The weekend ahead is another exciting one with a third G1 run for I’m Thunderstruck, this time at Sandown in the Underwood Stakes. We also have a number of international runners. A busy weekend of racing with hopefully a few winners!
Friday, September 23
Haydock (UK)
Current Track Rating: Good
Mercian Hymn
Mercian Hymn is yet to win for new connections but is once again in with a good chance. We’re hoping the big field creates some pace in the race, which this fellow often needs to get into a rhythm. Hopefully he can run out a strong 1m6f and prove a winning chance.
Race 6 – 1:25am | 2800m 4yo+ Class 5 | T: Mark Todd | J: Ray Dawson 9st 8lb | Barrier 5 | Saddlecloth 3
Listowel (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Soft
Zaynudin
Zaynudin is a progressive type who looks well-placed to be competitive again here. His win on resumption was impressive and he’s done nothing but please since that outing. A strong showing is expected.
Race 2 – 2:10am | 2800m 4yo+ SWP | T: Joseph O’Brien | J: Tom Hamilton 11st 4lb | Saddlecloth 3
Dundalk (IRE)
Current Track Rating: Good
Vina Sena
Vina Sena is a talented colt on his day, who resumes here off the back of a freshen up. He’s up in grade, but its hoped we see a genuine pace, allowing the colt to relax and show his impressive turn of speed. He’s not all that well-weighted in this event but he’s capable of being competitive.
Race 5 – 4:00am | 2150m Listed Diamond Stakes | T: Henry de Bromhead | J: M. Enright 9st 2lb | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 9
Saturday, September 24
Ruakaka (NZ)
Current Track Rating: Soft
Seven Twenty
Seven Twenty’s return a fortnight ago was sound, and she should have taken good improvement from that. In this grade however, we’d like to see her being competitive here second-up. She should be prominent in running and hopefully prominent in the finish.
Race 7 – 2:23pm | 1400m BM65 | T: Shaun & Emma Clotworthy | J: Masa Hashizume 57kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 10
Mornington
Current Track Rating: Soft
Harmysian
Harmysian is racing in very good form and is deserving of his chance in Listed grade. He appears ready to get back to 2400m and he’s raced well at his home track before. There are many factors in his favour and we’re confident he can figure in the finish.
Race 7 – 3:45pm | 2400m Listed Ansett Classic | T: Clayton Douglas | J: Jake Noonan 54kg | Barrier 11 | Saddlecloth 7
Sunday, September 25
Sandown
Current Track Rating: Soft
Indented Head
Indented Head starts off what will be a busy day at Sandown. The mare bounced back to form at this track and trip last start, and is very much appreciating being trained from Phil’s farm. Although this is a tougher test, she’s capable of being competitive with some luck in running.
Race 1 – 1:00pm | 1400m Mares BM70 | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Daniel Moor 57.5kg | Barrier 4 | Saddlecloth 16
Vardani
This race is purely being viewed as a starting point for Vardani, who is much better suited over staying journeys. With the big weight, wide draw and shorter than ideal journey, we just hope to see him finding the line well.
Race 2 – 1:30pm | 1400m BM78 | T: Archie Alexander | J: Thomas Stockdale 60.5kg | Barrier 16 | Saddlecloth 1
Aesop
Provided he gains a start, Aesop will be well-suited here. Phil has altered the way the gelding is trained and we saw the fruits of that with a big effort on return at this track and trip. With the services of Jamie Kah from a good draw, provided he gets room early in the straight, we feel he’s in with a real chance.
Race 3 – 2:00pm | 1800m BM78 | T: Phillip Stokes | J: Ms Jamie Kah 54kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 18
Regal Lion
Regal Lion’s return should be forgotten, where he quite frankly hated the heavy ground. He gets back on a decent surface here and his work has been very good. The wide draw is far from ideal but we’d just like to see him finding the line as we look to work towards better staying targets.
Race 5 – 3:15pm | 1700m Handicap | T: Annabel Neasham | J: Blaike McDougall 54kg | Barrier 16 | Saddlecloth 12
Romancer
Romancer has been racing in okay form, but its hoped the move out in distance can bring about a more competitive effort. He looks as well ever, so hopefully he shows his old legs still have it within them to be winning in metropolitan grade.
Race 5 – 3:15pm | 1700m Handicap | T: Grahame Begg | J: Ms Alana Kelly 53kg | Barrier 9 | Saddlecloth 10
I’m Thunderstruck
Please click here to read about Thunder’s chances.
Race 7 – 4:25pm | 1800m Group 1 Underwood Stakes | T: Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr | J: Mark Zahra 59kg | Barrier 6 | Saddlecloth 2
Curragh (IRE)
Devore
Devore may step out at the Curragh, where she’ll be suited entering handicap grade. She has made good improvement through the season according to her trainer, so its felt she can be in the finish. She presents as an interesting proposition for next year once over a bit more ground.
1400m 2yo Handicap | T: Johnny Murtagh
Yarmouth (UK)
Ragosina
Ragosina may be ready for her second career start after getting things underway over 1400. She will be suited by the rise in trip and should have learnt a great deal on debut. She’s another who presents as one to follow next season over more of a staying journey.
1604m 2yo Novice Stakes | T: James Ferguson
Fontainebleau (FR)
Lorne
Lorne is likely to take her place here following a confidence boosting win at Clairefontaine last time out. She’s shown a good ability to stay and is a very consistent filly. Hopefully she can continue her good form in what shapes as a tougher test.
3000m 3yo Class 2 | T: Mario Baratti
Best of luck to all connections!