{"id":4791,"date":"2007-09-21T21:06:21","date_gmt":"2007-09-21T21:06:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=4791"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=4791","title":{"rendered":"Locked And Loaded: World Cup Long Turf Sprint absolutely sizzles in talent"},"content":{"rendered":"

Texas<\/STRONG>–\u00a0\u00a0 Exxxxxxplosive, BABY!\u00a0\u00a0Call me crazy because I have a horse in the six furlong turf sprint, but, gosh.\u00a0\u00a0 *This race* is the true Grade 1 Sim World Cup shoot ’em out.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
<\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
What a field for the Grade 1 $500,000 World Cup Long Turf Sprint<\/EM>!\u00a0\u00a0 Of course we go seven fabulous furlongs in this contest and, boy, it’s gonna be worth every pretty penny.\u00a0 \u00a0Eleven of the dirty dozen horses have a legitimate shot at the winner’s circle — it’s THAT close.\u00a0\u00a0 Northern Pirate<\/STRONG> won the top-to-bottom star-studded Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1)<\/EM> back in late February, but I must\u00a0say that this race\u00a0looks even better on paper!<\/FONT><\/DIV>
<\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
And of course we have Northern Pirate in this\u00a0one — he’s the Generals Pals<\/EM> and Smackdown<\/EM> winner.\u00a0 <\/FONT>\u00a0We have Seekin Destroy<\/STRONG> and Lightning Striking<\/STRONG>, the wicked one-two punch on\u00a0Simhistory day in the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 And you can’t forget Mr Devious<\/STRONG> who turned so many heads when winning the celebrated Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0 <\/FONT>Count in Lowlands Loft<\/STRONG> who burst out onto the scene in the Hyperactive Handicap(G3)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ditto for Ends In Ski <\/STRONG>who made quite a splash in the Warsaw Sprint(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Last year’s 2,000 Guineas<\/EM> winner Andy’s Choice<\/STRONG> has been sprinting of late and we’ll see his best stuff here.\u00a0 If you like an outsider, then give career stayer Flushing Waters(IRE)<\/STRONG> a second look — he finished runnerup to General’s Chariot LTO in just his 3rd lifetime sprint start.<\/FONT><\/DIV>
\u00a0<\/DIV>
And then we got some splendid 3yos in multiple graded winner Legendary Lemon(KY)<\/STRONG>, improving Shy General(AUS)<\/STRONG> and Another Hopeful(IRE).<\/STRONG>\u00a0\u00a0 Finally,\u00a0big speed figures in impressive sophomore\u00a0Satrus(KY)<\/STRONG>.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
<\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
Ya know, we just gotta look at these guys in more detail.\u00a0\u00a0 And of course they all run for their trainers’ respective World Cup Teams.\u00a0\u00a0 Let me tell ya about this amazing field………..<\/FONT><\/DIV>
<\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
TEAM FENZA<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>
  • Northern Pirate (5\/1)<\/FONT>
  • Andy’s Choice (7\/1)<\/FONT>
  • Shy General(AUS) (22\/1)<\/FONT>
  • Another Hopeful(IRE) (73\/1)<\/FONT><\/LI><\/UL>
    The Aussie\/Kiwi\/Far Easters actually have the weakest contingent in this group.\u00a0\u00a0 However, they have the horse to beat: #4-ranked Northern Pirate<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0 Jockeymax’s Northern Pirate is just such a threat wherever he goes.\u00a0 Last year, he was just about a length or so behind champion I Make Stuff Up, but of course ‘Pirate had the last laugh when winning on DelPenn Champions Day.\u00a0 All eyes were upon him this year and he did not disappoint.\u00a0\u00a0 The Belong To Me 4yo just blew us all away with a 114 SP#<\/STRONG> victory in the Generals Pals(G1)<\/EM> back in late February.\u00a0\u00a0 That was such an immaculate field and ‘Pirate looked positively super taking down the 7.5f distance.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
    \u00a0<\/DIV>
