Can Phenomenal Power conquer Eros’s 33-y-o record?

THREE-YEAR-OLD, American-bred, dark bay colt Phenomenal Power (Violence – Drinking Dixie) became the talk of Caymanas Park on July 4 when he shattered a 43-year-old track record.

In just his first start beyond 5½ furlongs (1,100m), Phenomenal Power stopped the clock in 1:29.0 to erase Sky Train’s 1:29.2 mark for 7½ furlongs (1,500m). It was the kind of performance that announces a horse as special.

This afternoon he drops back in trip for the Thoroughbred Racing Hallof Fame Stakes Trophy feature, an Open Allowance for three-year-olds and upward set for six furlongs (1,200m).

The race is worth $1.5 million and sits as the headline event on a competitive 10-race card. It’s the ninth event with a post time of 5:15 pm as racing gets underway at 11:50 am.

With eight runners declared, trainer Adrian Prince’s charge will have to be at his best again in this sprint event. Let’s see if the track record of 1:09.2 set by Eros on October 20, 1993 can be challenged. That mark has stood for 33 years. If anyone in this field can get close it’s Phenomenal Power, coming off that dominant effort.

The main threat could come from the Jason DaCosta-conditioned Dothraki. The Into Mischief, five-year-old, American-bred bay horse was also sharp on July 5, winning over 5½ furlongs in a slick 1:04.2 by 6 ½ lengths. That time puts him right in the picture, and he will be dangerous if Phenomenal Power fails to back up his last run.

Classy mare Digital One is another to consider. The Uncle Lino five-year-old foreigner has the quality to be involved throughout and looks primed for an exotic spot, at the very least.

California Crown is the steady type who can make a bold bid from mid-pack, while Desert Of Malibu is expected to improve, stepping up from 5½ furlongs to 6 furlongs. She was fifth behind Don Kwesi and California Crown last time, and the extra furlong should suit.

Speed will come from Mighty Gully early but the Buzz Nightmare filly may find 6 furlongs a stretch and could tire late.

Don Kwesi has been improving but looks outgunned here, and Unbelievable Force won last time but steps up significantly in class.

The bottom line is this: After that track record effort, Phenomenal Power sets the bar. If he runs anywhere near that 1:29.0 the Hall of Fame Trophy stays with him.

Ones to watch

Race 1)
Chasing My Dream/Hoofy Dee/Super Storm

Race 2)
Ralphs Treasure/Natural Dancer/Flybluejet

Race 3)
Pippa/Juventus One/Wah A Gwaan

Race 4)
Drone Strike/Time Bomb/Sir Ganga Jamuna

Race 5)
Big Big Daddy/Tigray Express/Money Box

Race 6)
Prince Daniel/Secret Mission/Speed on Wheels

Race 7)
Run Julie Run/Intrestntimesahead/Divine Force

Race 8)
Novio/Purosangue/Fred The Master

Race 9)
Phenomenal Power/Dothraki/Digital One

Race 10)
BarBQ/El Capiton/Run Ville Run