Crimson stands little chance against Sentient

SENTIENT should dominate fellow Gary Subratie runner, CRIMSON, in Saturday's Bonnie Blue Flag trophy at nine furlongs and 25 yards, actually down in class after his good run behind their former stablemate, NIPSTER, last year's most-improved runner, in the Ian Levy Cup on Boxing Day.

Returning only six pounds heavier for the drop in class, 14lb heavier than CRIMSON, SENTIENT clearly represents the class in the seven-horse line-up. He used topweight 126lb to floor sprinters, GOD OF LOVE and imported SIR ALTON, at six furlongs on October 10.

Though CRIMSON won in a fast time, 1:55.2, on New Year's Day, he was technically competing two classes below SENTIENT's Boxing Day run at eight and a half furlongs. CRIMSON ran in a restricted overnight allowance event for horses who have never won at the level.

Previous issues corrected

Racing under new ownership from Subratie's barn, but with his previous issues corrected, CRIMSON closed along the rail to blow past the battling pair of WILSON and SEBASTIAN, inside the last furlong and a half, for a comfortable victory.

WILSON and SEBASTIAN, though useful runners, have both been stuck at overnight allowance since their respective enterprising owners grabbed them on high claiming tags, hoping to achieve what previous connections had failed to accomplish in the higher class.

Since running up a hat-trick of wins, between September 6 to October 10 last year, a grade one victory included, beating SUPREME SOUL in the Chairman's Trophy at seven furlongs, SENTIENT has shown that he belongs in grade one, consistently making the frame with either the weight or distance against him.

At his best when allowed to dominate the pace, SENTIENT could be a lonely leader. The recognised speed horses, ROY ROGERS and JAMAI RAJA, appear to be feeling the effects of too many races at the back end of last season, resulting in dull performances last time out.

Subratie looks primed for the exacta, SENTIENT to lead home CRIMSON, after being inseparable at exercise last Sunday morning.