What a tremendous field for today’s G2 Davona Dale at Gulfstream, with all eight fillies being viable contenders. While breaking down the race for Derby Prep Alert over at Hello Race Fans and exploring past results, I was intrigued by the impressive later careers a number of winners and place-getters had as broodmares.
Consider the inaugural 1988 winner Cadillacing, a full-sister to champion Easy Goer; among her progeny are G1 Futurity winner Strolling Along, G2 Top Flight victress Cat Cay and G2-placed sire Lion Hearted. 1989 winner Waggley produced G1 Test victress Marley Vale, dam of G1-placed Indian Vale, while 1993 runner-up Boots N Jackie is the dam of G1-placed millionaire Supah Blitz. Others who produced G1 winners: 1995 winner Mia’s Hope (G1 Florida Derby winner Hals Hope), 1997 winner Glitter Woman (G1 Suburban winner Political Force), and 1996 runner-up My Flag, herself the product of superstar mating, Easy Goer and Personal Ensign (G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies champion Storm Flag Flying).
The third dam of G1-placed Z Humor is 1990 winner Big Pride, while 1997 runner-up City Band produced a Storm Cat filly Storm Tide, dam of Kentucky Derby hopeful American Lion. And how can we forget that 2000 third-place finisher Secret Status is the dam of G1 Belmont Stakes runner-up Dunkirk? Interesting stuff.
Gulfstream’s entire Saturday card looks strong. In race 2, a one-turn mile maiden event for 3-year-olds marks the first start for Scuba Diver, a full-brother to Cool Coal Man, as well as the return of $1.5 million Keeneland auction purchase Keeneland Breeze. The one I’m really looking forward to here is Nadal, who finished a narrow half-length behind impressive recent winner Odysseus. I also think Game On Dude might prove tough off his maiden effort, and if he does well, that should even further solidify the chances of Bushwhacked in race 4. In that race, Forward Harch is also one to watch, given his form versus Odysseus as well. Race 3 also features some interesting 3-year-olds in Homeboykris, General Maximus, Radiohead and Afleet Alex’s first foal Quick Ride.
As you can imagine, I’m pretty bummed about Maximus Ruler being off the Derby trail (as I know Dell is too). I know there’s plenty of time left yet, but once you’ve given your heart away, it’s tough to go courting right away. I’m hoping Odysseus is worthy of being my next crush, so here's hoping that form line stacks up today.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Filly Saturday
A couple interesting 3-year-old filly races on Saturday, including the 1-1/16 mile Busher Stakes at Aqueduct. Todd Pletcher sends out the Tapit filly Anchorage who may be forgiven for her stumble out of the gate in the Busanda last out, but needs to prove worthy of her $540k price tag with a win here. Her dam Cross Your Heart is a half-sister to sire Broken Vow, and everything in her breeding suggests she should get the distance—a jockey change to Fernando Jara and breaking from the rail could help. Ramon Preciado ships in Dazzling Deborah from Philadelphia, whose two victories last year came in the claiming ranks—just not sure she inspires great confidence. Steve Asmussen sends out Ontario-bred Speightful Affair who broke her maiden at Aqueduct going one mile last out, even after stumbling at the start. Embrace Change has twice won over this track for Bruce Brown, albeit against state-bred company. Still, she should be a factor. For a huge price, I’m willing to risk Roman Chestnut, a filly I pegged last summer in her maiden effort at Saratoga (where she failed miserably)—and she’s toiled in the claiming ranks. There’s absolutely nothing to recommend her, especially going around two turns, BUT...I have a gut feeling about her, what can I say? (Go ahead, call me a sap).
For Hello Race Fans’ Derby Prep Alert this week, I took on the Martha Washington Stakes which features an extremely competitive field of 12. You can read my comments on the other site by following the link above, but let me reemphasize my good feeling about longshot Bell’s Shoes. She may have taken quite awhile to break her maiden, but her second race did produce the highest dirt speed figure of any filly in this race, and even when racing on Polytrack, she just barely lost to dual G1-placed Amen Hallelujah who recently won the G2 Santa Ynez. She’s got a lot of history on her side: her dam Isabell's Shoes won this race in 2005, her second dam Pink Shoes won it in 1995, and her third dam Fun Flight won it in 1988—and all three raced for owner Patricia Blass who sends Bell's Shoes here. Call it karma.
The G1 Las Virgenes—rescheduled from last weekend—drew a small field of six, dominated by multiple G1 victress Blind Luck making her 3-year-old debut. She’s the real deal, so I’d be shocked if she lost. Both G1-placed La Nez and G3 Santa Ysabel runner-up Evening Jewel have form against Caracortado who runs in the G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes two races later, while Santa Ysabel winner Crisp and G2 Santa Ynez third-place finisher Switch both go postward for John Sadler.
For those interested in racing Down Under, I've got a new post on several highly-regarded fillies to watch for in the prep races leading to the Australian 2-year-old Triple Crown over at Fillies First.
For Hello Race Fans’ Derby Prep Alert this week, I took on the Martha Washington Stakes which features an extremely competitive field of 12. You can read my comments on the other site by following the link above, but let me reemphasize my good feeling about longshot Bell’s Shoes. She may have taken quite awhile to break her maiden, but her second race did produce the highest dirt speed figure of any filly in this race, and even when racing on Polytrack, she just barely lost to dual G1-placed Amen Hallelujah who recently won the G2 Santa Ynez. She’s got a lot of history on her side: her dam Isabell's Shoes won this race in 2005, her second dam Pink Shoes won it in 1995, and her third dam Fun Flight won it in 1988—and all three raced for owner Patricia Blass who sends Bell's Shoes here. Call it karma.
The G1 Las Virgenes—rescheduled from last weekend—drew a small field of six, dominated by multiple G1 victress Blind Luck making her 3-year-old debut. She’s the real deal, so I’d be shocked if she lost. Both G1-placed La Nez and G3 Santa Ysabel runner-up Evening Jewel have form against Caracortado who runs in the G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes two races later, while Santa Ysabel winner Crisp and G2 Santa Ynez third-place finisher Switch both go postward for John Sadler.
For those interested in racing Down Under, I've got a new post on several highly-regarded fillies to watch for in the prep races leading to the Australian 2-year-old Triple Crown over at Fillies First.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Hyperbole and a Farewell
A couple quick comments about this past weekend’s racing:
Quality Road’s performance in the G1 Donn Handicap was visually spectacular, but I want to see him string together more than one or two good races before I’m willing concede he’s the most exciting horse on the planet this year. Typical for this era of disproportionate hype, Andy Beyer goes so far as to note with his usual portentous authority: “...as great as they (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta) are, neither of the females delivered a performance as good as Quality Road's win in the Donn.”
Has he been snorting that pure Washington DC snow?
I know that all tracks are not created equal, but you would figure that 9 furlongs is 9 furlongs. So, when Quality Road went 1:47.49 on Saturday carrying 123 pounds, that’s quicker than Rachel Alexandra’s 1:46.33 carrying 121 pounds in last year’s G1 Mother Goose at Belmont (which she won by over 19 lengths), or her 1:47.10 carrying 117 over a sloppy Monmouth track in the G1 Haskell Invitational? What about her geared down 20 ¼ length win in the G1 Kentucky Oaks, going 1:48.87—maybe not time-wise on par, but certainly in terms of visual impressiveness? And let’s not even forget Zenyatta’s masterful win in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Neither female delivered a performance as good as Quality Road’s Donn victory? You are absolutely right—they each delivered BETTER performances (plural). Seriously, my perception of a horse's performance is not all about the man-made construct known as BEYER SPEED FIGURES (large letters to magnify their importance as the greatest contribution to handicapping and horse racing since, well, pari-mutuel wagering). Yes, I'm being factious.
As an excellent example of why falling for hyped horses, particularly 3-year-olds this time of year, is an exercise in futility, I give you Eightyfiveinafifty. Lightning-quick in a 6 furlong maiden effort at Aqueduct on January 9, recording the highest Beyer (!) of any 3-year-old thus far, he entered the 8.5 furlong Whirlaway Stakes this past Saturday a huge favorite—and proceeded to bolt to the outer rail where he crashed through it, dumping his jockey Jorge Chavez and jumping another fence on his way back to the barn. Becky rightly asks, how do we analyze his Triple Crown prospects? Honestly, from his breeding alone, I think it is highly doubtful he can get 10 furlongs, so while he may be exciting to watch and certainly to root for when he returns to the track, I would frankly be shocked to see him at the post come the first Saturday in May.
If Janet Patton’s story in the Lexington Herald-Leader is factual, then Ahmed Zayat is a bigger jerk than his megalomaniac naming of his horses indicates. Collecting $2.75 million on an insurance policy for Thorn Song who may or may not be dead, when trainer Mike Mitchell claims there’s a “small chance” the horse may have run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile when insurance company check indicated the horse was already dead? Wow, talk about brass balls, and heartless, to boot! Seriously, Thorn Song had fans who would have appreciated knowing of his passing...godspell, gutsy grey beauty.
Quality Road’s performance in the G1 Donn Handicap was visually spectacular, but I want to see him string together more than one or two good races before I’m willing concede he’s the most exciting horse on the planet this year. Typical for this era of disproportionate hype, Andy Beyer goes so far as to note with his usual portentous authority: “...as great as they (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta) are, neither of the females delivered a performance as good as Quality Road's win in the Donn.”
Has he been snorting that pure Washington DC snow?
I know that all tracks are not created equal, but you would figure that 9 furlongs is 9 furlongs. So, when Quality Road went 1:47.49 on Saturday carrying 123 pounds, that’s quicker than Rachel Alexandra’s 1:46.33 carrying 121 pounds in last year’s G1 Mother Goose at Belmont (which she won by over 19 lengths), or her 1:47.10 carrying 117 over a sloppy Monmouth track in the G1 Haskell Invitational? What about her geared down 20 ¼ length win in the G1 Kentucky Oaks, going 1:48.87—maybe not time-wise on par, but certainly in terms of visual impressiveness? And let’s not even forget Zenyatta’s masterful win in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Neither female delivered a performance as good as Quality Road’s Donn victory? You are absolutely right—they each delivered BETTER performances (plural). Seriously, my perception of a horse's performance is not all about the man-made construct known as BEYER SPEED FIGURES (large letters to magnify their importance as the greatest contribution to handicapping and horse racing since, well, pari-mutuel wagering). Yes, I'm being factious.
As an excellent example of why falling for hyped horses, particularly 3-year-olds this time of year, is an exercise in futility, I give you Eightyfiveinafifty. Lightning-quick in a 6 furlong maiden effort at Aqueduct on January 9, recording the highest Beyer (!) of any 3-year-old thus far, he entered the 8.5 furlong Whirlaway Stakes this past Saturday a huge favorite—and proceeded to bolt to the outer rail where he crashed through it, dumping his jockey Jorge Chavez and jumping another fence on his way back to the barn. Becky rightly asks, how do we analyze his Triple Crown prospects? Honestly, from his breeding alone, I think it is highly doubtful he can get 10 furlongs, so while he may be exciting to watch and certainly to root for when he returns to the track, I would frankly be shocked to see him at the post come the first Saturday in May.
If Janet Patton’s story in the Lexington Herald-Leader is factual, then Ahmed Zayat is a bigger jerk than his megalomaniac naming of his horses indicates. Collecting $2.75 million on an insurance policy for Thorn Song who may or may not be dead, when trainer Mike Mitchell claims there’s a “small chance” the horse may have run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile when insurance company check indicated the horse was already dead? Wow, talk about brass balls, and heartless, to boot! Seriously, Thorn Song had fans who would have appreciated knowing of his passing...godspell, gutsy grey beauty.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Derby Contenders (or Pretenders): It's Too Soon to Know For Sure
I’m very pleased to be included once again in the Paulick Derby Index poll, although predicting the Kentucky Derby contenders this far out is nothing but a crap shoot. Notice G3 Holy Bull winner Winslow Homer has already departed due to injury, which perhaps shouldn’t be such a surprise considering he is a son of Unbridled’s Song (I hardly need mention Dunkirk, Old Fashioned, Midshipman, Rockport Harbor, Eight Belles, Unbridled Elaine...).
At the beginning of the week (Feb. 1), here’s how my selections looked:
1. Maximus Ruler
2. Drosselmeyer
3. Buddy's Saint
4. Eskendereya
5. Winslow Homer (off the trail)
6. Lookin at Lucky
7. Hollinger
8. Bank the Eight
9. Odysseus
10. Rule
While nearly all my choices are popping up on other’s lists, I do want to mention my reasons for including two less obvious selections—Bank the Eight and Odysseus.
First, regular readers know I’m a pedigree freak, so a huge consideration for me in picking Derby horses is can they get the distance. It doesn’t necessarily matter how well they have run thus far, especially if we are talking about sprint distance races. What I want are horses whose breeding suggests the longer they go, the better they will be.
