Nine Sunshine State two year olds will take to the Gulfstream main track going a mile and a sixteenth in distance, which for all entered here will be their first try at going longer then seven eights of mile in their career. Should definitely make for a challenging handicapping race for even the best of horse players.
- The FL Sire Stakes- In Reality ( P2) Purse $400.000
- Gulfstream Park – For Two year old’s Foaled in Florida
- One Mile and a Sixteenth- Main Track
- September 28th, 2019
Restricted events such as the Sire Stakes races held this weekend can start to highlight the breeding talent that is coming out of a specific state. Other Sire Stakes events earlier this season such as The Fager and The Affirmed have been bench marks as to how well a particular horse should do in this event. 2015 winner Champagne Supernova ( Eastern Equine ) has been the only juvie to break the 1:42 mark for this affair, winning in a final time of 1:41.67. I don’t think we will see that kind of speed this weekend, but lets see if we can find one or two that could possibly outshine the rest of the field.
Weights – 118 pounds ( Exception of Mystico – 1 pound overweight )
Changes– Mystico ( Lasix added )
1 Cheap Charlie ( South Beach Racing )- After a disastrous opening MdSpWt9 event when he would finish some 17 lengths out, trainer could see he was struggling with traffic around him and the blinkers went on for his next event. They worked brilliantly as he would walk away with a victory in a restricted Md25 race by a neck. While Sanchez has not been recalled, rider Jaramillo and his 23.6 % winnings in route races should have this one well in hand. Positioning will be the key late.
2 Mortar ( D J C Racing Stables )- Placed fifth in this seasons Affirmed here at this oval, and while the horse definitely has the talents to fit with this grouping, changes in adds may have worked against him in his past two events. Trainer seems to have him on track now settling with this configuration, and if he is back to his win form of his maiden victory, the assistance of M J Sanchez should be a plus as he has ridden him the past. Tight reigns down the backstretch and quick burst at the turn for home will have this one in contention.
3 Starship Leader ( Mb Stables ) – The most experienced of this group with a total of five careers starts. It would take this chestnut gelding four attempts at trying to break his maiden, that coming at Finger Lakes in upstate New York at the end of July. Would follow that win up with an effort in the Affirmed here at GP when after getting to the top after six panels, would have a final placing of fourth, just a length shy. Will need to save a little bit more for this event to be productive.
4 General Obvious ( Arindel )- Broke his maiden two starts ago in a restricted race over this very track. Stayed home to compete in the Affirmed, and would find himself sixth place with a four length deficit at the finish. Has worked with two nice timed works for the mile, and in his most recent work he breezed a shorter distance to keep him keen. His speed figures have been improving with the distance, but will need his best effort to find a share.
5 Operation Farley ( Mb Stables ) Second of two juveniles this trainer purchased from Twin Towers, while he has only three starts in his career, he is still in search of his maiden victory. Added lasix two starts ago and it seems to have had an impact on his efforts, but the black gelding took a step back in his SRF numbers going the similar distance. We have had maidens win some big races earlier in the season, so anything is a possibly, but I prefer others here.
6 Mystico ( Night Rider Stables )- Picks up a pound and is adding Lasix for the first time after the purchase coming off his opener. Has just that one start to his credit and while he finished just three lengths shy of the winner, it was a short four and a half affair and this distance is uncharted territory. Works are notable for a sprint event, but would have liked to have seen a mile effort to better judge. Need another or two before backing with cash. I’ll wait.
7 Socrates ( Mb Stables )- Is out of a top class sire and in my opinion is this trainers best chance at capturing this event. Is coming off a victory in the Affirmed here in late August and that is usually a great marker at gauging a horse efforts here. Lanerie gets the call for the ride as Jimenez looks elsewhere to do his bidding. Should be the post time favorite and gets my nod for the victory.
8 Komet ( Estero Farms ) – After the purchase in mid June, his new interests were keen to find out what this black then colt had to offer and shot him straight into the Gr. III Bashful where he would place eighth just two out. Dropped him back to the $100 ELP Juvenile where he would placing three quarters of a length out in a seven eights of a mile event. Went under the knife two weeks ago and is questionable if the turn around time might be too soon. Works are favorable?
9 Notorious Temper ( Night Rider Stables ) Second entry for this trainer and last runner in this field. Broke his maiden in the mud way back in April then was shelved until the June auction before coming to his new barn. Has just one start since and that was also a visit to the winners enclosure taking home the Sire Stakes- The Fager over this track surface. That also was in the slop, so will a fast track still be favorable for him? Winning produces winners so he would have to be considered.
Duffer
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded
