Thursday, September 27, 2001

BEST PRICES FOR ASCOT TOMORROW

LATEST TOTE ANTE-POST PRICES

FILLIES' MILE (ASCOT, Saturday)
5-4 Gossamer, 15-8 Half Glance, 13-2 Sundari, 11 Maryinsky, Fraulein, 12 Esloob, 33 bar.

PRIX DE L'ARC DE TRIOMPHE (LONGCHAMP, OCTOBER 7)
5-2 Sakhee, 4 Aquarelliste, 9-2 Milan, 6 Golan, 7 Hightori, 10 Anabaa Blue, Egyptband, 16 Diamilina, 20 Holding Court, 25 bar.

TOTE TRIFECTA HANDICAP (ASCOT, Saturday)
5 Mr Mahoose, 6 Continent, 12 A Touch of Frost, Great News, Golden Dragon, Ile Michel, 16 Big Future, Capricho, Hand Chime, I Cried for You, 20 bar.

TOTE CAMBRIDGESHIRE (NEWMARKET, OCTOBER 6)
6 Alphaeus, 10 Smirk, Katy Nowaitee, Albuhera, 12 Halland, Lagudin, 14 Foreign Affairs, 16 Moon Goddess, 20 Duke of Modena, Scheming, Faithful Warrior, Transatlantic, Kirovski, Pinchincha, 25 bar.

TOTE CESAREWITCH (NEWMARKET, OCTOBER 22)
2 Alleluia (with a run), 6 Taffrail, 9 Heros Fatal, 14 Brother Joe, Cover Up, Ravenswood, 16 Big Moment, Barba Papa, Hirapour, Distant Prospect, Wave of Optimism, Capal Garmon, Hugs Dancer, 20 Ansar, Archduke Ferdinand, Give Notice, Seliana, Tarxien, 25 bar.

***Special Bet. Martin Pipe stable 7-2.

SAGITTA 2,000 GUINEAS (NEWMARKET, MAY 4)
5 Dubai Destination, 6 Johannesburg, 7 Hawk Wing, 16 Comfy, 25 Rock of Gibraltar, Naheef, Meshaheer, Flat Spin, Roar of the Tiger, Brigadino, 33 bar.

SAGITTA 1,000 GUINEAS (NEWMARKET, MAY 5)
13-2 Gossamer, 10 Queen's Logic, 12 Quarter Moon, Half Glance, Revealing, 16 Silent Honour, 25 Dressed to Thrill, Sophisticat, Zaeema, Barzah, Muklah 33 bar.

VODAFONE DERBY (EPSON, June)
25 Hawk Wing, Shaanmer, Dubai Destination, 33 Dialhilev, Naheef, Roar of the Tiger, 40 Mount Joy, Handa Island, Moon Ballad, Sparkling Water.

VODAFONE OAKS (EPSOM, JUNE)
10 Quarter Moon, 12 Half Gance, 14 Revealing, 20 Shadow Dancing., 25 Silent Honour.

SMURFIT CHAMPION HURDLE (CHELTENHAM, MARCH 12)
6-4 Istabraq, 9 Jair du Cochet, 12 Landing Light, Ned Kelly, 16 Bilboa, Moscow Flyer, 20 Geos, 25 bar.

TOTE CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP (CHELTENHAM, MARCH 14)
9-2 First Gold, 12 Sackville, 14 Marlborough, 16 Ad Hoc, Best Mate, Kotkijet, 20 Legal Right, Gingembre, Looks Like Trouble, Lord Noelie, See More Business, Shotgun Willy, 25 Monsignor, Paris Pike, Rince, Ri, Florida Pearl, Alexander Banquet, 33 bar.

MARTELL GRAND NATIONAL (AINTREE, APRIL)
20 Beau, 25 Commanche Court, David's Lad, Papillon, 33 Blowing Wind, Mely Moss, Moral Support, Red Marauder, 50 The Last Fling.

