A bit lost in the shuffle is the ridiculous G1 $7 Million 1 3/16th Mile turf race leading into the Pegasus Classic.
While running for a purse of $7 Million, there may not be more than a couple of legit G1 Turf horses in here and a race that could add to a crazy late P3, P4, P5.
Magic Wand: Shipper from the ever dangerous Aidan O'Brien barn ran a bit a clunker in her first ever on American soil. Then again, that was the BC Filly & Mare Turf and Sister Charlie is pretty damn good. Can't dismiss in here.
Yoshida: Come last summer, connections looked to take a shot at the BC Classic last year. A solid romp in the Woodward looked like a good starting point, and a relatively decent 4th in the Classic was decent enough. Now he gets back to turf which is supposedly his preferred surface. This lightly raced 5YO is the wildcard of all wildcards. An impossible toss in horizontals or verticals and has to be considered in any wager.
Channel Maker: Graded Stakes racing veteran has but 4 wins in 21 career races. 0 for 2 on the board here, and ML 12/1 seems a bit low. When he isn't bet, he doesn't show up either. A must tote board watch, and likely non-contender.
Aerolite: Shipper from Japan gets arguably the best turf rider in the states in the irons. 9 for 13 in the Ex across the pond and across another pond. Dangerous. May well be the one to beat. 8/1 ML isn't going to be anywhere near the price here.
Next Shares: The BC Turf Mile was a disaster, but he recovered nicely in the G2 San Gabriel with a solid win against decent company. This is a somewhat step up in class again, but he should more than contend with these. 1 for 1 at the track, this is a very interesting likely price.
Fahan Mura: This front running mare gets a real test running against the boys here. Distance is merely the first question amid a number of other questions. Doesn't look like she is near good enough to contend with most if not all of these.
Bricks and Mortar: Fan favorite has done little wrong other than beating legit G1/2/3 Stakes level horses. Peer in
Yoshida has gotten the best of this one 2 out of 3 times in 3 of his last 4. Chad Brown/Irad Ortiz will take a lot of money. Could crazily end up as the post time favorite.
Delta Prince: Coming in off a 7F dirt sprint at The Dump, this 6YO ends up here with Lafranco Dettori in the irons. Not sure this one can get 8 1/2 panels much less 9+ offered here. This is your WTF entry of the race.
Catapult: Ran his eyeballs out in the BC Mile back in November. The newly christened 6YO is in the best form of his career. Still don't think he is good enough, and will look towards many others to beat him.
Dubby Dubbie: Put a saddle on my back, and I might be able to beat this one. Simply doesn't belong in here.
SUMMARY: This looks to be a great race to get a price in late Doubles, and horizontal picks across the board. I'm full in on using the
in any a number of tickets.
