First Classic of the season at Ngong'

BY SQUIRREL

RACING CORRESPONDENT

The Bookmakers Kenya Guineas, terms Classic for 3 year-olds only, 1,600m, has 11 declared, but no imported jockeys as was speculated.

The Sercombe stable have three candidates, under different ownership, all with sound credentials - Blockbuster, Hoplyte, and, Belmont Bay. Oliver Gray has four - Lazrin, Ermanos, Inyourdreams, and, Armstrong’s Girl.

That leaves Borodin (Ibrahim Wachira), Ngobi (Henry Muya), Skeleton Coast (Julie McCann), and, Cordelia (Elias Kiptoo), in single files. Ngobi is actually the odd man out here. Skeleton Coast is not quite mature enough, Cordelia, Inyourdreams and Ermanos, have all won in much lesser company. Borodin has improved beyond recognition.

The moral imperative is to side with Hoplyte (Modus Vivendi (GB) - Arabian flame (SAF), but when a whole bunch of talented thoroughbreds are thirsty for such a prestigious award, be prepared for two astounding minutes of action. Lazrin (Bezrin (USA) - Fiery Lady (SAF), has done nothing wrong. Under guidance from Patrick Mungai, Lazrin must give Hoplyte and Borodin, something to think about.

The course is being duly watered while competing with solar power. Ground can still be classified as rock-ish. Atmospheric pressure is already palpable, as apart from the Cambridshire and Duke of Manchester, other races are really well-stacked.

Divine Prince ought to shovel away Wolf Whistle in the Tom Fraser Duke of Manchester Sprint. Should be close.

Related Topics

Kenya Guineas