Tue | Dec 31, 2024

Another upset in the making for Riches to Rags?

Published:Thursday | September 26, 2024 | 12:11 AMAinsley Walters/Gleaner Writer
RICHES TO RAGS, running at long odds of 36-1, ridden by Richard Henry wins the seventh race over five and a half furlongs at Caymanas Park on Saturday, August 31.
Anthony Minott/Freelance Photographer
RICHES TO RAGS, running at long odds of 36-1, ridden by Richard Henry wins the seventh race over five and a half furlongs at Caymanas Park on Saturday, August 31.

RICHES TO RAGS upsetting the applecart at odds of 36-1 on August 31 should not be dismissed as a fluke when the United States-bred runner lines up against a similar cast in Saturday’s Ronron Trophy at six furlongs.

Initially displaying tendencies of a sluggard in her first eight starts, RICHES TO RAGS stunned crack sprinters a furlong shorter with figure-eight removed and visor fitted.

Returning for a rematch are SHE’S A GOD GIFT, CRYPTO GIRL, MOTIVATE ME BABY and COMMANDER Z, who had all fallen prey to RICHES TO RAGS after being dragged on the lead by UNBELIEVABLE FORCE.

Last time out, RICHES TO RAGS showed just how improved she has been in the visor, racing prominently at five furlongs straight, closing strongly into second behind stablemate UNBELIEVABLE FORCE, who franked the form a class higher last Saturday with a runaway win at seven and a half furlongs.

Among the speedsters RICHES TO RAGS had overhauled at five furlongs straight, a trip well short of her best, were BOLD MOVE, TEFLON DON and EL RAPIDO, suggesting she should be even more lethal at a furlong longer on the round course.

The visor and Richard Henry’s seven-pound claim, which takes RICHES TO RAGS down to 114lb, make her a dangerous stalker at six furlongs with enough speed to set up a collapsing pace.

Ironically, RICHES TO RAGS’ stablemate, IMPRESSIVE FORCE, who made a winning debut at five furlongs straight on September 7, might be the most dangerous of the lot.

Breaking from post-position two with the track bias against him, IMPRESSIVE FORCE dug in to overcome heavy going in mid-track, sprinting away at the end for an eye-catching win in 1:00.0, displaying signs of being a strong late galloper.

Having previously galloped 1:13.4 for six furlongs at exercise with TAURUS BOY for company, IMPRESSIVE FORCE could be a cut above, especially with the run under his girth. However, he faces a quicker bunch and allows RICHES TO RAGS eight pounds.

The Philip Feanny stablemates could have the Ronron by the scruff of the neck. RICHES TO RAGS has come to hand and IMPRESSIVE FORCE could be anything. Neither should be underestimated.