2010.09.24 The Sprinters Stakes (G1) - Handicapper's Report on the Japanese Contenders - News

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September 24, 2010

The Sprinters Stakes (G1) - Handicapper's Report on the Japanese Contenders

The 2010 Sprinters Stakes will be challenged by two foreign contestants from Hong Kong: Green Birdie (NZL, G7, by Catbird), victor of this year's KrisFlyer International Sprint (SIN G1, 1,200m) in Singapore, and Ultra Fantasy (AUS, G8, by Encosta de Lago), also a grade-race winner in Hong Kong.

The opposing Japanese field includes last year's winner and runner-up as well as the top sprinters at present, who have come into the race with this year's major grade-race titles, the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1, 1,200m) and the two step races towards this coming G1, Centaur Stakes (G2, 1,200m) and the Keeneland Cup (G3, 1,200m). Although none of the Japanese runners exceed Green Birdie, currently rated at the top of the field at 118S, in ratings, the line-up is extremely impressive and the race is expected to be of high standard.

Kinshasa no Kiseki

Starting with Kinshasa no Kiseki (AUS, H7, by Fuji Kiseki, Rating: 115S), the son of Fuji Kiseki had signs of a first class sprinter ever since his three-year-old season but his true form has only begun to surface since last fall when he captured the Swan Stakes (G2, 1,400m). He has proceeded to win four titles in a row since then including the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (G1) in March, showing improvement in maturity and control with age. His past performances put him on top of the list for the coming race with him having missed his prep races would be the only concern.

Laurel Guerreiro

Laurel Guerreiro (JPN, H6, by King Halo, Rating: 115S) won both of the two prominent sprint G1 titles last year and become JRA's Best Sprinter or Miler of the 2009 season. Although defeated to 8th in the Keeneland Cup, he has a history of bouncing back from a heavy defeat in his step race to win the Sprinter Stakes title last year, so that does not necessarily have to be taken into account. He is predicted to make the pace again this year, and taking into consideration the good turf condition at Nakayama, it could be said that the course may work to the advantage of the front runners.

B B Guldan

Determined to avenge his defeat by a mere nose in both the Sprinters Stakes last year and the Takamatsunomiya Kinen this season is B B Guldan (JPN, H6, by Chief Bearhart, Rating: 114S)—he will definitely be the closest match against the two G1 winners stated above. Having finished third in the 2008 Sprinters Stakes, he has also proven extremely consistent and well suited to the race, but his performance in the previous Keeneland Cup, which he won last year but was fourth this time, lacked the force of energy compared to 2009.

In addition to the string of proven runners, two up-and-rising youngsters are making their bid to claim their first G1 title in the coming race.

Dasher Go Go

Dasher Go Go (JPN, C3, by Sakura Bakushin O, Rating: 111S) raced smoothly with the pace and responded impressively when asked to claim the Centaur Stakes. Although faced against a higher level this time, he has a good chance of performing well up to the standard if he can keep up with the pace as he did in the Centaur Stakes.

One Carat

One Carat (JPN, F4, by Falbrav, Rating: 105S) won the Hakodate Sprint Stakes (G3, 1,200m) in record time and also defeated top class sprinters including Laurel Gurreiro and B B Guldan, fair and square, in the Keeneland Cup, to claim back-to-back grade-race titles coming into the Sprinters Stakes. Her accomplishments earn her plenty of reasons to be considered a strong candidate in this race, as long as she has not been affected by a long season without a break since the beginning of her spring campaign.