For that reason, Bank the Eight is a tantalizing prospect. By Distorted Humor out of an A.P. Indy mare, Bank the Eight has some impressive connections—his dam Zori is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner and 1997 Eclipse champion 3-year-old filly Ajina, as well as Kobla, dam of Quality Road who runs in Saturday’s G1 Donn Handicap.
In his career debut last October at Belmont, he finished second to Rule (who subsequently won the G3 Delta Jackpot) in a one-mile maiden special weight event. Next out, despite stumbling out of the gate and falling on his nose, Bank the Eight maneuvered through heavy traffic and broke his maiden going one mile at Aqueduct. His first race this year, an 8f Gulfstream allowance race in which he placed sixth of 10, was won by the promising Eskendereya; others in that race included Thank U Philippe (recently finished fourth in G3 Holy Bull) and Prince Will I Am who next out finished a strong closing second to Drosselmeyer in a 9f allowance race. Bank the Eight is entered on Saturday in an 8f allowance race at Gulfstream (race 8), with blinkers added, and at 6-1 on the morning line, looks an enticing bet (and include with Tuvia’s Force in the exacta).
The classicist in me loves Odysseus purely for his name, but the horse racing enthusiast loves his style. A chestnut son of Malibu Moon out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Persimmon Hill, he’s actually is a half-brother to Vanetta Hill, dam of the last year’s promising Canadian runner Keino West. His second dam Rose O’Riley is a full-sister to G1 Suburban Handicap winner Upper Nile and 1981 G1 Kentucky Oaks runner-up De La Rose whose turf performances that year (including defeating males in the G1 Hollywood Derby) netted her the Eclipse for outstanding female turf horse.
In his maiden effort, at Aqueduct on Halloween, Odysseus survived some serious bumping to finish a strong second to Moojab in a 6f maiden special weight. He reappeared at Gulfstream on January 14, breaking his maiden going 7f; many of those he defeated in that race reappear at Gulfstream on Sat. (race 6) so we’ll see how his form holds up.
Two major preps races on Saturday, including the 8.5f Whirlaway at Aqueduct (barring cancellation due to the “snow apocalypse”). Eightyfiveinafifty is undoubtedly fast, but I’m suspect of his being able to get the distance, so, at 15-1, I’ll take a long hard look at G2 Remsen runner-up Peppi Knows to rebound in a big way here. With an off-track possible, Afleet Again could also be a factor. The G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita marks the 3-year-old debut of undefeated Tiz Chrome, and, if he performs well, he could well go onto my list next week. He broke his maiden first-out at Churchill last November so dirt racing may not be a question mark for him. The other Tiznow, American Lion is also one to watch (although Tiznows have broken my Derby dreams way too many times—first Liquidity, then Colonel John and his brother Mr. Hot Stuff).
Other races to watch this weekend for 3-year-old males:
Fair Grounds (Sat.): MSW (race 10) 8.5f
Gulfstream (Sat.): MSW (race 6) 7 furlongs; Allowance (race 8) 8f
Gulfstream (Sun.): Hallandale Beach Stakes (race 8) 8.5f Turf
Tampa Bay (Sat.): MSW (race 11) 8f Turf
Tampa Bay (Sun.): Allowance (race 7) 8f Turf
At the beginning of the week (Feb. 1), here’s how my selections looked:
1. Maximus Ruler
2. Drosselmeyer
3. Buddy's Saint
4. Eskendereya
5. Winslow Homer (off the trail)
6. Lookin at Lucky
7. Hollinger
8. Bank the Eight
9. Odysseus
10. Rule
While nearly all my choices are popping up on other’s lists, I do want to mention my reasons for including two less obvious selections—Bank the Eight and Odysseus.
First, regular readers know I’m a pedigree freak, so a huge consideration for me in picking Derby horses is can they get the distance. It doesn’t necessarily matter how well they have run thus far, especially if we are talking about sprint distance races. What I want are horses whose breeding suggests the longer they go, the better they will be.
For that reason, Bank the Eight is a tantalizing prospect. By Distorted Humor out of an A.P. Indy mare, Bank the Eight has some impressive connections—his dam Zori is a half-sister to Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner and 1997 Eclipse champion 3-year-old filly Ajina, as well as Kobla, dam of Quality Road who runs in Saturday’s G1 Donn Handicap.
In his career debut last October at Belmont, he finished second to Rule (who subsequently won the G3 Delta Jackpot) in a one-mile maiden special weight event. Next out, despite stumbling out of the gate and falling on his nose, Bank the Eight maneuvered through heavy traffic and broke his maiden going one mile at Aqueduct. His first race this year, an 8f Gulfstream allowance race in which he placed sixth of 10, was won by the promising Eskendereya; others in that race included Thank U Philippe (recently finished fourth in G3 Holy Bull) and Prince Will I Am who next out finished a strong closing second to Drosselmeyer in a 9f allowance race. Bank the Eight is entered on Saturday in an 8f allowance race at Gulfstream (race 8), with blinkers added, and at 6-1 on the morning line, looks an enticing bet (and include with Tuvia’s Force in the exacta).
The classicist in me loves Odysseus purely for his name, but the horse racing enthusiast loves his style. A chestnut son of Malibu Moon out of the Conquistador Cielo mare Persimmon Hill, he’s actually is a half-brother to Vanetta Hill, dam of the last year’s promising Canadian runner Keino West. His second dam Rose O’Riley is a full-sister to G1 Suburban Handicap winner Upper Nile and 1981 G1 Kentucky Oaks runner-up De La Rose whose turf performances that year (including defeating males in the G1 Hollywood Derby) netted her the Eclipse for outstanding female turf horse.
In his maiden effort, at Aqueduct on Halloween, Odysseus survived some serious bumping to finish a strong second to Moojab in a 6f maiden special weight. He reappeared at Gulfstream on January 14, breaking his maiden going 7f; many of those he defeated in that race reappear at Gulfstream on Sat. (race 6) so we’ll see how his form holds up.
Two major preps races on Saturday, including the 8.5f Whirlaway at Aqueduct (barring cancellation due to the “snow apocalypse”). Eightyfiveinafifty is undoubtedly fast, but I’m suspect of his being able to get the distance, so, at 15-1, I’ll take a long hard look at G2 Remsen runner-up Peppi Knows to rebound in a big way here. With an off-track possible, Afleet Again could also be a factor. The G2 Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita marks the 3-year-old debut of undefeated Tiz Chrome, and, if he performs well, he could well go onto my list next week. He broke his maiden first-out at Churchill last November so dirt racing may not be a question mark for him. The other Tiznow, American Lion is also one to watch (although Tiznows have broken my Derby dreams way too many times—first Liquidity, then Colonel John and his brother Mr. Hot Stuff).
Other races to watch this weekend for 3-year-old males:
Fair Grounds (Sat.): MSW (race 10) 8.5f
Gulfstream (Sat.): MSW (race 6) 7 furlongs; Allowance (race 8) 8f
Gulfstream (Sun.): Hallandale Beach Stakes (race 8) 8.5f Turf
Tampa Bay (Sat.): MSW (race 11) 8f Turf
Tampa Bay (Sun.): Allowance (race 7) 8f Turf
Let’s Pretend It Really Happens
Suspend reality for a moment and imagine that Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta are both ready to run in the newly-minted $5 million G1 Apple Blossom Invitational at Oaklawn on April 3. Yes, I believe it’s highly-unlikely that Rachel—who has posted only one official workout since her Woodward victory on September 5—will be at her peak, but let’s assume that she proves extraordinarily-resilient and keen to run after her extended vacation, as does Zenyatta. The race distance has been extended to 9 furlongs and the handicap condition dropped in favor of an even 123 pound impost for all ten starters. It’s unlikely to be a simple match race, as the $500,000 third-place money will inevitably draw a nice field.
My question to you is, who do you invite? Again, suppose that all potential competitors are primed, and either proven or suited for dirt surface. Which eight fillies and mares would best complement the two superstars in a “race-for-the-ages”?
It’s too bad Darley retired last year’s Apple Blossom winner Seventh Street, plus Flashing, Music Note and Cocoa Beach. Unfortunately, the last filly to defeat Rachel, Sara Louise, is just a better sprinter.
So, who is left? My choices would be:
1. Bambera
This 4-year-old Venezuelan phenomenon—winner of 16 of 18 starts, including 8 Grade 1 races in 2009 and several in open company such as the Clasico del Caribe—is already training in Florida. Sid Fernando has long chronicled her exploits and they’re well worth reading. An unknown factor that could pull an upset?
