THE HORSES
Let’s start by acknowledging a $180,000 claimer by the name of Unbreakable bred by Traditional - Onemorefashion.
Racing for the 105th occasion, Unbreakable at ten years added another tick to his win column when he decimated opponents to enter the winners’ enclosure for his 26th visit this time with co-champion jockey Dane Nelson in the saddle.
Of special note is that every time that Unbreakable races he is claimed.
THE CLASSIC HORSES
There were three races on the programme which were specially aimed at horses going into the first Classic races of the season; the 1000 (fillies) and 2000 (colts and geldings) Guineas which are both set for Saturday, June 5.
1 - Amy The Butcher demonstrated her development with a hard-fought win at the non-winners of two-level in a big field of 16 runners. Under the shed-row of trainer Patrick Fong, Amy The Butcher consolidated her form in this race after finishing fourth behind the ‘big girls’ in the Portmore Cup. Many may not think that Amy The Butcher has a chance in the 1000 Guineas against the likes of She’s A Wonder and company but this Fong trainee is experienced with many starts under her girth and if that means anything in racing then give Amy The Butcher a look in.
2 – Alexa’s Dream did well to win her first race in a heated battle with Vanquisher. The 1000 Guineas is much too early for Alexa’s Dream but expect her to earn her keep for the connections.
3 – Nuclear Noon will enter the 2000 Guineas as one of few horses at the level of non-winners of four after the effort on the day. Three wins from six starts have now placed Nuclear Noon in the same stall with Further and Beyond and She’s A Wonder and that in itself is an achievement.
The manner of victory by Nuclear Noon suggests he is cherry ripe at present and just waiting to take off in the 2000 Guineas. In today’s race, this offspring of Nuclear Wayne – Noon It Is trained by Anthony Nunes, ridden by Robert Halledeen, and bred and owned by Michael Bernard unveiled his progress while giving a clear signal that the one mile of the 2000 Guineas will not be a hindrance. The final time of 1:27.1 has to be taken in context. The race track was recently re-sanded and regraded and since then all times have been slow with the possible exception of the five straight.
The QUICK GALLOPER’S view is that while some consideration has to be given to the times horses record it is not a major consideration given the situation with the racetrack.
The manner of Nuclear Noon’s third win, staying behind the leaders and then accelerating with intent in the stretch was enough to widen even further the eyes of his connections and others.
4 – Baton Rouge’s (Natural Selection – Little Wasp) win on debut was anticipated but was earned after a long wait of getting ready for this first effort. Now the task by his trainer Jason DaCosta is to keep his charge healthy for a possible attempt in the later Classics.
Let’s wait and see.
THE JOCKEYS, TRAINERS
Nothing much to report as no jockey or trainer was able to double up on the day.
However, an honorary mention has to be made of trainer Henry Harrison Jr who achieved his first win in many moons when Stacyslady won the fifth.
