Race Car could catch a break against slower field

RACE CAR has looked sharp at exercise, suggesting that the United States-bred horse could spring to life in Saturday’s Allan E ‘Billy’ Williams Memorial at seven furlongs for non-restricted overnight allowance runners.

Slipping down in class after three stakes races at the back end of last season, RACE CAR’s last outing was a seventh-place finish in the Mouttet Mile, beaten five and a half lengths by EXCESSIVE FORCE. The six-year-old grey wasn’t all that far behind EXCESSIVE FORCE in his previous race either, seven and a half lengths, when his fellow American ran down MADELYN’S SUNSHINE at six furlongs.

RACE CAR hasn’t caught a break since easily beating EAGLE ONE in an overnight allowance on August 22 at six furlongs, clocking 1:13.3. In his next outing, he ran smack into MAHOGANY, who was caught at the last hop by I AM FRED at six furlongs in 1:11.3.

After stumbling at the start and run off his legs by I AM FRED and MAHOGANY, RACE CAR landed in more hot water at six furlongs, ATOMICA reeling off 1:10.4 on a fast track. RACE CAR faced another speed blitz in the Gold Cup won by MAHOGANY before finishing seventh behind EXCESSIVE FORCE in back-to-back races.

Facing a far milder pace, RACE CAR, who made up significant ground in the last furlong of the Mouttet Mile after straightening last, should prove lethal against slower rivals. BILLY WHIZZ showed good speed on December 27, second time out off a five-month break, but was easily brushed aside in the stretch run by PERFECT BREW at six and a half furlongs.

RACE CAR warmed up with a sharp 35.4 for three furlongs on the round last Tuesday morning, whereas BILLY WHIZZ hasn’t had a speed work since galloping five and a half furlongs two Saturdays ago, suggesting the five-year-old gelding is being handled gingerly by his connections.

POSITIVE ID has proven most consistent of the lot but could find the speed unrelenting at seven furlongs after he gives away his customary lengths at the start.