KINGSTON, Jamaica – The 2023 Saint Cecelia Cup provided the platform for a convincing win by the American-bred five-year-old bay gelding I Am Fred trained by Jason DaCosta with Robert Halledeen in the saddle.
The Quick Galloper analyses the outcome of that 6 ½ furlong call.
FIRST: I AM FRED – I Am Fred once again showed his versatility with another captivating performance, staying close to the early pacesetters, and then striking in the lane, while allowing weight to his rivals. It is obvious that during his racing career, I Am Fred has had his issues but when sound and ready, he is easily one of the better ones around at this time. It was win number 9 for this importee from 23 starts with his earnings now over $7 million. This multi-talented gelding has many more races to win.
SECOND: RUNAWAY ALGO – Runaway Algo decided not to contest the early going, instead choosing to be nearby the leading pack. He did make a productive move, but could not match the final burst of the winner. Runaway Algo gave it all he could against a tough line-up, coming out of the event with his head held high. A good run.
THIRD: SHE’S MY DESTINY – Raced prominently throughout and still had enough fight to hold for third, beaten by the two foreigners. There is no doubt that this chestnut mare packs a lot of ability, plus grit, she gave it all, while showing that she does not have to lead in order to put in a good effort.
FOURTH: KING ARTHUR – King Arthur has been consistent in his recent performances. His fourth-place finish in the Saint Cecelia is a clear indication that at six years, he is still enjoying his racing and has enough ability to be with the big boys. A win in short order is not beyond his scope.
FIFTH: PERFECT BREW – Perfect Brew is slowly finding his hoofs against the best in the land. His time will come.
SIXTH: YELLOWSTONE – Yellowstone is a credit to his connections for having reached this far in his career. Set the early fractions in the St Cecelia, giving the indication that he will be better suited going the shorter distances.
SEVENTH: SWEET MAJESTY – Sweet Majesty did her best, but against these it is always going to be difficult.
EIGHTH: UNRULY BOSS – Unruly Boss was stepping up for the first time, and found the going rough.
NINTH: MINIATURE MAN – Miniature Man was never in it.
TENTH: LABAN – Laban was slowly out and never recuperated.
ELEVENTH: EMPEROROFTEHCATS – Emperorofthecats was never in this contest.
TWELFTH: NUCLEAR NOON – Simply put, Nuclear Noon cannot manage these.
THIRTEENTH: ATOMICA – The Horse of the Year was obviously not herself. She was seen in the early part of this race and then started to back out while negotiating the turn. Atomica either needed the run, or she has not fully recovered from any afflicting maladies from her three-year-old career.