    ‘Pirate’s a last-to-first type of runner, a true Hercules.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s had his ups and downs, showing his mortality this season though.\u00a0\u00a0 He was kind of flat in the late springtime Grade 1s, running a dull 7th to upstart Mr Devious in the Rising Sun(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0That was too bad, but Jockeymax got ‘Pirate back into the game with a herculean victory\u00a0on Smackdown\u00a0day in\u00a0mid-summer.\u00a0\u00a0 Big 110 SP# by the Pirate in that race — he just came out of nowhere to snatch the prize from General’s Chariot.\u00a0 Even though that race was owner-restricted, it was a very good field.\u00a0 True to form then, ‘Pirate bounced in the loaded Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)<\/EM> last month.\u00a0 He’s on and off again, what can I say.\u00a0\u00a0 But Max can get his horses firing on a four cylinders in the big races and Northern Pirate aims to rule.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
    \u00a0<\/DIV>
    So, Northern Pirate\u00a0is Team FENZA’s big shot.\u00a0 They also have a colt that I’ve had my eye on for a long time:\u00a0\u00a0 Andy’s Choice<\/STRONG>, winner of the ’06\u00a02,000 Guineas(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0This Rainbow Quest colt\u00a0has been predominantly a miler after winning the classic.\u00a0\u00a0 He too is a downtown closer, though he only possesses a 2-for-17 lifetime route record believe it or not.\u00a0 \u00a0Earlier this season, Andy’s Choice wasn’t\u00a0making any waves in the miler division, so trainer Gunsynd shortened the colt up to 7f.\u00a0 Great move, because Andy’s Choice’s speed figures picked up.\u00a0\u00a0 He won a pair of listed turf sprints and finished a rallying 3rd to Lowlands Loft in the Hyperactive(G3)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 I like how Gunsynd didn’t get all crazy entering Andy’s Choice in the graded sprints.\u00a0 Instead,\u00a0Gunsynd gave\u00a0Andy’s Choice a few starts to build some consistency\u00a0and confidence at the shortened distance.\u00a0 I think this colt’s the dark horse in the field — he’s sitting on a big race.\u00a0\u00a0 I’m actually rooting for him in this spot!\u00a0\u00a0 =)<\/DIV>
    \u00a0<\/DIV>
    Team FENZA enters a pair 3yos to fill out their\u00a0contingent.\u00a0\u00a0 As the longest shot on the board, Another Hopeful(IRE)<\/STRONG> doesn’t have much\u00a0of a prayer, but it’s not for lack of sprint ability.\u00a0\u00a0 On the contrary, the modestly-bred Black Sam Bellamy(IRE) son is a stakes winner around one-turn and displays some short route ability too.\u00a0 Another Hopeful has been improving steadily if you toss out the dirt debacle LTO.\u00a0 He’s not at this level yet and clearly outclassed, but ya never know.\u00a0\u00a0 We might see\u00a0trainer Llama’s rallier\u00a0vie for a minor share if he gets lucky and the faves fall.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
    \u00a0<\/DIV>
    Actually, Shy General(AUS)<\/STRONG> is a few shades better at this point than Another Hopeful, but he too needs to run the race of his life.\u00a0\u00a0 The General Nediym(AUS) son threw a big 105 SP# two starts back over this distance.\u00a0\u00a0 Despite having a substantial solo lead, the speedster didn’t manage the victory though and had to settle for bridesmaid in the 3yo-only listed contest.\u00a0\u00a0 Still,\u00a0Snappa’s colt might mix it up with Ens In Ski for the pace.\u00a0\u00a0 Doubtful whether or not he’ll be around for long afterwards.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
    \u00a0<\/DIV>
    \u00a0<\/DIV>
    TEAM EURO<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/FONT><\/DIV>
    • Mr Devious (5\/1)<\/FONT>
    • Lightning Striking (5\/1)
    • Flushing Waters (10\/1)
    • Satrus(KY) (20\/1)<\/LI><\/UL>
      A much deeper group for the Europe\/Scandinavia Team.\u00a0\u00a0 A-list stud status goes to Mr Devious<\/STRONG>, winner of the Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1)<\/EM> back in June.\u00a0\u00a0Talk about wow-power — this 4yo by Crafty Prospector took his grand ole time\u00a0finding the upper level, but, boy, he sure has made waves this season.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt leapt from ALW ranks in the Simon & Simon(G3)<\/EM> back early May.\u00a0\u00a0 Just a gorgeous shootout on the pace that saw him prevailing with a 110 SP#.