‘Kabul’ up for grabs

The Kabul Handicap for three-year-olds-and-older rated 0-115 will be run over a distance of 1 800 metres, and promises to be an exciting supporting race on today’s card. This race should provide fans with an idea of how some horses are progressing over the trip that has become the most popular at the Garrison.Walk On By, owned by the Joseph brothers, heads this field with a top weight of 130 pounds. This classy and consistent mare has a very impressive record, and has only been unplaced in five of 24 career starts. A comprehensive victory would confirm she is better than this company.This year, she has won twice at distances which put the Kabul Handicap well within her range. The first win was over 1 570 metres in a handicap for four-year-old winners and older rated 68-90, followed by success in the Tanglewood Stakes and Trophy over 2 000 metres.She then disappointed against the top-rated animals on April 28, before following up with a third-place finish in the Directors Handicap (1 800 metres), and later found a similar placing in the T.A. Tommy Peirce Memorial Trophy Handicap over 1 570 metres for top-rated horses.Aysha Syndicate-owned Charge It is improving steadily, and is very much at home at this distance and among this class. With three wins from ten starts, his last success was a hard-fought victory in the Talkaboutlucky Handicap going 1 570 metres for horses rated 0-110 on a soft track. This was followed by a creditable performance in the Queen Plate Handicap over 1 800 metres, when he got up for second. The weight of 127 pounds could be an obstacle, but that apart, he is a serious contender. Since taking over the reins, trainer Andrew Nunes has had Mingun Temple firing on all cylinders. The three-year-old colt took the Ocala Sale Company Breeders’ Stakes and Trophy over 1 570 metres, in impressive fashion, and followed that up by winning the Kirov Lady Handicap over 1 800 metres. He is seeking a hat-trick of victories, and will have to be fully charged, as this is a slightly stiffer test.Trainer Anderson Ward now seems to have settled into his new job, and his winning percentage is reflecting the same. He saddles Don Portalsonny and has been given a generous 108 pounds by the handicappers.Although winless this year, only twice has he failed to find a place from his seven starts. This combination of owner and trainer (Lord Michael Taylor and Ward) cannot be ignored at the track, and fans will be banking on Don Portalsonny to make the trip to the winners’ enclosure. Gay Smith’s Zoom, taking 127 pounds, has had little luck recently. Zoom should be around at the finish, although the stable has not been in top form. A win would be a boost for the yard, as the shocking pink colours have become strangers with the winners’ circle.The Joseph brothers have another entrant in Uncle Jerry, who is having his first start since last November 21 and might be just along for the gallop.Sir David Seale’s Proud Bajan has not represented his name or his colours with any distinction, and would do well to redeem himself. Mr Christopher Gibbs’ Ring Time has performed creditably when sound, but will need to find plenty to impress in this field.  My PicksRace 1: NomoreginrogRace 2: IstanbulRace 3: Heavenly AngelRace 4: St WinifredRace 5: Walk On ByRace 6: Deal Or NodealRace 7: AreutalkintomeRace 8: Johnny Sad BoyRace 9: Why Not Dance