Quotes from Trainers at the Super Sprint Event
Relief Rally Targets Weatherbys Super Sprint Success
In a bid to secure trainer William Haggas his third victory in the prestigious Weatherbys Super Sprint, Relief Rally is set to take on 20 rivals in the valuable five-furlong dash at Newbury. The daughter of Kodiac is considered a strong contender by both Haggas and bookmakers alike, who have made her the warm favorite for the £122,925 prize.
The Queen Mary race at Royal Ascot has historically been an indicator for success in the Newbury sprint. Relief Rally finished as runner-up to American raider Crimson Advocate in that race, ending her unbeaten run and thwarting her chance for a hat-trick. However, Haggas believes she is now primed and ready to claim victory.
In terms of draw positions, statistics show that stall 13 or higher has produced the last nine winners of this event. With Relief Rally placed comfortably in stall 18 and fellow contenders Bobsleigh and Juniper Berries occupying stalls 16 and four respectively, there may be some advantage.
Haggas expressed his confidence: “She’s a good filly and she’s very well prepared. Rain won’t be an issue for her but I can’t say about the draw placement. She’ll be alongside Bobsleigh away from Juniper Berries, although we don’t have much control over that situation. But overall, she definitely stands a good chance.”
Juno Berries will receive a weight allowance of 7lb after finishing fourth behind Relief Rally at Ascot due it being determined by their sale price rather than performance. Trainer Eve Johnson Houghton hopes this advantage will help turn the tables: “I was thrilled with Juniper Berries’ performance in the Queen Mary. Fourth place at Royal Ascot is quite an achievement. While Relief Rally is clearly the main threat, we have a significant weight turnaround which could change the outcome.”
Bobsleigh, another contender from Johnson Houghton’s stable who performed impressively at Ascot finishing three lengths behind River Tiber, poses concerns over the sprint distance of five furlongs. However, Johnson Houghton remains optimistic: “Five furlongs may be a worry but Bobsleigh has shown stamina over six furlongs before. The pace is usually fast in the Super Sprint and I believe he can catch up towards the end.”
Irish raider Son Of Corballis, trained by Kieran Cotter in County Laois, has won two out of his three starts including a Listed sprint victory against Coolmore-owned colt Alabama at Tipperary. Cotter prefers quick good ground for his horse despite winning on yielding ground previously.
Cotter believes they have proven themselves against tough competition: “If Alabama were in this race, he would be considered a hot favorite after running well at Ascot on unfavorable ground (fifth place in Windsor Castle). We’ve beaten him twice already this year with different horses.”
Son Of Corballis drew stall 13 for this race which concerned Cotter initially; however, he now sees it as an advantage: “Initially we worried about drawing stall 13 but looking back now if someone had offered me that draw yesterday I would have taken it without hesitation. He’ll jump out and go from there.”