New Zealand Racing, 2010-11

[_ed_]

HE'S REMARKABLE
3 c Pentire - Axiom
Breeder: Rich Hill Stud
Owner: G G Syndicate, J B Struthers & R S Balcoumb
Trainer: Roger James
Jockey: Matthew Cameron

Starts: 7
Wins: 2
Seconds: 1
Thirds: 1
Earnings: $193,500

Last start: Avondale Guineas (10th)
Best performance of the season: Rating 70 (1st)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PetkprE1UZ0

Season so far:
1st Maiden
6th Hawke's Bay Guineas behind Jimmy Choux, Icepin, Maradona, Cellarmaster, We Can Say It Now
1st Rating 70
2nd New Zealand 2000 Guineas behind Jimmy Choux
5th Rating 90 behind Fazzle
3rd Wellington Stakes behind Jimmy Choux, Jetset Lad
10th Avondale Guineas behind Icepin - had some trouble getting a clear run

Pedigree:
Excellent (excuse the pun). He's by Pentire, who of course sired 2004 Derby winner Xcellent, and is known for stamina - his other good runners include Tinseltown, Pentane, Pentastic, Pentathon, Tin Goose and Zarita. And his dam, Axiom, is a daughter of champion sire Zabeel - one of the most successful stallions in NZ history, and the sire of three NZ Derby winners and also three Melbourne Cup winners. Stamina will not be an issue for He's Remarkable.

Positives:
- He's probably the second best 3yo we've got this season
- Proven in G1 company, with his amazing performance for 2nd in the 2000 Guineas
- Trainer Roger James has won the Derby three times
- James considers him the best horse he's trained since Zonda, the champion of the late '90s who won the Derby in 1997. I still consider him the second best I've seen after Sunline.

Negatives:
- Jimmy keeps beating him. Maybe he was just born in the wrong year
- Hasn't won a race since October

Current odds:
7-1 (second favourite)

So can he win?
Yes, although his form at the moment worries me. He hasn't really shown his true ability since the 2000 Guineas in November. But while some others have some doubts about the distance, he'll love the step up to 2400m. He should be making a strong run in the last furlong or so of this great race. He should finish in the money.

Predicted finish:
3rd
(Ooh, who will I pick for 2nd? The suspense! )