Course: Del Mar
Race: Race 8
Horse: Txope
Trainer/Jockey: John Sadler – Florent Geroux
Breeding: 3-year-old filly; Siyouni – Power Of The Moon (Acclamation)
Previously trained by Philippe Decouz. A winner of three of her twelve starts, and placed a further six times, what immediately stands out on Txope’s profile is the number of starts for a horse of her age and ability. She has comfortably the most starts of any runner in this race, and is clearly extremely tough and progressive. There is a clear, almost linear, progression in her Timeform ratings, culminating in a peak effort last time out in the German 1000 Guineas, where she beat the subsequent German Oaks third in decent style. She was well positioned there, but travelled well and showed a fine turn of foot when asked to win her race, ultimately scoring with a bit in hand. She seems to handle most ground but is unbeaten on “good” or better and should be effective on a fast surface here, while she does have some tactical speed which might help with the wide draw here.
She faces a good horse in Spendarella, who got a nice position early last time out at Royal Ascot, but couldn’t repel a superstar in Inspiral. We think she ran to a Beyer of about 93, so a nice progression from her last start, and that sets the standard here.
Txope isn’t far behind, though. We think she can run to a 91 Beyer if she is at concert pitch here, although John Sadler hasn’t done particularly well with imports of late. If he has this filly ready to go, however, she should give the favourite a decent race.