\u00a0\u00a0 That kind of speed merits respect wherever ya go\u00a0, but trainer Londoner’s\u00a0Mr Devious went off as mild longshot in the Rising Sun(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0Tons of sprint division stars in that race and of course Northern Pirate leading the lineup.\u00a0\u00a0 But Mr Devious shocked the field, keeping his form going with a rousing 114 SP# score for the seven panels.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      Mmhmm.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Delicious victory and this guy overnite turned into the “it” horse of the division.\u00a0\u00a0 Unfortunately, he ran a bit “off” in his next start:\u00a0\u00a0 the Warsaw Sprint(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 Instead, another swiftie named Ends In Ski leapt to the division’s limelight in that contest while Mr Devious fell off the radar in\u00a04th place.\u00a0\u00a0 And fall off the radar Mr Devious did too — the colt returned to the hidden listed ranks where he split a pair of turf\u00a0handicaps.\u00a0\u00a0 Don’t worry about that too much though — M Devious won his last race with a huge 110 SP#.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 If Northern Pirate brings the big\u00a0’06 credentials to this field, then Mr Devious is the one who can usurp that honor.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0A win here and he leads the division with two Grade 1s.\u00a0 Hopefully his jockey won’t let Mr Devious get caught in a suicide speed duel.\u00a0\u00a0 Beware of this colt otherwise.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      And Team EURO\u00a0continues with another swift denizen aptly-named Lightning Striking<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0At 42 starts, this 5yo by Smart Strike reminds me a lot of Tequila With Lime, surprise winner of this year’s Sydney Sprint(G1).\u00a0\u00a0Just an old grizzled\u00a0veteran whio has positively peaked at this point of his career.\u00a0 Totally at the top of his game, Lightning Striking\u00a0inhaled horses up the yin-yang in the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)<\/EM> last month.\u00a0\u00a0 From 18th to 2nd at the wire, Lightning Striking displayed turn-of-foot just missing to Seekin Destroy.\u00a0\u00a0 Additionally, this 108 SP# effort came on the heels of a\u00a0gigantic 111 SP#<\/STRONG> listed stakes score.\u00a0\u00a0 I guess trainer Poocher proved the old adage, “You gotta run ’em while they’re hot!”\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      You gotta love the heart of Lightning Striking, from listed trooper earlier this season to the precipice of Grade 1 glory.\u00a0 He’ll get more pace than in his last in this spot too.\u00a0 Can he outrun Northern Pirate to the wire?\u00a0\u00a0 What a story!\u00a0<\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      OK, stop the presses.\u00a0\u00a0 Two studs so far for Team EURO and now they too have a fascinating dark horse called Flushing Waters<\/STRONG>.\u00a0 Trainer Pm had this High Chaparral(IRE) 4yo colt running according to pedigree in middle-type routes.\u00a0\u00a0 Indeed, the colt’s pretty darn good too — he was Grade 1-placed in the Prince of Whales<\/EM> over 10f earlier this season.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Bottom line, Flushing Waters seemed to be on the up and up until I guess his trainer plain got frustrated.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt finished well up the track\u00a0in the United Countries(G1)<\/EM> over 11f and trainer Pm tossed\u00a0Flushing Waters afterwards into a 6.5f ALW.\u00a0\u00a0 It was just the colt’s 2nd lifetime start around one-turn and what a surprise when he returned victorious with\u00a0a huge 103 SP#<\/STRONG>.<\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      And the good times continued when Flushing Waters ran runner-up to General’s Chariot in the Battle Of Saratoga(G2)<\/EM> last month.\u00a0\u00a0He chose stalker-style tactics there and he’ll need to do that again in this spot — but maybe better yet, try to go after the lead if no one wants it.\u00a0\u00a0 Very interesting contender and a dark horse alongside Team FENZA’s Andy’s Choice.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      Three excellent shots for Team EURO and you can’t count out their token 3yo either.