Hot field of 9 to contest the Shimko Classic 2019

Hi all and welcome to Japan for the running of the Shimko Classic. A Group2 Race over 2300m for 3yo and up. This promises to be an exciting race as it is very open and almost every horse has a chance at taking this race out.

Lets take a closer look at the field for 2019.

PP#1 Strine Millenium 4yo Horse by Australia @6/1  STARTS: 19:5-3-2

Promising colt who is having his first start at the track and distance. Has had 3 starts in group company with a fourth his best placing but does have a good speed record over the long distances. Look for him to race mid field as usual and with a bit of luck could finish in the placing.

PP#2 Redoute’s Star 5yo Horse by Sea The Stars @6/1 STARTS:27:4-6-3

Well seasoned campaigner who has placed at his only start at this distance in stakes company. His last start was at this track in a Group1 race where he didn’t seem to handle the dive in the ground. Likely to settle on pace if not lead the field , and I’m sure the group experience he has will help him out. Not confident he will have enough legs to run this out and his last start was disappointing.

PP#3 Indeed He Needs 5yo Horse by Lonhro @5/1 STARTS:27:5-10-5

Very consistent horse who is having his first start beyond 2100m, but has raced 4 times on the track for a Group 2 win back in May 2018. Last 3 starts have been a bit disappointing but if he settles well in the race look for him to be strong late. If he is at his best he is a good each way chance to take out this race.

PP#4 Twisted Conflict 4yo Horse by Lucky Pulpit @5/1 STARTS:18:4-3-3

Class runner of the field and also the winner of the Group1 Singapore cup in 2018. Look for him to settle behind the speed or mid field and try to do his work late. Hasn’t won a race this year and his recent form has been fair only, and my concern for this one is that he is yet to run well in Japan from his 2 starts. Will class get him over the line?

PP#5 Nuka Slayer 4yo Horse by Street Sense @5/1 STARTS:19:7-5-2

Has been doing most of his racing in the U.S and has only the 2 Group1 starts in the rest of the world for a win. Has won at his only start at this distance in a stakes race in Kentucky 3 starts back. Will likely settle mid field and has definite claims in winning this race.

PP#6 Inspection Regime 6yo Horse by Sea The Stars @6/1 STARTS:21:6-6-2

Somewhat of a track expert this one with 11 starts for 4-3-1 record. Had his first look at Group 2 racing last start at this track for a third. Expecting him to be ridden patiently from the back ,and seems to be improving with every run. Looks to have a great top 5 finish chance but can’t see him being good enough to win this.

PP#7 Canicula 5yo Horse by Galileo @9/1 STARTS:27:5-7-4

His one and only start at the track was back in 2016 where he was having his first career start for a third placing. Has been racing over further ground and drops back to 2300m where he is 1 from 1. I think he will find this a big step up in class compared to what he has been running in and for that reason he will struggle here.

PP#8 Card Bomb 5yo Horse by Fuji Kiseki @4/1 STARTS:24:11-2-5

This is the favourite of the race and when you take a look at his form you can see why. 3 from 3 at 2300mand goes well at this track. The only query is he has not won at Group2 level before but this looks ideal for him to change that. Expect a bold effort from him and will be hard to beat.

PP#9 Courtyard Lv 4yo horse by Camelot @12/1 Starts:16:4-4-3

The longshot and final runner of the field. Has been doing well in allowance and stakes races but not good enough for this class. Look for him to settle well back in the race and will be lucky to beat a runner home.

So there we have it , the preview is compete the trainers have done their best to prepare their horses. Now it’s time for the jockeys to do their but and may the best horse win.

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