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.
Do you think Bickersons can run classic distances?
ReplyDeleteMaximus was my lone and small future wager, so I am bummed too....
ReplyDeleteIs Christine Daae definitely out of the Davona Dale?
ReplyDeleteCindy, unfortunately Christine Daae is scratched, as is the Pletcher horse Female Drama. Guess it finally clicked how talented this field is already. Christine Daae is entered on Sunday in an allowance race at Gulfstream (race 6). No other entry for Female Drama, though.
ReplyDeleteAh, Tony, a man who shares my pain, especially when the future wager win payout would have been so generous!
Troll, I don't think Bickersons can get the classic distances, or should I say I don't think she could win at them with a strong field present. I like her a lot, though, as she reminds me a bit of Bsharpsonata.