The temperature is rising
The Classic season continues on its merry way tomorrow with the running of the Mercury Sprint, a three-year-old maiden event run over the five straight course for colts and geldings only.
This year the popular race has attracted 13 starters, of which five are first-time runners. Main interest should surround the chances of
Don Chassis ( Performing Magic – Femme Doree) from the Philip Feanny stables,Milagro from the title-chasing stables of trainer Anthony Nunes, and Nuclear Commander ( Nuclear Wayne – Commandra Affair) who is under the care of trainer Gary Subraite.
Don Chassis, who was heavily touted on debut (Dec 27) but simply found Tuxedo and Rambunctious Links too hot to handle, should enter the starting gates as the favourite for the Mercury. That last time he broke slowly and now coming down the straight, Don Chassis’s chance of winning is amplified.
Milagro finished second by a head when last out on January 7, losing to Storm Valley over five-and-a-half furlongs. Tomorrow the four-race experience of Milagro could be a telling factor.
Nuclear Commander is not the best drawn for the straight at post position number two, but has been coming along steadily as evidenced by his fourth place on December 31 behind Secret Traveller, Wong Don — who has since gone on to score an impressive maiden win — and Twilight Storm.
Not without a chance is Silence ( Traditional – Quickster) trained by Gary Griffiths, who was just a bit behind Milgaro on January 7.
The newcomers are: Goodbloodbadblood, a chestnut by Region of Merit – Swapping Secrets trained by Gordon Lewis; Loose Cannon, a chestnut by Blue Pepsi Lodge – Devil Woman trained by Wayne DaCosta; Musketoon, a dark brown by Storm Craft – Dancing Mia trained by Anthony Nunes; Uncle Freddie, a roan by He’stherealthing – Pretty Hilly trained by Gary Subratie; and Uncle Vinnie a bay by Bridled Quest – Kathythetraina also trained by Subratie.
Interestingly, the Eight Thirty Sprint (fillies only), which was run last week in two sections, went to two first time runners, Earth Angel and Marlene My Love.