After attacking older runners in his his past two efforts at this distance on the grass, Blushing Meadows has found the perfect placement for Homme de Guerre against other sophomores, and hopes to take home top honors.
- American Derby – Gr. III – Purse $150.000
- Arlington Park – For Three Year olds
- Mile an one sixteenth- Turf Course
- July 13th, 2019
Since this bay gelding made the switch to the grass as well as route events, Homme de Guerre has earned both of his victories since then. Broke his maiden at the Fairgrounds going a mile, then two starts ago in an Alw87 affair over a soft surface, closed sharply covered with grass to win by three. His most recent Gr. II Wise Dan event had him placed fourth just a length shy, against some seasoned older runners. This event should suit his style, and the addition of rider J E Lopez aboard who is winning at an astounding 52% of his races is amazing, so the cards are in his favor.
So looking at the rest of this field we have Aer Stables sending out My Niche. Another two time winner on the sod, he did compete in the Cutler Bay at GP a couple of starts ago, and managed to close to with two lengths in a tightly contested affair. The track was listed as good, but he still made an impressive finish. Should be game in the lane and could stick for a share.
Diablo Diablo sends out Concert Party for this affair and I am thinking his efforts will all depend on what instructions are handed down to his rider. Has attack past events from the front and by closing, but seems to venture well coming late. Has been kept within the protective allowance company for his past six events, and the step up to this level may come up short. Another shot at the non winners of three after just missing last time may be more suitable.
Out of the three hole will be Maxmillion Farm’s Charleys Glance. Has been unraced since his purchase back in late April, so his trainer has definitely been working him to find his fit. Has been working brilliantly over at Belmont on the turf, but I’m questioning the dirt work nine days ago. Did place ahead of My Niche in the Cutlers Bay coming off his maiden victory, and his last try up at WO had him in the hunt throughout. If he draws a price, he is worth a buck or two.
With his dreams getting dashed in the Gr. I AR Derby and the Kentucky Derby this season, trainer John Henry has decided to make the switch with Shake It Up And Go and place him back on the grass. Was showing some interest in some sprint affairs as a juvenile, even racing in the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint event. Since his gelding he hasn’t had the ( no I can’t say it ) to be competitive in his past two starts. Time off and his most recent turf work may make him more productive. I’ll wait one and see.
The final entry will be Brazen Deception from Nakamura Stables. After a fourth in the Davis Stakes and a third in the TX Mile ( both Grade III events ), his trainer moved him to the turf in an Alw24 N1X and he responded by bring home a victory. His mile time of 1:33 flat was quite impressive as well. Has a couple of recent sharp turf works to his credit, so it looks like this just might be his placing. Could very well upset the group.
Just a small side note…..I think I heard many of these trainers were quite happy with not only their draws, but the fact that Mb Stables was absent from the event.
Duffer
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
