The Test – Grade I
SAR   Race #9   7f   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $500.000  For Fillies Three Years Old.

1 Hateuscuztheyaintus, trained by Smokey Stover
Bought for $166.000 at auction most of her career has been over longer trips but the intentions of her new owner were apparent straight away as they took her back to sprinting. Third in last season BC Juvenile Fillies she ran a cracker in the SA Oaks to be third but in her three efforts as a three year old it was her stamina that was left wanting. Running at lowly SAC just a couple of weeks ago she slaughtered the field by four lengths running a cracking time in the process and it was that performance that wouldve convinced her new owner to go for this. A solid chance off a good draw.

2 Cobra Kai, trained by Aer Stables
Another that has been tried at classic distance she took the DED Princess as a juvenile and was building nicely this year before failing in the KY Oaks. I am guessing another failure in the Summertime Oaks has prompted her trainer to drop back in trip but i am not sure the seven furlongs will suit her. Having said that this isnt an overly strong field for a grade one and her class will see her at the sharp end of the race.

3 Fangs, trained by John Henry
Much more of a sprinter than some of her rivals she was impressive in winning the grade three Miss PS but then failed when upped in class in the Acorn finishing a never dangerous eighth, Her works are in the ball park and the trip will suit so its impossible to write her off.

4 French Connection, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Another that returns to sprinting after a mixed campaign in routes. She won the FG Oaks on the way to a good fifth in the KYO suggesting that she was on the right path. Two weaker efforts however in the past couple of months have seen her running like a non stayer and thus she comes back in trip to try to find her way again. Her sprints works are very strong and i think she may be among the finishers in the money at the end.

5 Natural Zone, trained by Mb Stables
With just five lifetime efforts she is yet another from the very deep pool of talent available to Mb Stables. She had won two races very easily before taking on the Acorn in June but clearly did not stay the trip and ended up seventh. Back to sprinting last time in the Victoria Road she was pretty emphatic in handing out a one length beating to her five rivals and looks an out and out sprinter. Her works are the fastest in the field and i hate to say it but this looks like another grade one win for the massive Mb stables.

6 Ranch, trained by Pan Farms
A very interesting entry she has never run on dirt but is a pretty accomplished turf sprinter so adds plenty of intrigue to this line up. An on pace runner she will use the wide gate catapult to set up an early lead and it just remains to be seen whether firstly she can overcome the inevitable slow down she will get in the final furlong and the dirt surface. I like her a lot and rate her the dark horse in the race.

SUMMARY
On paper this will be a win for Mb Stables with Natural Zone, French Connection will be second and i am going for the turfer to be third.

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