Shorter distance favours Khaleesi

KHALEESI gets a favourable reduction in journey and a five-pound break at the scale to replicate her Portmore form in Saturday’s fillies-only Good Prospect Trophy at six and a half furlongs.

Sent off at 17-1 in the Portmore Guineas prep at seven and a half furlongs, KHALEESI ran really well against the best three-year-old fillies after beating maidens a month earlier at seven furlongs.

Prominent from the off and pressing the pace being carried by MISS MONEYPENNY down the backstretch, KHALEESI went in chase of new leader DANKA from the half-mile marker, straightening third, just ahead of BURNING HEDGE, MIGHTY GULLY and SOCIAL AVIATOR sneaking along the rail.

Though relegated fifth, a furlong and a half out, by the posse going in chase of DANKA, SOCIAL AVIATOR sprouting wings along the rail to outfinish BURNING HEDGE inside the final half-furlong, KHALEESI was passed only by PRETTY PERFECT closing from way off the pace.

Reporting nine pounds heavier for the Guineas at a mile, KHALEESI again chased the pace, fourth swinging into the lane behind WAYNESCHERRYLINKS, HANSA and DANKA. However, she flattened off the turn, giving way to BURNING HEDGE, LINGUIST and MIGHTY GULLY.

Though she beat maidens easily at seven furlongs, KHALEESI’s stamina was twice exposed against better runners at middle distance. Cutting back to six and a half with a nine-pound break, the Aveenu Malcainu-Cloudy Greyt offspring should breathe a sigh of relief in the winners’ enclosure.

Having shown her ability in the Portmore and 1000 Guineas, KHALEESI has only KIMUCHI to fear in the Good Prospect. An impressive seven-length winner against maidens in November, clocking 1:07.4 at five and half furlongs, KIMUCHI appeared classic-bound, but fell off the radar until being deemed a very early scratch, sick, for an intended June 14 return.

Mainly cantering at exercise, KIMUCHI returns treated with lasix. She could be a sleeper cell, sidelined by injuries, which she may, or may not, have overcome. Do not underestimate the Ryan Darby runner.