2. Careless Jewel
Last year’s G1 Alabama winner is spectacular on dirt and her crazy front-running style as witnessed in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Ladies Classic) would certainly add an exciting element. She hasn’t posted a workout recently, though.
3. Milwaukee Appeal
Canadian champion 3-year-old filly in 2009, Milwaukee Appeal was no challenge for Careless Jewel in the G1 Alabama and finished fourth, well back of Flashing, in the G1 Gazelle in late November. However, she narrowly missed winning both the Queen’s Plate (on polytrack) and Prince of Wales Stakes (on dirt) last summer, and if even stronger at age 4, could prove a major factor in the older female category. No official works in the past 60 days.
4. Just Jenda
The G3 Monmouth Oaks winner has won 6 of 12 starts, placing in 3 others, and worked 3 furlongs at Oaklawn on Thursday—37.80 (4/23). A former Rachel “victim” who came back stronger for the experience, Just Jenda won the G3 Honeybee at Oaklawn last March.
5. Gabby’s Golden Gal
Another filly defeated by Rachel—in last year’s G1 Kentucky Oaks, to be precise—Gabby’s Golden Gal won the G1 Acorn next out, and last Sunday won the G1 Santa Monica Handicap. Distance may be an issue, but she’s in form and likes dirt.
6. Sweet Repent
Her recent victory in the Sunshine Millions Distaff at Gulfstream makes this 4-year-old a nice in-form starter.
7. Life Is Sweet
She may hate dirt, I don’t know, but I’d at least invite the reigning G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Ladies’ Classic) champion.
8. Vodka
Of those without dirt experience/preference who intrigue me, the Japanese 2009 Horse of the Year mare Vodka stands out, although the current plan is to run her in the March 27 Dubai World Cup. Still, what a great international flavor it would give to have her present!
So, who would you invite and why?
My question to you is, who do you invite? Again, suppose that all potential competitors are primed, and either proven or suited for dirt surface. Which eight fillies and mares would best complement the two superstars in a “race-for-the-ages”?
It’s too bad Darley retired last year’s Apple Blossom winner Seventh Street, plus Flashing, Music Note and Cocoa Beach. Unfortunately, the last filly to defeat Rachel, Sara Louise, is just a better sprinter.
So, who is left? My choices would be:
1. Bambera
This 4-year-old Venezuelan phenomenon—winner of 16 of 18 starts, including 8 Grade 1 races in 2009 and several in open company such as the Clasico del Caribe—is already training in Florida. Sid Fernando has long chronicled her exploits and they’re well worth reading. An unknown factor that could pull an upset?
2. Careless Jewel
Last year’s G1 Alabama winner is spectacular on dirt and her crazy front-running style as witnessed in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Ladies Classic) would certainly add an exciting element. She hasn’t posted a workout recently, though.
3. Milwaukee Appeal
Canadian champion 3-year-old filly in 2009, Milwaukee Appeal was no challenge for Careless Jewel in the G1 Alabama and finished fourth, well back of Flashing, in the G1 Gazelle in late November. However, she narrowly missed winning both the Queen’s Plate (on polytrack) and Prince of Wales Stakes (on dirt) last summer, and if even stronger at age 4, could prove a major factor in the older female category. No official works in the past 60 days.
4. Just Jenda
The G3 Monmouth Oaks winner has won 6 of 12 starts, placing in 3 others, and worked 3 furlongs at Oaklawn on Thursday—37.80 (4/23). A former Rachel “victim” who came back stronger for the experience, Just Jenda won the G3 Honeybee at Oaklawn last March.
5. Gabby’s Golden Gal
Another filly defeated by Rachel—in last year’s G1 Kentucky Oaks, to be precise—Gabby’s Golden Gal won the G1 Acorn next out, and last Sunday won the G1 Santa Monica Handicap. Distance may be an issue, but she’s in form and likes dirt.
6. Sweet Repent
Her recent victory in the Sunshine Millions Distaff at Gulfstream makes this 4-year-old a nice in-form starter.
7. Life Is Sweet
She may hate dirt, I don’t know, but I’d at least invite the reigning G1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Ladies’ Classic) champion.
8. Vodka
Of those without dirt experience/preference who intrigue me, the Japanese 2009 Horse of the Year mare Vodka stands out, although the current plan is to run her in the March 27 Dubai World Cup. Still, what a great international flavor it would give to have her present!
So, who would you invite and why?
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