Equiano: a story of speed
June 16th 2010 05:06
There is a lot to be said for the usual suspects.
I listed Equiano (1st) and Borderlescot (3rd) among those who have a regular booking for a start in the King’s Stand Stakes: the usual suspects.
(photos: Neil Murray) click image for enlargements
Equiano is not only a repeat starter - but now also a dual winner of the King’s Stand Stakes. This effort seemingly even more brilliant than his win in 2008 when he defeated Australian Champion Sprinter Takeover Target. This year a stumble from the gates, before a quick recovery and blistering speed that would deny Gold Trail any chance of the lead (therefore no chance of winning) and running an impressive time of 59.00 seconds - the fastest since another Australian star Miss Andretti won in 57.44 in 2007. The hectic pace also ensuring that Nicconi never got balanced and a soft first half of the trip - though he too did recover from a slow beginning and chequered path and finished strongly for 4th. From my earlier review the other Australian representative Starspangledbanner did not accept. Probably a good move by Aidan O’Brien.
Neil Murray Photography
But after this race result I now believe I have a greater understanding of which Australian sprinters are best suited for success in England. Who will be competitive, and who will not. And those who come to win must arrive with speedfigures far greater than our two representatives this year.
In 2009 Scenic Blast arrived for his triumph after producing speedfigures of 297 when winning the Newmarket.
Miss Andretti had speedfigures of (the best in history on my database) a brilliant 335.
Takeover Target had career best speedfigures of 315 - with a sequence also of performances in the high 200’s.
The trailblazer Choisir had a speedfigure of 286.
Even Magnus - 3rd behind Miss Andretti - had a best speedfigure of 284.
And this year?
Gold Trail has a career best speed performance of 258.
Nicconi - although often impressive to the eye - has a career best of 231. His Lightning Stakes win produced a strong - though not stellar - 195.
Patently, on the ability Equiano had previously shown in defeating Takeover Target, our Australian representatives this year were considerably below the mark required for success.
Speedratings
Some would notice that the speedfigures I produce look different to traditional Beyer speedfigures - that is they are much higher numbers. I have adapted the basis of Beyer and incorporated a speed class component that adds greater differentiation between horses. I consider it to be the missing link in speed assessment.
I listed Equiano (1st) and Borderlescot (3rd) among those who have a regular booking for a start in the King’s Stand Stakes: the usual suspects.
Takeover Target at Flemington on Newmarket Day 2010 in a farewell gallop before retirement
(photos: Neil Murray) click image for enlargements
Equiano is not only a repeat starter - but now also a dual winner of the King’s Stand Stakes. This effort seemingly even more brilliant than his win in 2008 when he defeated Australian Champion Sprinter Takeover Target. This year a stumble from the gates, before a quick recovery and blistering speed that would deny Gold Trail any chance of the lead (therefore no chance of winning) and running an impressive time of 59.00 seconds - the fastest since another Australian star Miss Andretti won in 57.44 in 2007. The hectic pace also ensuring that Nicconi never got balanced and a soft first half of the trip - though he too did recover from a slow beginning and chequered path and finished strongly for 4th. From my earlier review the other Australian representative Starspangledbanner did not accept. Probably a good move by Aidan O’Brien.
Takeover Target after his final gallop
Neil Murray Photography
But after this race result I now believe I have a greater understanding of which Australian sprinters are best suited for success in England. Who will be competitive, and who will not. And those who come to win must arrive with speedfigures far greater than our two representatives this year.
In 2009 Scenic Blast arrived for his triumph after producing speedfigures of 297 when winning the Newmarket.
Miss Andretti had speedfigures of (the best in history on my database) a brilliant 335.
Takeover Target had career best speedfigures of 315 - with a sequence also of performances in the high 200’s.
The trailblazer Choisir had a speedfigure of 286.
Even Magnus - 3rd behind Miss Andretti - had a best speedfigure of 284.
And this year?
Gold Trail has a career best speed performance of 258.
Nicconi - although often impressive to the eye - has a career best of 231. His Lightning Stakes win produced a strong - though not stellar - 195.
Patently, on the ability Equiano had previously shown in defeating Takeover Target, our Australian representatives this year were considerably below the mark required for success.
Speedratings
Some would notice that the speedfigures I produce look different to traditional Beyer speedfigures - that is they are much higher numbers. I have adapted the basis of Beyer and incorporated a speed class component that adds greater differentiation between horses. I consider it to be the missing link in speed assessment.
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