BETDAQ SUPPORT FOR FESTIVAL OF RACING AT ASCOT

After six days of trading, BETDAQ's membership has reached just under 1,000 from 32 countries around the world. Over $2,000,000 has been lodged to Members' accounts, while offers in excess of $1,200,000 have been made on the exchange.

"Ascot is a perfect venue for us in that it offers sport of the very highest calibre with appeal to an international audience," said BETDAQ Communications Director, Rob Hartnett. "Our Membership is currently drawn from a total of 32 countries, and Ascot has instant appeal to almost every one of them."

BETDAQ worked closely with Ascot to bring the Singapore-trained Bocelli to Ascot for Saturday's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. "This, together with the Swedish presence in the BETDAQ Diadem Stakes and the strong presence from Ireland and Dubai are indicative of our desire to support Ascot in expanding the international aspect of the Festival in years to come," added Hartnett.

Horse racing will not be the main sport on the Exchange. It is likely in time to give way to both football and golf. BETDAQ will however offer markets on International Group and Graded races, and on select other events such as the two high quality BETDAQ sponsored handicaps on Friday and Sunday.

"Racing still has a very special part to play within the betting world, and The Festival will always be one of the best events of the year," said Hartnett. "We are delighted to be a part of this great occasion."

LOWTHER RE-MATCH IN SHADWELL STUD CHEVELEY PARK

QUEEN'S LOGIC, SOPHISTICAT, SILENT HONOR and GOOD GIRL are set for a re-match over the same six-furlong trip together with the 7th and 8th home in that race, MASSARA and LEGGY LOU. However, several other high-class fillies figure amongst the 13 confirmations, which include four from Ireland and one from France, in a race that is certain to have a major impact on the betting for next year's Sagitta 1000 Guineas at Newmarket.

The unbeaten QUEEN'S LOGIC, who was described yesterday as being in "great form" by her trainer, Mick Channon, is the clear form pick after her impressive one-and-a-quarter length success at York. However, connections of SILENT HONOR, the beaten favourite in third place, will be hoping for a better show after she appeared to run too freely in front that day.

Of the seven fillies who did not contest the Lowther, the Ayr Listed Race winner, MISTERAH, impressive Irish Listed Race winner, STEAMING HOME, and French challenger, ZIRIA, with a Group 3 victory earlier in the season to her name, look the most threatening.

There are 19 confirmations in the £400,000 Tattersalls Houghton Sales Stakes on the same card in which David Loder with INDIAN DREAMER and DESERT WARNING and Aidan O'Brien with LANDSEER and TOREADOR look to hold very strong hands. However, the QUEEN'S LOGIC partnership of trainer Mick Channon and owner Jaber Abdullah also have two left in the race, ANNA WALHAAN and ASHGAR SAYYAD, and will come to Newmarket on Tuesday with high hopes of pulling off a very lucrative big race double.

ATHERTON TO OPEN THE MORNING LINE

Keen horseracing enthusiast, Atherton, will take a seat alongside the morning host, Mike Cattermole, and fellow team members John Francome, Derek Thompson and John McCririck to review the day's runner and riders.

Channel Four Racing's Saturday card:

Morning Line: 9.00 - 10.00

Afternoon Racing: 2.30 - 4.50pm

Haydock Park: 2.40, 3.15, 3.50, 4.25

Market Rasen: 3.30, 4.05

David Kerr, recently promoted Head of Sport for Channel 4, commented: "We are delighted to welcome back Mike Atherton to Channel Four Racing. His last appearance on the show demonstrated what a shrewd pundit he is and his celebrity status reaches out to a wider audience."

MORE LOOKING FORWARD TO CHELTENHAM

Following disruptions to racing in the Spring, the major part of the new season is eagerly-awaited, with the first big meeting at Cheltenham - The Open - on November 16, 17 and 18, 2001

The National Hunt Festival on March 12, 13 and 14, 2002, is less than six months away.

