilieo this six year old mare returns to the turf after giving the dirt a try for fun.\u00a0 This classy multiple Grade 1 winner has a preference for a distance of ground and will be on a sharp cutback for this return.\u00a0 Prior to her most recent experiment she posted a fourth and second respectively in Grade 2 events at sixteen furlongs after leading by large margins in both.\u00a0 In last year\u2019s edition of the G1 Winter Cup this quality mare found herself mid-pack at the half and made her move early only to find herself backing up in deep stretch after being right there at the top of the lane.\u00a0 After that effort she got on a roll and reeled of three consecutive Grade 1 wins all over two miles of turf.\u00a0 Magniforma is capable of beating the boys but will need to rediscover the form she displayed back in the summer. <\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hladun’s Selections\u00a0…<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

1<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 MACONDO BUENDIA\u00a0<\/strong> (kuovadis)<\/em>\u00a0 8-1<\/p>\n

2<\/strong>.\u00a0\u00a0 BICHENO LAD\u00a0<\/strong> (liam)<\/em>\u00a0 7-1<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0AUTHORING BALLET\u00a0 <\/strong>(stcmead)\u00a0<\/em> 9-1<\/p>\n

LONGSHOT PLAY:<\/strong>\u00a0\u00a0 THE APOCALYPSE\u00a0<\/strong> (icbomber2)\u00a0<\/em> 11-1<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

This years edition of the Grade 1 Winter Cup boasts a highly competitive field and promises to be an\u00a0exciting affair<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":211,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-17549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17549","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/211"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=17549"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17549\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17706,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/17549\/revisions\/17706"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=17549"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=17549"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=17549"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}