KINGSTON, Jamaica - Although all racing eyes will be fixed on the three year olds as they compete for Classic glory in the Jamaica St Leger, close attention is also going to be placed on the $1.15-million King’s Plate as Horse of the Year Nipster returns after a poor run to take on rivals going 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m).
Below is the analysis of the race.
- KING ARTHUR: (4 b g by Natural Selection – Geisha’s Art) – Got beaten by stablemate Eagle One in the recent Eros trophy call over seven furlongs (1,400m). King Arthur should appreciate the extra half a furlong (100m) here but faces Eagle One again plus reigning Horse of the Year Nipster. King Arthur is better off in the handicaps compared with Eagle One which makes this a glorious opportunity for him to notch another victory.
- HOVER CRAFT: (11 b g by He’stherealthing – Royal Pizzaz) – Hard-knocking gelding who seems to have hit another high point in his career at age 11. Hover Craft finished third in his last race over nine furlongs and 25 yards behind Oneofakind and Crimson. In that contest Hover Craft had Sentient, Nipster, King Arthur, and Roy Rogers behind him and is therefore capable of repeating. Hover Craft now has the services of Dane Nelson, a bustling rider, and with 7 ½ furlongs, not an issue, can get close.
- SENTIENT: (5 ch h by Strikewhileitshot – Lady Geetadeo) – Seems to have lost his touch in recent times and will have to wait but can explode at any time.
- NIPSTER: (4 b c by Casual Trick – Nippit) – Disappointed on June 5 when finishing down the track in sixth place in a race won by Oneofakind ahead of Crimson and Hover Craft. However, Nipster was a winner in the 6 ½ furlong Saint Cecelia Cup on May 8. Then Nipster won by three lengths in a time of 1:19.2, making him a live contender here. If everything is well with Nipster then this should not be a race.
- ROY ROGERS: (5 gr g by Distorted – Soca Party) – Cannot be seriously considered.
- CRIMSON: (5 b g by Nuclear Wayne – Sarah Barracuda) – Capable runner who can run these down on his best day and his connections will be hoping for that tomorrow.
- EAGLE ONE: (USA): (4 b c by Astrology – Frisky Cheerleader) – Upset rivals on July 17 in the seven-furlong Eros trophy. Eagle One, in his first race at the Open Allowance/Graded Stakes level, won by a length in a time of 1:27.0 ahead of stablemate King Arthur. Eagle One is expected to be there when the King’s Plate is being decided.
- AWESOME TREASURE: (USA): (4 b f by Awesome of Course – Bossy Gal) – Although on the improve, Awesome Treasure is not expected win this one.
