The Port Royal Sprint, a Graded Stakes contest for three-year-olds and upwards, is scheduled for Sunday (16 November) and promises a fiercely competitive event. The victor of this six-furlong dash will earn automatic qualification for December’s Mouttet Mile, being one of the prestigious ‘Win and You’re In’ races.
1 – RIDEALLDAY (USA)
Rideallday seeks a return to the winner’s enclosure after his five-race streak was halted by Legacy Isle in the Gold Cup. That runner-up finish confirmed his standing amongst the elite currently in training. He can dictate the pace, and equally, he can finish with authority. This looks an ideal stepping stone towards the Mouttet Mile.
2 – PACK PLAYS (USA)
Pack Plays produced a courageous effort to finish third behind Legacy Isle and Rideallday in the Gold Cup, proving he belongs in exalted company. A natural front-runner, six furlongs is tailor-made for him. With the champion jockey aboard, this American import will attempt to make every yard of the running.
3 – UNRULY MO (USA)
Unruly Mo has only one prior engagement at Overnight Allowance level, so this leap into Grade One company represents a formidable challenge.
4 – MONEY MARKET
Money Market is a reliable sort, but the calibre of opposition here appears too strong, and he may struggle to keep pace.
5 – GET A PEPSI
Get A Pepsi looks out of his depth in this company. Hard to recommend.
6 – DESERT OF MALIBU (USA)
Desert of Malibu failed to fire in the Gold Cup over seven furlongs, but the shorter trip here should suit. She has shown her quality across 17 starts, though injuries have hindered her progress. Recent encouraging work suggests she could deliver a much-improved performance.
7 – CALIFORNIA CROWN
California Crown lacks the class of the principals but possesses early speed that could influence the complexion of the race.
8 – IS THAT A FACT (USA)
Is That A Fact has struck form at the perfect moment. With abundant pace expected, his customary hold-up style could prove decisive if the leaders falter late on.
9 – DOTHRAKI (USA)
Dothraki, already assured of a Mouttet Mile berth, made a sparkling debut over 5 ½ furlongs, stopping the clock at 1:05.4. His subsequent work has been impressive, showing continued progress on local soil. The Port Royal Sprint will reveal whether he is the real deal or otherwise.
THE GALLOPER’S VERDICT
This renewal brims with pace, with Pack Plays and California Crown likely to force the issue early. Rideallday, proven at the highest level, looks the class act and should relish the six furlongs as a sharpener for the Mouttet Mile. Desert of Malibu is quite capable if her recent work translates to race-day form. Is That A Fact appeals as the late closer who could pick up the pieces if the leaders overcook it. Dothraki remains the unknown quantity as talent is evident, but this is his acid test.