In the second of four related releases, Cheltenham provides 12 top trainers talking about the horses they are most excited about running.

Prospects for the National Hunt Festival are highlighted as well as three possibles - last year's winner Lady Cricket, Korakor and Be My Manager - for the £100,000 Thomas Pink Gold Cup, the feature event of The Open which is just seven weeks away.

Leading hurdlers from last season are highlighted in the third release, due for release on Monday, October 1, while well-known chasers are the subject of the final release which will be published on Tuesday, October 2, 2001.

LEADING NATIONAL HUNT TRAINERS HIGHLIGHT HORSES FOR THE SEASON

He said: "Where Behrajan starts off rather depends on the ground. If it remains good he'll run over three miles or even further. If it's very soft or heavy, he'll go over two and a half miles or two miles, five furlongs.

"As for a Festival target it rather depends on what the handicapper does. He's on a handicap rating of 146 now and if he continues to progress from six to seven years old as would be hoped he might run as top-weight in one of the handicaps.

"However, the trip and the ground come into it and if he does really well he'll run in one of the championship races."

Daly is also hoping for big things from Hand Inn Hand. He commented: "Last season he won two novice hurdles and was fourth in the Sidney Banks Memorial Novices' Hurdle at Huntingdon over a distance which was probably not his trip (extended two and a half miles).

"I've absolutely no plans for him at the moment - he's only just started cantering after a nice summer break. If he continues to progress he might make a nice handicap hurdler, or hopefully something better running in two-mile races."

Nicky Henderson, Berkshire

Nicky Henderson is the sixth most successful trainer ever at the National Hunt Festival with 24 successes to his name and he will be looking to pass the quarter-century mark in 2002.

Bacchanal and Irish Hussar could be two horses able to assist him in this goal. He reported: "I'm not sure when this pair will be out but they both want cut in the ground and it will be when it rains.

"Bacchanal did everything right last year and would have gone for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase. This is his second season chasing which might make things difficult but he's a good horse.

"Irish Hussar was a nice bumper (National Hunt Flat Race) horse and he'll be going novice hurdling, although I have no idea what his targets will be."

Philip Hobbs, Somerset

Two seasons ago Philip Hobbs went over the 100-winner mark for the first time with 120 successes and he will be hoping for another century this time around, having nearly reached 50 already.

When asked for a couple of horses with realistic Cheltenham ambitions, Hobbs replied: "In Contrast won two bumpers (National Hunt Flat Races) last season at Cheltenham and he's going novice hurdling in October. Hopefully he'll get to the two-mile Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 13) at the Cheltenham Festival.

"Celtic Native will run in a three-mile novice chase on soft ground in November. If all goes well the Royal & SunAlliance Chase (March 13) will be the target at the Festival."

Alan King, Wiltshire

Alan King is in his third season of training after 14 years as assistant to David Nicholson and two horses highlighted by the Wiltshire-based trainer are Gola Cher and Stromness.

He said: "Gola Cher is a horse we are all very excited about. He won three over hurdles last year and was just beaten at Cheltenham in a Grade Two race. He goes novice chasing and with a bit of luck he'll hopefully be up to Royal & SunAlliance Chase (March 13) standard.

"I'm not sure where he'll start off but he'll be ready in November and I'll look for a race over two and a half miles to two mile six furlongs somewhere."

"As for hurdlers Stromness is a four-year-old I like a lot. He finished second twice last season and he was pretty classy on the Flat. He's been gelded and should make up into a decent novice hurdler.

"He wants a trip definitely and the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (March 13) or one of the handicaps might be his Festival targets - he'll get three miles in time."

Henrietta Knight, Oxfordshire

Henrietta Knight finished last season with 39 winners and it would take a brave person to wager against the Wantage trainer beating that total this season as she looks to have a strong hand.

