Front-running Mahogany to trouble I Am Fred

I AM FRED ran a full second faster than MAHOGANY’s last win, February 4, easily beating RUNAWAY ALGO with topweight 126lb in the Saint Cecelia Cup, his second consecutive win, suggesting that he is back to his best after finishing down the track in December’s Mouttet Mile.

Getting 11lb from MAHOGANY in Saturday’s Viceroy Trophy at a mile after clocking 1:18.2 at six and a half furlongs in the Saint Cecelia, I AM FRED is a tempting prospect against MAHOGANY returning off a two-month lay-up.

However, MAHOGANY is no pushover and certainly the lone speed in a small field of six. A destroyer of potential speed threats, MAHOGANY twice humbled three-year-old star ATOMICA last season, running her ragged in the Gold Cup and Mouttet Mile, confirming his status as the country’s deadliest front-runner.

I AM FRED boasts a six-furlong win against MAHOGANY in last September’s None Such Trophy, rallying against the rail, in receipt of 21lb to win by a short head. However, MAHOGANY, who was going for a fourth straight win, came back scratchy and was placed on the vet list that afternoon.

Since that hiccup, MAHOGANY’s only loss was the Mouttet Mile, which he led for seven and a half furlongs, racing two lengths clear a furlong out before EXCESSIVE FORCE closed for the kill.

I AM FRED is on top of his game but MAHOGANY is a speed demon, whose class cannot be discounted, especially when well rested off a lay-up.