The seventh race on Saturday, January 31, 2026, is a contest reserved for locally bred three and four-year-olds who have not yet won four races, and for foreign bred three-year-olds who have not yet won three races.
Six runners have been entered to compete over 6 ½ furlongs with a late non-starter reducing the field to five.
The Quick Galloper provides readers with a detailed analysis of each of the six nominated horses, assessing their form, potential, and likely impact on the outcome of this contest.
1 – FRED THE MASTER (USA)
Fred The Master has one victory from five starts and comes into this race off a strong second-place finish over 7 ½ furlongs, where he was beaten by the talented Don Kwesi. That effort showed improvement and suggested he is edging closer to another win. Morning track reports indicate that Fred The Master has been working well, and the cut back to 6 ½ furlongs should not pose any difficulty. He races with blinkers, which may sharpen his focus and keep him competitive throughout.
VERDICT: A live contender who has shown steady progress. With fitness and recent form in his favour, Fred The Master is expected to be in the mix and could fight strongly for a top-three finish.
2 – PRODIGIOUS POWER (USA)
Prodigious Power announced himself in style when defeating the previously unbeaten Sir Don at six furlongs, displaying grit and determination in only his second career start. Then he showed a tendency to run on strongly, which makes the extra half-furlong here a positive factor. His connections hold him in high regard, and with the experienced Ian Spence in the saddle, Prodigious Power enters as the early favourite. His blend of stamina and finishing kick makes him a formidable opponent.
VERDICT: The horse to beat. Prodigious Power is steadily proving his class and looks set to continue his upward trajectory. With Spence guiding him, he is the most likely winner of this race.
3 – KUSMI
Kusmi has yet to show the ability required to trouble the leading contenders and appears to be filling space in this line-up. The equipment changes—blinkers off, visor and tongue tie on—signal attempts to spark improvement, but his past performances suggest he is unlikely to feature prominently.
VERDICT: Unlikely to make an impact. Kusmi’s role seems limited to rounding out the field, and only a dramatic turnaround in form would see him challenge the principals.
4 – RICORICORICO (USA)
Ricoricorico is a late non-starter.
5 – PAPI USO
Papi Uso enters without much to recommend him, appearing to be another runner filling space in this race.
VERDICT: A longshot with little to suggest he can contend. Papi Uso is expected to trail home behind the stronger horses.
6 – BIG BUZZ
Big Buzz is the only entrant with three wins to his name, marking him as the most accomplished runner in terms of victories. He was an upset winner on December 26 and represents the locally bred stock in this race. Despite his winning record, Big Buzz faces a stern test against imported rivals who appear stronger on paper. His experience and proven ability to spring surprises, however, mean he cannot be completely dismissed.
VERDICT: Respectable but up against it. Big Buzz’s three wins show he knows how to get the job done, yet the quality of imported opposition makes this assignment a daunting one. He could sneak into the placings if things fall his way.