As well as Edredon Bleu and Best Mate, who will be talked about in the press release about chasers next week, the trainer is eagerly awaiting seeing Southern Star and Be My Manager on the racecourse again.

She said: "Southern Star is going to be a three-mile chaser and will start off in an ordinary two-and-a-half/three mile novice chase in October or November. Hopefully, he'll be good enough for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase (March 13).

"I'm not quite sure where Be My Manager will start off but it will be a handicap somewhere at the end of October. He could run at The Open and possibly in the Thomas Pink Gold Cup (November 17).

"Be My Manager is a possible for the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 14) and we've also got Lord Noelie as a possible for that."

Len Lungo, Dumfriesshire

Len Lungo had his best season ever in 2000/01 with 59 winners - a record for a Scottish trainer - and he is hoping that The Bajan Bandit and Direct Access can give him further success.

He commented: "The Bajan Bandit won four bumpers (National Hunt Flat Races) last season and he's a top prospect for novice hurdles. He started at Ayr last November and he may well go there again this November.

"If all goes well and if he's winning, he'll have a month's holiday and then go for the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (March 13) subject to the ground being soft.

"Direct Access is unbeaten over hurdles and could start in a novice chase at Ayr's November meeting. The Royal & SunAlliance Chase (March 13) would be a possibility, although we'll see what experience he gets after campaigning in the North."

Charlie Mann, Berkshire

Lambourn trainer Charlie Mann is another trainer who had his best season, with 43 successes, in 2000/2001.

Among the older horses that he is looking forward to seeing on the track during the current campaign are Somemanforoneman and Regal Holly.

He said: "Regal Holly will start off at Cheltenham in a hurdle on October 30 [the Lynx Express Handicap Hurdle] and her Festival target will be the Coral Eurobet Cup (March 13).

"I've got nothing pencilled in for Somemanforoneman yet but he's likely to begin in one of the bigger handicap chases over two miles six furlongs to three miles. He'll be aimed at one of the Festival chases."

Turning his mind to younger horses, Mann picked out Brutus McGregor, who was bought for 45,000 guineas at Doncaster in August as a good prospect. He commented: "He's run twice, winning a bumper (National Hunt Flat Race) and finishing second in a winners' bumper for Edward O'Grady in Ireland.

"He's going novice hurdling and we might look to start off at Cheltenham's October meeting but it could be later than that. The Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (March 13) or the Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12) would be his Festival target."

Ferdy Murphy, North Yorkshire

Ferdy Murphy finished last season with 41 winners and he believes that Truckers Tavern, Khan Kicker and old favourite, Paris Pike, have the class to increase his tally this term.

The handler said: "Truckers Tavern won very easily on his only start at Wetherby and he'll begin in November at one of the northern tracks. He'll have three or four runs for experience and he looks a class horse with plenty of toe for the Irish Independent Arkle Chase (March 12).

"Khan Kicker was runner-up in two top-class bumpers (National Hunt Flat Races) in Ireland and he has schooled absolutely brilliantly over hurdles. He looks to have a lot of class and after three or four runs he'll probably be aimed at the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (March 13), or possibly the Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12). "

Paul Nicholls, Somerset

Paul Nicholls was the second most successful jump trainer last season with 83 victories and he is keen to build upon his three successes at Cheltenham's National Hunt Festival.

Nicholls lists Fadalko, Shotgun Willy, Azertyuiop and See More Business as horses he is looking forward to running during the current campaign.

He reported: "There are no definite plans for any of my horses at this stage - we'll see how the season unfolds and much depends on the ground and how the horses are."

However, Nicholls did reveal the long-range targets of some of his charges: "The Queen Mother Champion Chase (March 13) for Fadalko, the Smurfit Champion Hurdle (March 12) for Azertyuiop and the Tote Cheltenham Gold Cup (March 14) for Shotgun Willy."

