Timeform View: 19:23 Turf Sprint

Timeform Race Comments / Timeform / 06 November 2009 / Leave a Comment

This isn't so competitive as the numbers might suggest and, of the main protagonists, California Flag makes most appeal, as he has the speed edge over Diamondrella and there's every chance that he'll be able to grab the rail and dominate from stall 3. The dependable Gotta Have Her should also be bang there at the finish.

Noble Court: Lightly raced for his age but a frequent winner, including twice this year, and excusably no match for Zensational in Grade 1s on his last 2 starts. Inside draw a potential hindrance in his case, coming from off the pace, and at a shorter trip than usual.

Silver Timber : Has thrived this season, successful 4 times, last 2 at Grade 3 level, and he's still getting better. Stall 2 ideal for his stalking style.

California Flag:Only tenth in this event last year, but much better drawn this time (for a front runner), and, since return from injury, his performances in winning both starts (latest over this course/distance) show he's improved again. Will be hard to pass.

Lord Shanakill: One of the best milers when trained in Britain, kept only Group 1 company this year, and won substandard Prix Jean Prat. Finished lame when last seen (Sussex Stakes), and stiff introduction to American racing taking on crack sprinters.

Get Funky: Down the field in this 12 months ago and his form is no better this year, second to California Flag (who gave him 6 lb) at the track last time.

Cannonball: Known in Britain after taking in the 2 big sprints at Royal Ascot, beaten only a neck in the Golden Jubilee. Major player on that form, and routine win at Saratoga (after short break) should have set him up perfectly for this.

Gotta Have Her: Versatile (in trip terms) and reliable, always thereabouts, and converting 4 times in 2009, including 3 at this track. Comes from off the pace so will need the breaks.

Square Eddie: Ex-British (for John Best), and immediately took to US racing, second in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile. However, has never really got going this season, beset by problems, and doesn't look a sprinter.

Diamondrella: Successful last 7 starts on turf, including 2 Grade 1s this year, though they were both over 1m, and slight doubts about her reproducing her best rating (which is equal to California Flag's) in the face of this speed test.

Canadian Ballet: Tough draw in 10 for one who likes to force the pace, and, though a regular winner, she's never done it in a graded event.

El Gato Malo : Not so good this year as last, and had to drop to an allowance optional claimer for latest success in September. Plenty to prove here, not least speed, having raced mainly over further.

Strike The Deal : New lease of life since teamed up with Kieren Fallon, 2 from 2 under him, and beating subsequent Abbaye winner Total Gallery at Newbury last time. Wide draw needn't be a big issue, as he comes from behind anyway, but will obviously need some luck.

Desert Code: Surprise winner of this in 2008 (benefited from leaders going off too fast), when his profile was similarly unconvincing coming into the race as it is this year, so always a chance he'll bounce back.

Delta Storm : Still going strong at the age of 8, performing consistently well, but held by California Flag on Del Mar running in August, and up against it from outside stall.

Reserves

Tenga Cat : Few miles on the clock but no longer progressing and no match for California Flag the last twice.

Cherokee Heaven : Has suffered an interrupted career and return from latest absence wasn't encouraging, well behind California Flag.