THE QUICK GALLOPER – QUICK RACE DAY RECAP – MAY 1 2021

THE HORSES

 The main interest surrounded the three-year-old fillies participating in the inaugural staging of the 7 ½ furlongs Portmore Stakes.

She’s A Wonder (Reyan Lewis) was the overwhelming favourite and she duly delivered for her connections-headed by trainer Ian Parsard.

She’s A Wonder (Bern Identity – Jamaican Dream) led without a challenger nearby by it was noticeable that in the last furlong she was stopping as Sensational Ending (Sensational Slam – Pleasant Ending) surged forward under Anthony Thomas losing by less than a length. Secret Identity (Dane Nelson) was third.

While many might be saying that She’s A Wonder displayed her dislike for racing long, it has to be remembered that the favourite for the 1000 Guineas allowed lumps of weight to rivals and in the Guineas all the fillies will carry the same weight of 126 lb (57.0 kgs.

Then it was revealed by Parsard that She’s A Wonder and Lewis fell during an exercise last Sunday and it was only after getting clearance from the vet that She’s A Wonder did her final gallop for the galloped two days later. 

All of that being said though, She’s A Wonder has won probably her toughest battle on the road to the Classics and cannot be denied her status as favourite for the 1000 Guineas, which is run over a mile. 

 Curlin Barracuda 

 Slowly but surely trainer Anthony Nunes is unveiling what many see as his second but strong string of three-year-olds including Nuclear Noon, Curlin’s Affair and now today Curlin’s Barracuda. The latter won over four furlongs today but that was her first start and should be watched. 

 Cartel 

 This seven-year-old bay gelding has found a new lease on life winning this third race in a row. 

 THE JOCKEYS

 Nothing new here two winners for Dane Nelson and two winners for Anthony Thomas but breaking through today was apprentice Jordan Barrett who won the first two races on the day. 

 THE TRAINERS

 A double again for champion Anthony Nunes and did not surprise and he was joined by Donovan Plummer and Gregory Forsyth. Forsyth is having his best season ever having saddled eight winners to date.