Mojito Faces Sharp Liu Chie Poo Mile Test Against Intrestntimesahead and Blue Vinyl

Saturday’s mile-long Liu Chie Poo Trophy appears likely to be decided by the version of MOJITO that reports after his disappointing April comeback, which followed four months away from competition after last December’s Mouttet Mile.

Before that setback, MOJITO had crushed American rivals in consecutive starts in the Kenneth Mattis and Jamaica Cup, securing a guaranteed berth in the Mouttet Mile. In that race, he produced a respectable effort, holding sixth from the backstretch into the straight.

His return, however, was far less encouraging. SIR DON had him under pressure throughout, and MOJITO also ended behind GODBYE FIREFLY and ZULU WARRIOR.

If he repeats that level of form in the Liu Chie Poo, his placing could be poorer still. INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD has reportedly been moving sharply in morning exercise, while BLUE VINYL reminded observers of his quality when finishing one length behind IS THAT A FACT over nine furlongs. BLUE VINYL still carries the credentials of a 2022 Guineas and St Leger winner.

INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD, the 2024 St Leger winner, will be making his first appearance from Peter-John Parsard’s stable after being privately purchased from Jason DaCosta. He had comfortably defeated stablemate BRENDA BOY and MARK MY IDENTITY over a mile in December, and now returns to overnight-allowance company with a six-furlong workout of 1:12.2 behind him. That preparation could leave his opponents with plenty to do.

MOJITO has not been spectacular at exercise, but he is dropping below the Saint Cecelia level, where he failed to fire. Richard Azan may simply have kept the 2022 champion two-year-old quiet in the mornings, with the hope that his best effort comes on race day. It would still be risky to dismiss a horse who overpowered GIRVANO and RUN JULIE RUN in last November’s Jamaica Cup.

The Liu Chie Poo, then, demands caution. MOJITO could bounce back and win impressively, or he could leave the race open for INTRESTNTIMESAHEAD on debut from a new barn, with BLUE VINYL another threat as Gary Subratie gives little away in training.