\u00a0\u00a0 Satrus(KY)<\/STRONG> didn’t show trainer Bagur much till he tried a solid turf sprint ALW in the springtime.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The War Chant royal bred responded splendidly too, reeling off three straight scores before winning a 7f stakes race in July with a huge 108 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0Unfortunately, Satrus\u00a0found himself in a very fast older horse listed debut.\u00a0\u00a0That being said though, the closer has a very bright future ahead of him and I wouldn’t be too surprised if he threw a minor money effort here.\u00a0 Still learning the ropes, but solid hopeful.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      \u00a0<\/DIV>
      TEAM NASA<\/STRONG><\/FONT><\/DIV>
      • Seekin Destroy (6\/1)\u00a0
      • Lowlands Loft (7\/1)
      • Ends In Ski (8\/1)
      • Legendary Lemon(KY) (9\/1)<\/FONT><\/LI><\/UL>
        From top-to-bottom, the North & South America Team has a mean quartet that could give all of these horses a run for their money.\u00a0 And the “now” horse is none other than the winner of the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)<\/EM> last month:\u00a0\u00a0Seekin Destroy<\/STRONG>.\u00a0 The Supers kept this 4yo Mineshaft son up their sleeves for the longest time.\u00a0\u00a0 Seekin Destroy spent the most part of this season in the listed stakes ranks, building speed\u00a0and his win column stats.\u00a0 The colt specilaized in seven panels and pounded overniters from Newmarket to South Africa.\u00a0\u00a0 The latter listed contest went to Seekin Destroy with a huge 108 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        The time signaled his readiness to enter the graded ranks and\u00a0Seekin Destroy\u00a0made the most of\u00a0the\u00a0opportunity too.\u00a0\u00a0 Breaking 12th of 18, the big hoss put forth a tremendous rush to the front, stopping the clock two lengths on top with a gorgeous 111 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0The victory vaulted him up to #8 in the division.\u00a0\u00a0 Just how good is this colt?\u00a0\u00a0 Contender or pretender to the top of the division?\u00a0\u00a0 We shall see……<\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        If Seekin Destroy is Team NASA’s A-plus stud, then Lowlands Loft and Ends In Ski are their A-minuses (if you count out their last races!).\u00a0 \u00a0Lieut60’s Lowlands Loft<\/STRONG> is a lot like Seekin Destroy — both horses have been around the block with the former at\u00a025 starts and the latter at the 30-mark.\u00a0\u00a0 However, the 5yo Cryptoclearance son Lowlands Loft was in the ALW ranks for much of this season.\u00a0\u00a0 He had his coming-out party in the Hyperactive Handicap(G3)<\/EM> following a very sweet ALW score.\u00a0\u00a0 Lowlands Loft sure felt his oats after the win too, recording an explosive 112 SP#<\/STRONG> in the Hyperactive<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0Twice bitten of the winner’s circle bug, the horse ket on going, extending his win streak to 3-in-a-row follwing a fine listed stakes score.\u00a0 \u00a0I love how he kept those speed figures high too during the streak.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        Things sure looked swell for Lowlands Loft’s Grade 1 debut in the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1).<\/EM>\u00a0\u00a0 But it just wasn’t meant to be with the ‘Loft up the track as a hot-n-dirty also-ran.\u00a0\u00a0Was his last race just an aberration?\u00a0\u00a0 Is Lowlands Loft indeed ready to take down the top of the division?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 He’s a versatile runner on and off the pace.\u00a0\u00a0 Which tactic will\u00a0jockey P Haynes select?\u00a0\u00a0 Viable threat if he can shrug off his last.\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        Ends In Ski<\/STRONG> also finished well up the track in the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1).<\/EM>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But unlike Seekin\u00a0Destroy and Lowlands Loft, Ends In Ski is a young pup at only 15 lifetime calls to the post.