Friday night at Addington features the 9th edition of the Sires Stakes Uncut Gems, alongside the relatively new Group 2 Studholme Bloodstock Bionic Chance for 2YO fillies – being run for just the third time. Previous winners of the fillies’ race include the outstanding Captains Mistress and last year’s winner Miki’s Deal, who has already taken out the Group 2 Caduceus Club Fillies Classic this season. The field this year includes the Studholme-owned and bred Wat Fun (1), who won nicely a fortnight ago over race rival Nella Keenan. The latter was on debut that day, getting to within half a length of the winner after sitting parked for the final lap – a performance that bodes well for her future.
The first of the Uncut Gems finals is the Cobbitty Farm Mares Classic, with Southerners Chicago Sky and Ruby Roe looking to continue the strong recent showing from that part of the country – previous winners include I’mallabouthbase and last year’s winner Beach Day. The latter was driven by Mark Hurrell, who takes the reins on Chicago Sky this week. Her form includes a Group 1 placing at Addington in the Oaks back in November.
The Commodore Hotel Uncut Gems Aged Trot is packed with winning form, with nine of the ten runners having won within their last five starts. Rising stars Prestigious and Tetrick hold the advantage of drawing off the front, with the Dunn pair of One Ova Da Line and Rock Lobster just 10 metres behind – both in terrific form after winning on the same night a fortnight ago. Roydon Muscle and Princess Sadie are both sharp beginners who will look to use their gate speed, while the well-performed Nellie Doyle (20m) and Fiery Bandito (30m) are not out of it despite their back marks.
The Betavet Uncut Gems Classic for the aged pacers has a commanding favourite in Sideshow Bruce for trainer-driver Bob Butt. The exciting son of Sweet Lou won this race last year and ran a very sound fourth in the Superstars behind Marketplace last week. Standing between him and back-to-back victories are the flying Diamond Racing pair of Sacetas and Bruntwood Brigade, while Hadron Collider and Harrison John could both play a part in the finish with the right run.
The fifth feature of the night is the $50,000 Garrard’s Sires Stakes Semi Final, which includes last-start Northern Derby winner Jumal – the winner of 10 from just 12 starts. He’ll need to overcome a wide barrier draw over the 1980m if he is to add an 11th win to his already remarkable record.