3 minute read
The Group 3 Silver Bowl left us with more questions than answers after rank outsider What's New triumphed in the first leg of the 4YO Challenge.
Sent out at 75-1, What's New surprisingly was too good late and notably landed Raquel Clark her first Group success.
Of the 16 that faced the starter there, 14 will take their place on Sunday with Sacred Croix the best performed of the SP brigade (finished second).
While a good winner, happy to risk What's New as long term you will make money opposing horses who start 50-1+ their start prior.
Sacred Croix was the big query runner in the Silver Bowl as while he was winning (four straight), it was certainly his biggest test.
Returning from a 64 day break, Sacred Croix had few answers for What's New, however his performance to finish second was very good and he remains open to good improvement.
Ridden by Benny Woodworth, he was forced to sit three-wide throughout and while entitled to weaken in the straight, he kept coming right to the line.
Unbeaten in his sole attempt at the mile he is sure to appreciate the step up in trip, though the drawn may be a touch tricky.
Either way it should keep him out of trouble and as long as Woodworth can find cover, he should be fine.
On paper he was the run of the race in the lead up and hence more than happy to side his way.
Stablemate Eye Guy finished third in the Silver Bowl and looms as a major threat with Daniel Moor sticking aboard.
A surprise second placing in the Group 3 Moonbeam Vase [1600m], Eye Guy confirmed that level of performance last start, when game in defeat.
In 11 starts, he has won four including four minor placings and is certainly more than capable.
The Michael Clements trained Quarter Back failed to live up to market expectations last start, but is clearly better than that and is worth another chance.
An impressive winner two back, he remains on trial at the trip, but gives the impression it will suit, though Duric will need to weave a bit of magic from the draw.
Of the rest the Lee Freedman trained Heliosphere has been rock solid in both starts to begin this preparation and should be right at his top racing fourth up.
An eye catching fourth behind What's New last start, he admittedly didn't go around a horse, but should be better suited out to the mile and can make his presence felt.
Good luck and happy punting.
