It is interesting to see who is not in it.

In 2020 this race was won by Christofle, then came Silver Coin, What A Dandy and Verdier. The following year What A Dandy won, then came Gladstone, Golden Lion and Verdier – and, guess what, only Gladstone will contest the Hachiman Sprint at Borrowdale Park this Sunday.

Of the eight acceptors, I am surprised Three To Tango and Citrusdal are even in there having built their reputations over further than 1100m. But then I am not adventurous, although always prepared to be proved wrong.

In fact, Citrusdal did well over 1100m on May 16 when second to Widjaan when conceding 3.5 kgs.

So, can Gladstone go one better this year? In 2021 the son of Pathfork (USA) carried 60.5 kgs and he is an 1100m specialist, although lacking scintillating form recently. On Sunday he is set to carry 57.5 kgs and will give weight in varying degrees to Jubilee, Seven Seas, Varnica, stablemate Mind Master, and Emerald Floe.

I could strain my brain and make a case for most of these runners, but for no good reason Seven Seas (de Gouveia) and Emerald Floe (Penny) appeal, while Varnica, will have claiming apprentice *Shumba on board.

There are 8 races on Sunday’s card and the Hachiman Sprint is due off at 16.05. The meeting begins with an 1100m Maiden Plate at 12.15.

Photographs by Jenny Stock of Zimbabwe Equine News.