San Luis Rey Stakes – Grade III
SA Race #5 1 1/2m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $100.000 For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Wired Up Rampage Stable Cedillo A

There seems to be some serious consistency issues with this one as he went from an eighteen length tenth in the JC Gold Cup to a head second in the Hirsch Turf Classic. Well ‘it seems’ is not a word we have to use at HRP as the reason behind that terrible result at BEL was we were at the height of the ‘rabbit invasion’. Since those days HRP seems to have toned down the fast instruction and we tend not to see those crazy races anymore so it best we ignore that run. On last seasons grade one placings this one would have a serious chance but his last two efforts have been sub par and he may just be one of those four year olds that never reaches the heights of their three year old season.

2 Wrapitupboys TwinTowersRacing Valdivia J

This sis year old has always looked like he needed this sort of trip despite having spent a good deal of last season running in sprints. He gets the draw everyone wants today and i expect to see him powering home late on in the race. I have a sneaking suspicion that he may just run a big race today and if his odds are as long as i expect them to be he could be a very good each way prospect.

3 No Wonder Nakamura Stables Blanc B

A great draw, good recent form and the Nak factor are three things that give this one a very good chance. He has taken a while to hit the ground and at five looks to be still on the upward curve of development which is something that can be a big plus at this time of year. If he gets the trip i like his chances.

4 Chase The Thief High Voltage Smith M E

His works dont really correlate with his form but even they arent really as good as some so its hard to see this five year old troubling the best of thsi field. Having said that if you go back through his form there are a couple of efforts that have merit but its hard to see him winning.

5 Bayou Quartier Invicta Group Llc Rispoli U

This seven year old is seeing a resurgence in form since his tactics were changed and his two wide margin wins in open allowance company may spell trouble for this field if he is back to his best. The winner of this race in 2018 he went on a winning spree that year but has since struggled a little to find the winners circle. If he gets a soft lead he could be hard to peg back.

6 Call Me Godd Sir Daniel Martin Espinoza V

There have been a few times that this one has looked like he may break into the top notch of turf routers but after a good win in the Saranac and a close finish in the WO Mile last year he has failed to improve on that. Capable but will have to be at his best to take this.

7 Controlled Power Spankys Barn Prat F

Its pretty amazing when you notice that this winner of over 1K has only ever won five races with two of those being at grade one level. It just shows you how tough it can be at HRP when after winning his second grade one he has failed to win again in 15 starts. You cant doubt his ability but at six his best days may be behind him although it wasnt so long ago that he nearly won the Fourstardave Handicap. At his best he is the best horse in the race and if his old legs can find some of their sparkle he may just win.

8 Tourniquet Mo Mentum Farm Fuentes Ru

Drawn out this may just be the one that sneaks under the radar. Although he has only won three races his improvement curve has definitely been on the up since last summer and one feels that he may just be ready to add a fourth win. The winner of the Breeders Stakes he went on to run creditably in three of the biggest turf races of the year culminating with a good fourth in the HOL Derby. His seasonal debut in the FG Stakes was very good as he only failed by a head to catch the winner and whilst he has a tough draw as long as the race engine doesnt take his chances i think he has a huge chance.

9 Roglic Special Nakamura Stables Velez J I

Bought cheaply at auction at the end of the year he took on his first ever turf race for the new owner and became another winner to add to a very good start to the year for Nakamura Stables. He still has to prove he has the class gene but with good works and clearly a liking for turf he must be seriously considered even from a horrible draw.

10 The Monkii Man The Sidley Stud Arroyo N Jr

A real solid sort he has a very good turf work at 1:34 1/5 to his name and must come into the reckoning if things go his way. I was disappointed with his first up effort but his works say he is better than that so i expect a much improved show today.

11 Armed Escort Mb Stables Ochoa J

Its not often we see Mb Stables end up with the worst jockey in the field and this may be a test for both horse and trainer as they are given the worst draw too. If anyone can win with all those negatives then Mb can and he put in a solid enough effort first up and is working very well. I will take my hat off to the trainer if he can engineer a win from this race.

SUMMARY

I think Tourniquet may prove a good bet in this race but there are plenty of chances in a tight looking race.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES