It's a matter of how far

By Jimmie, Racing Writer

Feanny

TOMORROW is D-DAY at Caymanas Park and it's time to separate the winner from "the others"

MILLIMETRE, please stand up...whoa, not so fast. Let's at least get through the pleasantries of introducing the other 12, ahem, contenders, if you may.

Before saying another word, let's throw in the usual disclaimer: Free speech's a heck of a thing isn't it?

Drum roll please...

PREACH PREACHER - Took a lot of cash with her last time out as a 6-5 favourite. Was widely expected to run another big race following her wire-to-wire bid in the Lotto Governor's Cup. Railbirds claim she injured her feet when beaten by CRIMSON MAGIC. Heard trainer Wayne DaCosta wasn't amused. Hasn't been really taken to task since. More than suspect at 12 furlongs and should only ensure a decent backstretch pace. Any winning chance? Let's not get ridiculous here.

UKNOWFATHEROACHE - Never heard of him. Will stay the distance but is hopelessly outclassed.

MILLIMETRE - Busted all bets in the underfoot conditions on Governor's Cup Day. Still didn't seem his marauding self in his first spin after that loss but has since won the Derby in subsequent exercise gallops. Clocked nine furlongs in 1:56.1 two Mondays ago, pulled up in 2:11.1 behind a seven-furlong split of 1:29.4. Returned five days later and galloped a mile in 1:42.3, pulled up in 1:58.4 for nine furlongs. A binocular was needed to find stablemate PHAREAL after that workout. Satisfied, Philip Feanny has put him on ice since and whoever beats him will surely win.

ALEX'S PEGASUS - Another whose subsequent performance

tore the Governor's Cup form to shreds. Had finished dead last in the mud after training brilliantly. Returned to post a good time on the circular nine course and has looked equally sharp at exercise since. Really a dark horse for lovers of exotic bets.

ECSTATIC - Pointed approaching the furlong pole in the Governor's Cup before PEACE & LOVE fell on her like a ton of bricks. Either she really loved the mud or is of the same mould as half-brother ZEEDON - a pacer-stayer waiting to be discovered. Nevertheless, there's 16 lbs between 105 and 121, which is like 32 lbs when going two furlongs longer.

AWESOME POWER - Baddest of the six girls in the line-up. A really easy-to-ride filly who runs when asked to. Has only two horses to fear - classy MILLIMETRE and stayer PEACE AND LOVE. Bypassed the Governor's Cup after easily winning the Oaks. Has never finished ahead of MILLIMETRE in three meetings as two-year-olds but has come on a ton with four straight wins this year. Has looked sharp at exercise, galloping a mile in 1:45.0. Looked a bit tired in the last furlong of the Oaks, run in a slow 2:10.4 compared to PEACE & LOVE's 2:08.4 in the Governor's Cup. Has class but faces a tough task against the boyz. Shouldn't be worse than third.

PRINCESS ALEXANDRA - Also disappointed on Governor's Cup Day but is one of those who's always running on. Won't be disgraced.

SAID I SAID I - This really taking it to the extreme.

PATAS DE FUEGO - Failed dismally in his warm-up behind ALEX'S PEGASUS and should give Wesley Henry a good vantage point to watch the race. The best seat in the house they would say.

CRIMSON MAGIC - Strong, far-striding colt who galloped into the Derby picture at the end of May. Didn't get into the Governor's Cup but has the running style and stamina to do himself proud. Has only run three races to date but gets better the longer he goes. Does not have the class of MILLIMETRE nor AWESOME POWER but has stamina on his side and will run pas

t a lot of tired horses. Could go home earning.

LADY ISIS - What would a Derby be without a no-hoper?

PEACE & LOVE - Has had Percy Hussey walking on stilts since that Governor's Cup upset. Really galloped away in the mud. Will again be closing fast but might just be left with too much to do in the stretch run. Shouldn't finish further than third and has a really good chance of chasing home MILLIMETRE.

HEART THROB - Turned for home three lengths on top in the Governor's Cup with 105 lbs before finishing 10 lengths sixth. With two furlongs more plus an additional 16lbs should not be there when this is being decided.

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