The Hutcheson Stakes- Grade III
GP Race 5 6F Dirt
Purse $100.000 For
Three Year Olds
While the best three-year olds battle it out in the derby preps a nice field of 7 will come together here to do battle in a Grade 3 sprint. While this may be the second tier I am sure their trainers hope they will either use this as a springboard to bigger things or at least a sign that they can dominate at shorter distances. We will look at each of the contestants and see if we can identify the winner.
1 Kryptonite, trained by TwinTowersRacing
Has only been able to get to the wire first in 1 of 8 career starts and that was over a muddy track while going long. Prefers to race on or near the lead so will need to rate a little better to have any chance here. Has some nice works in his past but I think he may be in a little deep here, so I prefer others.
2 Lord Of Castamere, trained by Mb Stables
First of two entries from Mb is this ON bred gelding that has done his stakes racing on the state bred circuit. He was able to win one of those early in his career but that was a three-horse affair where he went of at 1-5. Since then he showed poorly in two stakes races and finished a close second in an optional claimer. A fast recent six-furlong work gives him a chance, but I need to see more out of him in the afternoon before I recommend.
3 Snakes On A Game, trained by Team 7 Illusions
Has reeled off four straight victories but all of them have been turf sprints. His recent six-furlong dirt work suggests he should be handle the surface change and his running style would seem to fit well here. Trainer wins at a high percentage and I think he will have him at the top of his game for this.
4 Kendra King, trained by Crocker Ggs
This colt comes into the race off a wire to wire score in a msw at Turf Paradise. While he is just coming off his maiden win he did finish in front of Lord Of Castmere back in November in the Frost King Stakes. Certainly has a chance today but I do not think he has improved as much as some of the others.
5 Your Move, trained by Aandc Stable
Was once considered one of the top two-year olds in the game after wining his first two races one of which was the Kentucky Juvenile. After that win he was sold for $150 but was unable to find the winners circle again. He will be making his first start for his new connections after being picked up in a $25 claimer but will have to find his old form to have any chance here.
6 Residue, trained by Smokey Stover
Started off his career with three straight wins including the Golden State Juvenile. Smokey Stover then decided to try him in a couple of derby preps where he did not embarrass himself but also did not do enough to continue on that path. Drops back into a sprint which may be a better fit and should be a player here.
7 Bridge Of Gold, trained by Mb Stables
The second entry from Mb is a lightly raced colt making his 5th career start. Won a nwx1 California bred allowance last out where he beat a good field in fast time. Did finish behind Residue in the Golden State Juvenile but a recent six-furlong work suggests he has improved since then. If he can work out a good trip from the outside post he will be tough to handle.
Summary
I expect to see Kryptonite and Kendra King dueling on the front end early with Snakes On A Game sitting right behind them. Residue and Bridge Of Gold should be a little further back hoping for a fast pace. I think Snakes On A Game should get the advantage of making the first move and just holds off the two on the outside.
3-7-6-2
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