Martin Pipe, Somerset

There are not many records over jumps that Martin Pipe has not broken and once again he was champion jumps trainer last season with 168 victories and is leading the table again this term. His Cheltenham Festival tally is 25, the highest of any current trainer.

Three horses whom Pipe believes could help him retain his title this term are Deano's Beeno, Lady Cricket and Royal Auclair.

He commented: "Deano's Beeno likes to run fresh and might go for the Bonusprint Stayers' Hurdle (March 14), but not necessarily. He might possibly go there with no run beforehand.

"Lady Cricket might return for the Thomas Pink Gold Cup (November 17) (which she won at Cheltenham last season) and then might have a tilt at the Festival, while Royal Auclair will be a chaser."

Mark Pitman, Berkshire

Both of Mark Pitman's two successes at the National Hunt Festival have been provided by Monsignor, whom the trainer is hoping will complete the hat-trick this season. The Lambourn-based handler looks to have plenty of other ammunition as well.

He said: "I've bought a horse called Migration, who ran three times on the Flat for Roger Charlton and finished second in a Listed race. He has a top-class pedigree being a full-brother to Armiger, who won the Racing Post Trophy, and Besiege and he had a Flat rating of 105.

"I haven't even schooled him yet but with his size and pedigree he should make up into a high-ranking hurdler. He won't be out much before mid-December and the long-term aim might be the Gerrard Supreme Novices' Hurdle (March 12) at the Festival."

Pitman is also keen on the chances of Sheer Genius, whom he describes as "a very, very nice horse with size and scope.

"He was a high-class novice hurdler, who won at Cheltenham last season over two miles five furlongs, and altogether won three and was placed in the other three. He's going chasing this year and will probably begin in October - he's very well forward.

"He's only five and I've got one eye on Cheltenham. He's the other string to our bow [along with Monsignor] for the Royal & SunAlliance Chase (March 13)."

Ian Williams, Warwickshire

Having worked for Jenny Pitman, Martin Pipe and Francois Doumen, Ian Williams has the experience to make it to the top ranks of the training profession.

This season the Midlands-based handler will be attempting to break the half-century mark of winners for the first time and with 18 successes on the scoresheet already looks set to achieve this landmark.

Two horses who he hopes will contribute greatly to his tally this term are Korakor and Strain The Rein. He said: "Korakor has summered very well and is suited by two and a half miles. He's well-handicapped on his best French form and put a series of poor performances behind him when winning at Ayr in April.

"His early season target is the Thomas Pink Gold Cup (November 17) at Cheltenham, which could be his first run. At this stage I hope he progresses on and he could be a prospect for one of the handicaps at the Cheltenham Festival."

Strain The Rein has yet to jump an obstacle in public but Williams is hoping for a step-up on his bumper (National Hunt Flat Race) form.

"He's the winner of a bumper and is a big strapping six-year-old, who was totally unsuited to bumper racing. His likely debut is a novice hurdle at Cheltenham's October meeting and hopefully he'll progress through the season. If all goes well the Royal & SunAlliance Novices' Hurdle (March 13) is the aim."

GLOBEFORM RATINGS REVIEW

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

SUPER DERBY (G1) - Louisiana Downs

1 ¼ miles - Dirt track - Fast

1 - 120 - OUTOFTHEBOX

2 - 119 - E DUBAI

3 - 113 - QUADROPHINIC SOUND

4 - 107 - DISCREET HERO

5 - 87 - ROYAL SPY

LEFT BANK'S LIFETIME BEST?

After the Vosburgh Stakes (G1), one might ask: Will this performance forever be Left Bank's lifetime best? Or can he improve again, perhaps make an impact on the Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1)? One thing is certain, his win over Squirtle Squirt was a performance well clear of his previous exploits. Left Bank (French Deputy) came with a late surge to catch Squirtle Squit for a half length win and ran to Globeform 119. Squirtle Squirt lost nothing in defeat. The 3-year-old had run to GF 119 winning the King's Bishop Handicap, but he seemed not to stay the seven furlong trip but this time. Though, finishing nearly ten lengths clear of the third placed horse, Squirtle Squirt ran to GF 118+ and he still looks a serious contender for the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Vosburgh winners have a terrible record in the Sprint, and a non-staying second is probably just as good an omen for the B C Sprint. Squirtle Squirt (Marquetry) ran to Globeform 120 when beating Illusioned easily in the King's Bishop Stakes (G1. Illusioned was also in action this week-end, when runner-up to Express Tour in the Jerome Handicap (see below). He performed to GF 109 behind Squirtle Squirt and to GF 106 behind Express Tour.

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

VOSBURGH STAKES (G1)- Belmont Park

7 furlongs - Dirt track - Fast

1 - 120 - LEFT BANK

2 - 119 - SQUIRTLE SQUIRT

3 - 101 - BIG E E

4 - 100 - SAY FLORIDA SANDY

5 - 92 - SLY OLE BUCK

EXPRESS TOUR BACK TO FORM

Godolphin enjoyed a very successful weekend, with big race winners in France, Germany and the US. Kutub was an easy Group One winner in Germany and Equerry made a very promising come back in France. The best of the three winners may still be the US based Express Tour, who won the Jerome Handicap (G2) at Belmont Park. Carrying only 115 pounds, Express Tour showed us how handicappers and horseplayers alike can have painfully short memories. His win the UAE Derby was by far the best piece of form in the mile event. Yet, Expres Tour carried five pounds less than Burning Roma, and he was receiving weight from all his opponents. This was a wonderful opportunity to get him back on the winning track. Horseplayers failed to spot the lenient weight, letting him go off at a handsome 8-1. The son of Tour d'Or took command at the halfway stage and ran away to score by 5 ½ lengths from Illusioned.

Express Tour ran to Globeform 117+ at Belmont. Undoubtedly on his way back, he can safely be expected to run to 120 or higher next time, as he ran to Gf 121+ as he beat Street Cry and Lido Palace over nine furlongs at Nad Al Sheba in March. Express Tour could manage only eighth in the Kentucky Derby (G1) after that. He ran only to GF 102 at Churchill Downs, where stamina was a premium. His subsequent sixth in the Riva Ridge Stakes (G2) was too bad to be true.

Express Tour's best trip is probably nine furlongs, if not a mile, and the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) is unlikely to be on his agenda. It would be truly interesting to see him in the Mile, which looks to be coming up a bit light this year, but the Stuyvesant Handicap (G3) is said to be his target (over 9 furlongs on Breeders' Cup day).

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

JEROME HANDICAP (G2) - BELMONT PARK

1 mile - Dirt track - Fast

1 - 117+ EXPRESS TOUR

2 - 106 ILLUSIONED

3 - 109 BURNING ROMA

4 - 102 SCORPION

5 - 95 HERO'S TRIBUTE

NAVESINK - A MILE CONTENDER?

The Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) picture is a bit unclear at the moment. With a bunch of rather weak older milers in the US, and a top division a notch or two below par in Europe, the Mile is crying out for a couple of hot names. They will pop up, have no fear, and one caught our eye at Belmont last Saturday; the 3-year-old Navesink. He won the won the Grade 2 Jamaica Handicap very easily, and is a fast improving horse. Already rated Globeform 121+, he fully deserves a place in the Mile field.

The son of Irish River performed to GF 110+ when he beat Bowman Mill in the Kent Breeders' Cup Stakes (G3) at Delaware Park in July. He stepped up to Grade One company in the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park, where he finished fifth and ran to GF 111. Navesink may have bled at Arlington and he raced on Lasix at Belmont on Sunday. He beat Strategic Partner by 3 ½ lengths, with the runner-up also producing his lifetime best. Baptize, on the other hand, was a couple of lengths below his best in third place.

