Quite an intriguing race. Three Card Trick races in the familiar silks of Guy Reed Racing. Kevin Ryan has given this chestnut son of Piccolo a Gimcrack Stake (Group 2) entry which gives confidence he has ability. I doubt that lofty race is being considered for now unless he wins this in style. He ran well on debut when runner-up to Alan King's Dunkerron who has proven to be a talent, competing at Group class and performing with credit. Three Card Trick re-opposes Michael Dods' Bartle Hall, who proves a very capable filly when backed from huge odds on Betfair before running on well to beat Three Card Trick. Both ran well. Ryan's charge may have gone a stride too fast that day but could well have simply run his race.
Bartle Hall has to shoulder a winner's penalty which makes life harder. However, she could well improve for that first start. Her jockey wasn't holding back when whipping this horse so dramatic improvement may not be forthcoming.
Bryan Smart's Moojim is a hot favourite going very close to winning Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes. This Irish-bred gelding was 50/1 that day and by all accounts ran much better than suspected. I just wander if the race was run to suit him that day and may have been slightly flattered. Time may prove I have that completely wrong. However, it does take some explaining to way he struggles to win in normal races and looked limited at times.
Conclusion: Interesting to see how this pans out. There is a chance Barlie Hall will be outpaced in the early stages and run on with vigour. The win penalty will be a hefty burden. I wouldn't back Moojim because the price looks very short and I think he may have been flattered. This looks out of Bartie Hall and Three Card Trick. The latter has claims considering he has plenty of pace and no win penalty.