The Royal Delta- Grade III
GP Race 4 1M Dirt
Purse $200.000 For Fillies & Mares
Four Year Olds and Upward
One of our 5 entrants are going to earn their first graded stakes win today and take home a nice purse in the process. While the field is not as accomplished as most of the stakes races I cover it seems to be evenly matched, so it should be exciting. Let’s take a look at each of the runners and see if we can identify the winner.
1 Counting Chickens, trained by John Henry
Our first filly was purchased for $15.000 last May and promptly won 3 of her next 4 starts including a $100.000 overnight stake. Her best results have come when she has raced on or near the lead, so I expect we may see that tactic today although there does seem to be quite a bit of speed in this race. She has never won at more than 7 furlongs and her most recent works seemed to have slowed so while I would not be shocked if she won I will be looking elsewhere.
2 Three Lies, trained by NorthernTraderStable
This mare will be trying to get her trainer his first win of 2018 as he has only had 4 go to the post thus far. While she has only won 4 of 20 lifetime starts she does have 8 seconds so she is usually right there at the wire. This does seem to be her favorite distance as three of her wins have come at a mile and her running style seems well suited for the field. Her speed ratings put her right there with this field and I like her chances.
3 Proud Luck, trained by Wolfs Den
Lightly raced filly has only had 6 career starts with 1 win and 4 seconds. The 1 win was her only start on the dirt but that was at the free track so not sure how much we can infer from that. Workouts are not bad, so she has to be considered but I think turf is her preferred surface and this field may be a little too tough.
4 Island Fire, trained by Mb Stables
This filly has finished in the money in 13 of 15 career starts including 11 in a row. She was claimed by Mb for $25.000 and he immediately stretched her back out where she appears to do her best racing. Her last race was a game 2nd in the Grade 3 Rampart which was conducted here at Gulfstream at todays distance. Her works and speed rating are tops in the field and with her connections she is extremely dangerous in this spot.
5 Pip Paris, trained by Calia Stable
Our final runner was a $20.000 claim in October that has won 2 of her 3 races for her new connections. Another one that seems to prefer todays distance as her two most recent victories were conducted at a mile. Her works and speed ratings are right in line with the other contenders so working out a trip will probably be the key.
Summary
There does not seem to be much separating this group of fillies, so we must look at things like jocks, trainers, and post to try and figure out who will get the top prize. I think Pip Paris may get pushed out to the lead which may enable Island Fire and Three Lies to sit a perfect trip. I give the edge to Island Fire based on her connections.
4-2-5-1
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
