Talented Tony K for GA ‘Sarge’ Bucknor Memorial Cup
After two blowout runs this season, Talented Tony K should now be cherry ripe to return to winning ways when he takes on 14 rivals in the $1-million competitive GA “Sarge” Bucknor Memorial Cup feature over five furlongs (1,000m) straight at Caymanas Park today.
Although pitted on the slow inner rails at the difficult number one draw, Talented Tony is more than comfortable at this Overnight Allowance level, and with his given speed, the seven-year-old bay horse could go out in front and make every post a winning one, especially with the light impost weight of a mere 53.0 kgs (117 lb) to carry. Expected to test Talented Tony K are Polly B, Mr Universe, Poker Star and Crucial Appeal.
The GA “Sarge” Bucknor Memorial Cup, a three-year-olds and upward event, has a scheduled post time of 5:45 pm, with first post at 12:35 pm.
Trained by Patrick Lynch, Talented Tony has not hit the board in his last five starts, but this well-known speedster has a habit of of showing up when it matters most and today seems to be the occasion for that.
In his last race on April 2, Talented Tony K led a five-and-half-furlong (1,100m) event until he gave way at the furlong (200m) pole to finish in eighth place. That run had indicated that Talented Tony K is returning to old self. He will have no problems at the distance in which he is the joint-record holder, along with Musical Maestro and Ministerofjustice with a time of 56.1.
Looking at the form and with the fact that horses on the outside run better down the five-straight (1,000m) course, Talented Tony K is nonetheless capable to defying the odds here.
Poll y B is another runner who is known for speed, and with trainer Rowan Mathie deciding to refit the blinkers on his charge, Polly B is going to make a brave bid and will have a telling impact on the outcome of the race.
Mr Universe was impressive in victory on last when romping home by over six lengths in a five-and-a-half furlong (1,100m) event in 1:05.2.
However, the Wayne DaCosta trainee is up in class for this one and might find it a bit taxing, but he has enough speed to make his presence felt.
Poker Star, also from the barn of DaCosta, makes a return to competitive racing after a 10-month absence due to injuries. Once the top sprinter in the land, Poker Star will need a run or two to get back in shape, but if he is anything near 90 per cent fit at this level, Poker Star will prove a dangerous contender.
Crucial Appeal is best drawn of the lot at post 13, and with his good pace a winning run looks to be in the making here under these conditions.
Crucial Appeal finished a good fourth in the Lady Geeta Sprint behind Siempre Bueno, Chace The Great and Money Magnet over six furlongs (1,200m) in 1:12.0. Although burdened with top weight of 57.0 (126 lb), Crucial Appeal is going to prove a hard nut to crack here.
Ones to watch:
Race 1) Peking Cruz/My Sugarman
Race 2) Blood Song/Colt Of Arms
Race 3) Unexpected/Moviestar
Race 4) My Super Girl/Hilly’s Halo
Race 5) Concur/Unbreakable
Race 6) Council Of Trent/Bay Commander
Race 7) Madam Secretary/Swabybaby
Race 8) Big Mistake/Silent Valley
Race 9) Ictus/Blue Tradition
Race 10) Talented Tony K/Crucial Appeal