1 3/8ths Mile on the Turf $200K 4YOs and upward
Seems like a free square for horizontal plays with the
Sadler's Joy. Is it really that easy?
Sadler's Joy: Serious and legit G1 turf horse who could be argued as the best routing turf horse in the entire country right now. Really solid effort in the BC Turf in which he was only defeated by the best of the best. This Kitten's Joy offspring rolls into his 5YO season with extremely big expectations. Little doubt this is the horse to beat.
Some in Tieme: A distance horse, no doubt, but this is a tall order. Solidly beaten in a G3 at Sam Houston last out. These are significantly better.
One Go All Go: Connections seriously need to start placing this horse in better spots. This isn't one of them.
Muqtaser: An improving and very interesting gelding. A very lightly raced 6YO that is 11 for 16 in hitting the board. Last 2 races show some serious promise. Contender.
Markitoff: Maker and Saez give this horse a 2nd look, but he is up against it in here. Like that he is a 4YO, but can't see any way he beats this field.
Gold Shield: A hard knocker that will show up and run his race. Just a notch or two below the best in here.
Bernay: Tough read. Can't dismiss due to the Brown factor, but couldn't beat OC$35K at first asking in the states. 6 time winner has to be somewhat respected in his 2nd effort in the States. I honestly wouldn't be shocked if this one ran a huge one today.
Patterson Cross: Lightly raced horse that has had solid expectations. Always well placed, and almost always runs well. Hasn't raced in nearly a year, but is certainly dangerous. At the very least you have to include in exotics.
Nessy: 2nditis at large. 6 times he has ran 2nd with only 2 lifetime wins. And that includes his last 2 against others in here. His numbers are as good as any in here, but he just doesn't win. You'll likely get a good price if you see him getting over the hump today.
Run Time: Back to back wins including a 2 mile jaunt last out. Rosario in the irons isn't the best news, and the class angle with this one has to be seriously questioned. I'd be surprised if he hits the Superfecta.
Big Bend: You have to cross off his last two to like this guy. I often like 4YOs in their early turf racing season, and this guy is really interesting to me. His race in the G3 Sycamore was really good. Can he come close to that one again, or maybe even improve on it? Should be a monster price, and you have some things to like.
Oscar Nominated: Ramseys/Maker/Kitten's Joy. Do we need to go any further on a big racing day? He has won $1.4 million and has romped on this course before just last out. May not get the price you want if you like him, but he is an obvious contender in here.
SUMMARY: Sadler's Joy is gonna be tough to beat, but there are a couple in here I'm gonna try at likely big odds.
Muqtaser and
Patterson Cross seem like legit contenders at big numbers.
