3 minute read

Consistent sprinter First Command looks set for back-to-back wins in the Listed Kensington Stakes down the Flemington straight 1000m course this afternoon.

Run under set weight and penalties conditions, the Kensington Stakes is an ideal assignment for the now seven-year-old who boasts a very solid sprint record around the 1000m to 1100m distance range with five of his nine starts in that range resulting in victory.

Last year First Command under Steve Arnold defeated Decirlces in the 2011 Kensington Stakes renewal carving out the 1000m in the very smart race time of 56.99 seconds.

First Command is second up this afternoon after an impressive win in the Mal Seccull Handicap over 1000m at Caulfield, his most successful course where the son of Commands has registered six wins and three placings from 13 starts.

Timeform rated 118 off that run, a pound below his career high rating of 119 achieved when runner up in the G1 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham in New Zealand behind (King) Mufhasa back in 2011, weight adjusted ratings give a clear edge to First Command who is attractively placed in this afternoon’s race.

For example First Command carried 60kgs to beat Rocking Forse who he opposes again this afternoon and meets that galloper 3.5 kgs better for beating him home at Caulfield by just over a length.

A consistent performer around the Listed Group 3 level, First Command has won at group 2 level but these days is more suited to Listed company where he has won three times and been placed four times from eight starts at that level.

First Command comes into the race after a 14 day break, handles the Flemington straight and has a sound second up record. I have no fears about him being able to run to form under these conditions and is clear top selection on ratings.

Despite a huge negative weight turn around on their last meeting, runner up to First Command at Caulfield Rocking Force looms as the main danger again.

Also second up this fellow, Timeform rated 108 is good at Listed level and although he has not won a race for 443 days has been thereabouts in good company races in the last twelve months.

He should race handy but does face a task at the weights to defeat First Command.

Much has been said and written about the return to racing by former class Hong Kong galloper and now 11 year old gelding Good Ba Ba back after eighteen months in retirement.

The four time group one winner and winner of three consecutive prestigious International Hong Kong Miles, late last year Good Ba Ba was bought out of retirement and sent to Rick Hore-Lacy for an Australian campaign.

The old timer silenced many critics with an eye catching fresh up fourth in the G3 Standish Handicap down the Flemington 1200m on New Year’s day closing fast from 14th at the 600m to get within just under five lengths of improved sprinter Adamantium.

That run earned Good Ba Ba a Timeform rating of 112, still some pounds short of the 126 figure he ran to at the height of his career in Hong Kong, but none the less an encouraging sign there was still a race or two left in him yet, under the right conditions.

The drop back 200m to this afternoon’s 1000m is no real help to him, but the small field size will offset that to some degree. Don’t be surprised to see the old boy flashing home late.

Diplomatic Force Timeform rated 106 will receive three kilos off First Command and must be in contention to fill the frame.

Not the most reliable of types, he is third run back this afternoon however his last start seventh at Caulfield behind Undeniably is not as bad as it appears on paper as he did not have the best of luck.

That followed a much better fresh up run when second to Outlandish Lad over 1100m at Caulfield, closing off fast and running out of distance.

Diplomatic Force is another better suited by longer than the 1000m here but those that saw him run under two lengths behind Woorim in the G1 Oakleigh Plate 1100m last year will be keen to support him under these conditions.

Sit back and enjoy an interesting Kensington Stakes renewal, First Command to win but the odds will be very short.