Kenilworth Guineas Day Review

Another super day of racing, although I would prefer these top events to be spread out over the season and not all lumped together on a few weekends.
1: Vercingetorix got off to a good start with a juvenile winner in CT and a placed runner in Jhb from his first two on the track. He did not run as a juvenile and Silvano does not get them to come early, but Vercingetorix’s dam National Vixen was a speedy sort which did win at two, and his half sister Trinity House won 4 juvenile events including the gr3 Cape Fillies Nursery, so the speed and precociousness comes from the dam side. ( As an aside, good to see Elusive Fort get on the board for the season with a good juvenile winner in Jhb)
2. Speedpoint stepped up his game and got the better of Pacific Trader in the Southeaster Sprint with the rest well beaten. The four year olds filled the first six places. Dutch Philip was not disgraced in 3rd under top weight but ran a good few pounds below his best. Speedpoint’s dam, Cash Register got a double as her 3yo Snapscan, won the fillies maiden earlier.
3. Front and Centre beat a decent field very comfortably going away and will no doubt be a force in the Paddock Stakes. Silvano’s Pride improved further to run a clear second and she too has more scope for improvement and will enjoy going further. Clouds Unfold was somewhat disappointing in 3rd beaten more than 2 lengths, and possibly did not stay the stiff mile into the headwind. Second Request improved in 4th although never threatened. There was a blanket finish 5th-8th some 5 lengths behind the winner,which included Ghaalla who may have felt the effects of travel. Temple Grafin faded out and is another that should revert to shorter trips.
Our filly Helen’s Ideal was 7th in the bunch behind the placed fillies, which was a fair run. She is still running in snatches, and has got a lot of growing up to do. However, she has shown enough for us to think that she can pick up a decent feature race one day.
4. Soqrat won a good race with a storming finish and is a very smart colt. Twist of Fate tried to steal the race and stayed on gamely for 2nd, with the favourite One World a somewhat tame third. He may well have found this stiffer mile into the headwind too testing at this stage. Cirillo was a well beaten 4th and Chimichuri Run very disappointing and way off his best in 6th.
5. Fresnaye returned to her best form to win the Victress. Miyabi Gold ran a good race in 2nd under top weight after a long break and is one to be watched.
6. Head Honcho tracked the pacesetter Milton and ran out a facile winner of the Gr 2 Premier Trophy. Made to Conquer ran on well late for second from well off the pace. Eyes Wide Open was too far out his ground and although he ran on nicely he never looked a threat in 3rd and could not hold off the faster finishing Made To Conquer. Tap O Noth very disappointing in 4th beaten 6L. While Eyes Wide Open and Tap O Noth which were expected to fight this out ran below best. Head Honcho is very progressive and if Made to Conquer ran anywhere near his 108, then this was a very smart performance and HH could now go as high as 117. He has certainly booked a spot in the Met with this run.
7. The day finished on a high note for me with a win in the lucky last. Bernard Fayd’herbe rode a blinder to get Parade March home. This was the 100th winner that Glen Kotzen has saddled for me, so a special occasion.

Nice summary.
Looking at stipe report..I was a bit hasty in criticism of Fouries ride in the sprint where he looked to be deliberately useless in the finish ..horse was unsound . There was a bunch of horses reported with respiratory issues which is always a worry with the big races coming up. Worth reading the report if your fancy dissapointed

Thanks again Peter, Head Honch was very impressive ( most taking winner of the season )

I agree on Head Honcho - for me was most impressive - took 5/1 a place for the Met