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The 4yo son of Numerous is fresh blood in the division, and boy, did he sure look the part in the Warsaw Sprint(G2)<\/EM> over the summer.\u00a0\u00a0 The speedster ferociously dominaated the seven panles with a 111 SP#.<\/STRONG>\u00a0 It was his 3rd victory in a row after manhnadling the listed ranks.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 What a cooker!\u00a0 I was quite ga-ga over this horse going into the Smackdown race.\u00a0 And Ends In Ski didn’t let his newfound fan down either, running a very respectable 3rd to Northern Pirate after dueling\u00a0on the lead.\u00a0 <\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        You just gotta love horses that throw these huge numbers consistently — that’s what superstars do and Ends In Ski\u00a0appeared to be a star in the making.\u00a0\u00a0 But, alas, patooey!\u00a0\u00a0The colt totally coughed it up in the\u00a0Gold Cup<\/EM>, plain nowheresville after missing the break.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Hey, let’s give Fairhaven2’s Ends In Ski a break though and toss that last race right out.\u00a0\u00a0 First out of the gate<\/EM> unchallenged and first to the wire<\/EM>.\u00a0 My pick!\u00a0\u00a0 Read ’em and weep.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        Those three horses are just awesome contenders for Team NASA.\u00a0 And their final contender is the best 3yo in the field, Legendary Lemon(KY)<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0Gosh, this Lemon Drop kid youngster has come around very nicely for trainer Hardnfast.\u00a0 He’s 9-for-15 lifetime so far and was a Grade 3 winner over a flat mile earlier this season.\u00a0\u00a0 But take a look at those two graded 7f races at\u00a0ascot this summer!\u00a0\u00a0 Wow, 107 SP#<\/STRONG> rally in the Joisy(G3)<\/EM> and a titanesque 113 SP#<\/STRONG> in the player-sponsored Maybe I Can(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 You bet your boots this colt can fly from far off pace or up near it if he so dares.\u00a0 <\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        Legendary Lemon’s numbers indicate he’s more than ready for the older horses.\u00a0 Hopefully, he’s recovered since running a bit\u00a0average over a Grade 3 mile LTO.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Could he be the next I Make Stuff Up?\u00a0\u00a0 I think he’ll hit the board.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
        \u00a0<\/DIV>
        <\/FONT><\/FONT><\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV><\/DIV>
        Snowchief’s Picks<\/U>:<\/FONT><\/DIV>
        <\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
        What a field!\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Enough of me\u00a0jibberjabbering here — give me Ends In Ski wire to wire over Legendary Lemon,\u00a0Mr Devious, Andy’s Choice, and Northern Pirate.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Ha!\u00a0 Honestly though, almost any one of these horses can win.\u00a0 Good luck and carry your team’s colors proudly as we celebrate the Sim’s internationality!\u00a0\u00a0 Woohoo!!!!!<\/FONT><\/DIV>
        <\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
        Win:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Ends In Ski<\/FONT><\/DIV>
        Place:\u00a0 Legendary Lemon<\/FONT><\/DIV>
        Show:\u00a0 Mr Devious<\/FONT><\/DIV>
        <\/FONT>\u00a0<\/DIV>
        Good luck to all on World Cup Day!<\/FONT><\/DIV><\/DIV><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Breeders Bowl-quality field led by Northern Pirate, Mr Devious, Lightning Striking, more<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":396,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","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-4791","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4791","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\/396"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4791"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4791\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4791"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4791"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4791"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}