The A. Marshall-Way and H. Spencer- owned Mingun Temple will seek win No.5 from his last six starts, when he tackles a field of eight opponents in the 12th running of the Coolmore Home Of Champions Stakes And Trophy for three-year-olds and older rated 0-140 over 1 800 metres today at the Garrison Savannah.
This weight-for-age event will see Mingun Temple carrying 125 pounds, a weight he tormented the top-rated animals with when he took the Victor Chandler Stakes And Trophy for horses rated 0-140 over 1 570 metres.
The Andrew Nunes- trained colt is in the pink of condition and is at home over this trip.
He was seen out early on Monday morning and was the envy of all present as he thoroughly enjoyed his light workout coming back on his toes, which was an awesome sight!
Sir David Seale’s stable will be represented by Reward Me and John Brain. The latter, considered the major threat, was seen tumbling at the end of the Victor Chandler Stakes And Trophy where he got up to snatch third place.
His style of running does suggest he would appreciate the extra distance but his record at this trip is not impressive and he will need to run the race of his life to turn the tables on the favourite.
Reward Me has been steadily improving but will find this field tougher than anything he has met to date.
Aysha Syndicate will be represented by a three-pronged attack. Spearheaded by the Edward Belle-trained Bird Watch, who rebounded from a seven-month layoff through injury with a resounding victory in the Arthur “Scobie” Breasley A. M. Memorial Handicap for horses rated 0-110 over 1 800 metres.
It was an impressive display from the front end. Many believed he needed that run, should improve off that performance and can go close again.
Stablemate Charge It carved out the early factions in the Victor Chandler Stakes And Trophy over 1 570 metres before fading and trailing in at the back.
It will take a sudden miraculous turnaround in form if he is to win.
Trainer Naz Issa is responsible for Aysha Syndicate’s third runner, Duc D Fer.
This nine-year-old had only one start in 2010. Although he looks well he will find this is not a beauty contest. If he can pull off a victory it will be the upset of the decade.
Lord Michael Taylor’s Pure Temptation does not inspire confidence. The Gold Cup winner of 2008 has become allergic to the winner’s enclosure and that trend is expected to continue.
Bouncebak, after a string of disappointing performances, was given a much needed break. She was fourth in her return start without ever being a threat. She could use this race as prep for the Tanglewood Stakes And Trophy for which she is entered.
Gay Smith’s Spicey Tiger finished down the field in his last two efforts, but is overdue a win. Now is as good a time as any as it will keep the public guessing the combination of the six horses that will represent Barbados in the Gold Cup.
My Picks:
Race 1: No Spin Zone
Race 2: Silk N Satin
Race 3: Johnny Sad Boy
Race 4: Sylvia Helen
Race 5: Who’s Calling
Race 6: Lamara
Race 7: Mingun Temple
Race 8: Ifnottodaytomorrow