GII – Play The King Stakes

$175.000 Graded Stake 7 Furlongs on Turf for Three Year Olds

2016 Champ: Missing In Action

1- Spicy Ball (Trained by John Henry, Ridden by Hernandez R M)

Recently running well in high allowance races at five and five and a half furlong turf races has earned him another chance against stake company. His race back in April was quick enough to be one of the five fastest races of the year for that distance. It has been a long time since he stretched out past five and a half but breeding suggests it shouldn’t be an issue.

2- All Out Blitz (Trained by Mb Stables, Ridden by Contreras L)

A lot is unknown about this horse in this race because he hasn’t done much running on the turf in his life. After a few disappointing runs in her last couple starts her connections decided to try switching over to the turf to see if that is the change she needs.

3- Ye Charley (Trained by Smokey Stover, Ridden by Boulanger G)

A big time purchase back in early May is still looking to find his stride for his new connections. His connections are struggling to find a distance he feels comfortable at. Based on past performance he should not hate the distance and based on pure talent has just as good of a chance as any in the race.

4- The Crow (Trained by Emerald Racing Inc, Ridden by Moreno O)

Three wins in five races so far this year for this four year old should have no problem at the seven furlong distance. He has run mostly in six and a half furlong races this year but always look like he still has some left in the tank. Bettors may get a decent price on him and if they do would be wise taking a second look as he has the ability to run away with this race.

5- Tokyo Secret (Trained by Tiratzo, Ridden by Rainford M)

After two straight stake wins at seven furlongs on the turf his connections decided to see if he could do it on the dirt as well and quickly found out he could not so he is back where he has had a lot of success this season. His win back in June right here at WO is the fastest run race at the distance all year so he loves running on the WO turf and he hooks back up with his jockey that day Rainford M.

6- Moon Ruler (Trained by Estero Farms, Ridden by Lermyte J)

twenty three races into his career this is only his second career attempt at a stake race. His first attempt was way back in July of 2015. His six furlong races this year have been a couple of the fastest run races at the distance all year including his May race which is the sixth fastest race time this year.

7- Sir Mekki (Trained by Jader Stable, Ridden by Da Silva E R)

A recent purchase last month for $110.000 will be running for his new connections, Jader Stables in this race. He had two straight wins at six and a half furlongs. His most recent start he struggled on the soft turf so he will welcome some sunshine Saturday afternoon.

8- Crush On Rita (Trained by Cherrytree Hill Farm, Ridden by Wilson E J)

A fourth straight victory would make Crush On Rita‘s connections, Cherrytree Hill Farm. This is definitely a step up in competition compared to what he has recently been running against. He will need to step up his game to get in the money here.

9- Venture Capitalist (Trained by Mb Stables, Ridden by Campbell J M)

Second behind Tokyo Secret in his most recent race is Venture Capitalist. This four year old gelding is a bit of a late bloomer not breaking his maiden until July of his three year old year but since then has continued to improve. If he can run a similar race to his last he should find himself going home with a pay check.

10- Sir Plucky Monkey (SCRATCHED)

11- Swamp Fox (Trained by Blushing Meadows, Ridden by Garcia Alan)

This six year old gelding is still going strong at his age and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down yet. He has over $1500.000 in career earnings, by far the most of any horses in the race. In six races so far this year he’s only missed the top three once. He appears to be the one to beat here.

12- Bronze Saber (Trained by Eastern Equine, Ridden by Bridgmohan J V)

This will be his first career graded stake race after winning his first career stake race in the Cal bred Lennyfrommalibu stakes. He will be a great value pick in this race as he has been running as good as almost any in the race and if he can take another step forward he has a shot.

13- Derby Pip (Trained by RNP Stables, Ridden by Zenteno Jr R)

Drawing into the race thanks to the scratch of the ten horse Sir Plunky Monkey. This is a AE you don’t want to forget about as he ran in four straight races at WO and finished no worse then second. He will need a great start and hope to clear the field before the turn. If he can do that he has a shot at holding on for a top three finish.

My Selections: 11/9/2

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES