Stars on Show
In eagerly awaited reappearances, INFINITE PATIENCE and REGAL RIOT take on classy opposition this weekend for two of Hastings’ most important prizes
FINDING WAYS has won twice and hit the board three times in his past five runs and from three different barns. This also represents marginal class relief for the 4-year-old and whatever beats him today will probably be the winner. KHAIKY’S COMMAND has also been a model of consistency this term, while RACING RIVER put in a season-best performance to win last time. A repeat of that should see him involved at the sharp end.
This represents a significant drop in class for the veteran Allowance performer SLEW’S DA BOSS and he’s the one they have to beat. ICE BREAKER has improved since being stepped up to the 8 1/2 furlongs, winning both previous starts over the distance and he represents a barn in excellent form. ARCH PRINCE is another lowering his sights and a repeat of his win three starts ago would put him in the mix in what appears to be a competitive heat that all five runners are well capable of landing.
The Queen of Hastings, INFINITE PATIENCE, has scared off all but the brave here and, with fair sailing, this should be another demonstration of her awesomeness we can stand back and relish. If there is to be a shock it could come from the BC Oaks heroine KLOEPATRA who has been one of the stars of the season and, unlike the favourite, has successfully proven herself at the distance. SOLARITY will undoubtedly run another solid race but must be heartily sick of seeing her stablemate’s backside.
Plenty to like about the tenacious BABY GRAND although his front-running style can leave him susceptible to late challengers. He drops back a little in distance today though, and that should help him last home. BODEGA has been running solidly all year and had Baby Grand behind when winning back in May. The veteran SANAWAR seldom lets the side down when dipping a hoof into these shallower waters and he should be thereabouts again.
The penny dropped late in proceedings for ARUNDEL CASTLE and, if she improves for her debut, she could be a major danger. BACK SHACK is the most experienced of these and was doing his best work late behind the useful Askmenoquestions last time while just ahead of him was SWANGIN, who put in a terrific effort on the front end, weakening only very late. The market will probably be the best guide to the relative merits of those making their debuts.
Potentially one of the races of the season, REGAL RIOT renews rivalry with AROLLERCOSTERRIDE, who went down by just a head in the BC Derby, while former Canadian Derby winner UNCHARACTERISTIC has another half-furlong to get his teeth into for the first time this season. AT ATTENTION, meanwhile, is as gutsy as they come and it will be fascinating to see how he handles the step-up in distance.
TEXAS HUMOR returns to 6 1/2 furlongs for the first time since finishing second to Bellaroo at a higher grade than she faces here. She also runs for new connections for the first time since being claimed. The well-related BE LIKE ME made a winning debut and was promptly claimed. She then disappointed when stepped up in distance, but was eased when beaten that day and may appreciate the return to sprinting on what is just her third career start. A return to the short course may also suit LIVING SKY, while GWEN performed well enough when moving into ‘non-winners’ last time to suggest it won’t be long before she again moves through the conditions.
Statistics
Century Mile