Navesink's impressive run at Belmont gives a solid boost to the form of Startac and Strut the Stage, who were first and second in the Secretariat Stakes (G1).

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

JAMAICA HANDICAP (G2) - Belmont Park

9 furlongs - Turf - Yielding ground

1 - 121+ NAVESINK

2 - 113 STRATEGIC PARTNER

3 - 110 BAPTIZE

4 - 103 KRIEGER

5 - 91 ONE EYED JOKER

GUIDED TOUR A FIGHTER

The Kentucky Cup Classic (G2) turned into the two horse race we had expected, with the 5-year-old Guided Tour outbattling the 3-year-old Balto Star. Balto Star could not withstand the late challenge from Guided Tour, who gave the impression that another furlong would have turned him into a decisisve winner. The bare form, however, is still a bit short of what will be required in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). Guided Tour (Hansel) ran a career best GF 117, with Balto Star performing to GF 116. Balto Star (Glitterman) ran to GF 117 when winning the Arkansas Derby (G2) over this trip (but on a sloppy track) back in April.

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

KENTUCKY CUP CLASSIC (G2)- Turfway Park

9 furlongs - Dirt track - Fast

1 - 117 - GUIDED TOUR

2 - 116 - BALTO STAR

3 - 98 - A FLEETS DANCER

4 - 95 - DA DEVIL

5 - 95 - PERFORMING MAGIC

CITY ZIP SOLID IN DEFEAT

Breeders' Cup Sprint contender City Zip was beaten a neck by Snow Ridge in the Kentucky Cup Sprint (G2), but he was conceding eight pounds and ran a very solid race. Snow Ridge (Tabasco Cat) rallied gamely in the closing stages, running to Globeform 111. He would be most unlikely to beat City Zip at level weights. City Zip (Carson City) ran to GF 118, which is a pound better than his victory over Speightstown in the Amsterdam Stakes (G2) at Saratoga last month.

Kona Gold and Caller One are ahead of the pack in the Sprint division, with Kona Gold capable of Globeform 127 and Caller One having produced Globeform 128 over a straight six furlongs at Nad Al Sheba. These two are heading the early betting for the Sprint, but the race will probably get around ten others capable of GF 118 - 122, making it a very interesting contest. Caller One is unlikely to loose on the lead and Kona Gold may find tough competition for racing room when he makes his move. Tougher than what he has become accustomed to. The 2001 Breeders' Cup Sprint could well produce an upset.

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

KENTUCKY CUP SPRINT (G2) - Turfway Park

6 furlongs - Dirt track - Fast

1 - 111 - SNOW RIDGE

2 - 118 - CITY ZIP

3 - 98 - DREAM RUN

4 - 00 - WILD HITS

5 - 00 - HOMEM RA

KUTUB IMPROVES AGAIN IN GERMANY

Godolphin's 4-year-old Kutub climbed on rating ladder again on Sunday, as he ran away with the Preis von Europa (G1) over a mile and a half on heavy ground at Cologne. The son of Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) winner In The Wings, was our top rated horse going into the race, on GF 119, and he improved to Globeform 121 as he beat Yavana's Pace by 4 lengths. Yavana's Pace, rated GF 118 last year, reproduced his seasonal best GF 113. He ran to GF 112 winning the Prix Gladiatuer (G3) over 15.5 furlongs two starts back and is a versatile horse. Noroit, best of the 3-year-olds in third place, improved to GF 112 - the son of Monsun had run to GF 110 when beating Street Poker (Dabehill) in the Europa Championat (G2) over a mile and a half on good ground at Frankfurt in August.

GLOBEFORM RATINGS

PREIS VON EUROPA (G1) - Cologne

1 ½ miles Turf - Heavy

1 - 121 - KUTUB

2 - 113 - YAVANA'S PACE

3 - 112 - NOROIT

4 - 110 - AESKULAP

5 - 95 - HALE BOPP

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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