Peaky Blinders catches attention on debut
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The seventh race on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Caymanas Park initially had eight horses nominated. That number went down to six following the removal at the gates of the then odds on favourite and debutante Morimoto (Robert Halledeen), along with Babylon Will Fall (Daniel Satchell).
Prince Sanjay (Dane Nelson) was upgraded to the status of 4-5 favourite of the remaining six horses in this three-year-old maiden special weight call over five furlongs straight.
Bugatti (Tevin Foster), making his fourth start set off in front running the first two furlongs in a fast 22.4 seconds.
First-time runner Peaky Blinders (Phillip Parchment), a chestnut colt brought down in utero by Mshawish out of Visionary Wonder quickly emerged as the main challenger to Bugatti.
Running green, the good-looking Peaky Blinders moved from the number one post-position behind rivals to about mid-track and started to challenge Bugatti for the lead. By the time the leading duo reached the main track Peaky Blinders was in front on the outside of Bugatti. The more seasoned Bugatti got closer and then in a swish Peaky Blinders, still running green swerved to the left and in doing so established a clear advantage to the line winning by 3 ¼ lengths.
The Steven Todd trainee clocked a fast 59.2 seconds for the distance at hand with splits of 22.4 x 45.4 seconds.
There is little doubt that Peaky Blinders caught the attention of pundits. Firstly, the final time for a first-timer was noticeable, plus the manner, this chestnut colt accelerated in the last two furlongs bodes well for future engagements.
It is always difficult to assess the relative merits or demerits of a horse’s ability based on a first race track appearance, especially coming down the five-straight course. Yet, it can be rightly surmised, even when the limitations of his opponents are taken into consideration, that Peaky Blinders is of more than average ability. He came from behind to win by a safe margin, a trend not usually associated with debutantes, while showing some amount of grit and determination, attributes that are required to progress in a meaningful manner.
Let’s hope the development of Peaky Blinders continues without any hitches. He is definitely one to follow as the three-year-old season unfolds.
