SO CANNY – 7YO best rating over 1600m in March 2000. Best distance range 1600m-2200m. Current preparation racing a bit below best. Two starts back defeated a number of Cup rivals over 2200m at Ascot, running on well. Meets most of those rivals a bit worse off at the weights. Last start in the CB COX Stakes ran on fairly to be beaten 3len by Bold Mirage. Meets both Bold Mirage and Tumeric (2nd in that race) worse off at the weights. Has an EW chance – but a bit of a doubt at the journey.



HONOR LAP – 4YO Oaks & Derby winner back in April this year, running on well on both occasions over the 2400m. Five runs back from a spell, should be primed to run a big race. Disappointing last start in the CB COX Stakes when beaten 4len & failing to produce anything like her customarily finishing burst. May have had excuses though, as was reported in season on race day. One of the better chances, & on past performances should handle the 3200m.



ALIBI BAY – 5YO best rating over 1600m in October this year. Best distance range 1600m-2400m. Current preparation rating best to-date. Last start in the CB COX Stakes 3rd, running on fairly to be beaten 1.5len by Bold Mirage. Meets Bold Mirage 1.5kg worse off on that run. An EW chance but was well beaten (6.5len) in last year's Cup, fading over the final stages. Based on that run must be doubtful at the distance again.


EXIT LANE – 7YO best rating over 1400m in December 2001. Best distance range 1400m-2200m. Very interesting runner who until last start had never gone further than 2200m. Has some outstanding form over the shorter distances. Last start rated well below best (shorter distance form), but still managed to run 6th beaten 2.75len, running on fairly, in the CB COX Stakes.
Although he meets the winner - Bold Mirage 2.5kg worse off on that run, would have an EW chance, if he has been improved by that hit-out. Having said that, there must be some doubt that he can handle the step up to 3200m at only his second run beyond 2200m.



GOOD LUCK EVERYONE !


_________________
All the best from the West

Sandgroper :smile:



[ This Message was edited by: Sandgroper on 2002-12-30 13:57 ]