Run Julie Run looks good for ‘Big Sub’ memorial

RUN JULIE RUN’s monster performances in her last two races – Jamaica Derby runner-up, followed by a cracking mile in 1:38.1 on a sloppy track – suggest that she could very well be the most improved three-year-old in training, making her a tough nut to crack in Saturday’s Errol ‘Big Sub’ Subratie Memorial.

Returning at a mile among overnight-allowance runners, RUN JULIE RUN has a modest 115lb after her scintillating run, carrying 121lb, two weeks prior at the trip.

Using imported IMPRESSIVE FORCE as a yardstick, RUN JULIE RUN put away the foreigner by almost four lengths, setting her own fractions from gate to wire. IMPRESSIVE FORCE, a late-kicking United States-bred hunting a hat-trick of wins, was run off his legs by an unforgiving RUN JULIE RUN, who won like an out-of-class horse.

The Grade 1 Gold Cup, run an hour later, was won by FUNCAANDUN, beating stablemate IS THAT A FACT by three-quarter length. A truly run race in which Jamaica Oaks winner BANADURA was sent as a rabbit to unsettle speedy WALL STREET TRADER, the seven-furlong Gold Cup splits were almost identical to RUN JULIE RUN’s romp going a mile.

FUNCAANDUN made his bid at the leaders three furlongs out after tracking splits of 23.2, 34.3 and 46.4 whereas RUN JULIE RUN had spun her web in 23.0, 34.2 and 46.2. The six-furlong splits were also similar, RUN JULIE RUN’s 1:12.4, compared to the Gold Cup’s 1:12.3. The Gold Cup was won in 1:26.0 whereas RUN JULIE RUN had zipped past the furlong pole in 1:25.2.

Forget the local cast, derby-winner CROWN CHASER included. CROWN CHASER doesn’t have the pace to match RUN JULIE RUN, whose only bother on the lead might be I REALISE to the half-mile marker.

If there is to be a spoiler, United States-bred UNBELIEVABLE FORCE appears to be a versatile sort, having won from five and a half to seven and a half furlongs. An improving filly with only five runs under her girth, UNBELIEVABLE FORCE could be anything and should not be underestimated.