Easy winner on its first 2022 outing, The Gatekeeper has improved a lot since then and his opponents will strive to beat him over 1500m on Saturday.
Crowned champion of 4-year-old horses in 2022, The Gatekeeper suffered only two defeats in six outings in Mauritius. He took second place in The Maiden Cup (2400m – G1) and The Duke Of York Cup (1600m – G1) in 2022.
He is a classy horse who started his 2023 campaign on a high note on the 9th meeting. He won without ever really hitting top gear to beat Special Blend with 62 kg on his back on May 15. He will still carry the same heavy handicap and he will start from the worst gate number. This may make things more complicated at first sight.
The Gatekeeper is a very manageable horse that gets along wonderfully with the most prolific jockey in Mauritius. As a fine tactician, Rai Joorawon could even try his luck from start to finish because he will have the whole straight line after the start to take the lead or find a good position. The most important fact is that The Gatekeeper’s physical condition has vastly improved, and his rivals will have to be very strong to beat him.
The main opponent of The Gatekeeper is Special Blend on paper. He won one race and finished second 0.95L to The Gatekeeper last time out this season. But, Special Blend was launched at full speed and under the whip of his jockey while The Gatekeeper had made the difference soon enough and Joorawon had not asked too much effort from him.
Royal Wulff is the one who will be the most dangerous. He won The Duchess Of York Cup (1400m – G2) last year, and he finished second to Frosted Gold in The Barbé Cup (1600m – G1). He is an excellent finisher who will be make his comeback. He does very well after a good rest.
Undercover Agent can beat The Gatekeeper. He won one race in 2022 beating Walls Of Dubrovnik. He can make it from pillar to post. But, he is not at his best and he might need this run.
Captain Flynt can upset the odds. He won his two last races from start to finish at the end of last season. He can take full advantage of his lightweight.
Tips
Race 1 – 1365m (0-25)
African Fate – San Andreas – Bella Fiorino – High Voltage
Race 2 – 1500m (0-20)
Charlie Squadron – French Rebel – Big Smoke – Chestnut Cove
Race 3 – 1400m – (0-25)
Bon Boyage – Lock Down – Sonnenstrahl – Hardfallingrain
Race 4 – 990m – B31
Gang Leader – Imposing Angel – Short Cut – Alpine Challenge
Race 5 – 1500m – B56
Grand Vision – Zum Zum – Seattle Kid
Race 6 – 1500m – B56
Transonic – Courtroom Magic – Opague – Pop Icon
Race 7 – 1500m – G3
The Gatekeeper – Royal Wulff – Undercover Agent
Race 8 – 990m – 50+
Colour My Fate – Emerald Band – Henry Tudor
Race 9 – 1400m – B41
Flowerscape – Ron’s Joy – Crazy Charlie – Partner In Crime
- Bankers: The Gatekeeper – Colour My Fate – Transonic
- Value Bets: African Fate – French Rebel
- Outsiders: Seattle Kid – Gang Leader
The Gatekeeper last win
Royal Wulff last win
Special Blend last win
Undercover Agent last win
Race 5 : Rama replaces Donohoe
Change of jockey. Please note that jockey Swapneel Rama will replace jockey Stephen Donohoe in Race 5, on horse number 5 (The IT Factor).
Horses Weights:
