October 14, 2015
A reduced field of three went to the post in the Grade III Premiers on Thanksgiving Monday at HST and Graceful Shadow, clearly the class of the field, came through in the very sloppy conditions to score by neck in what was by far the slowest running of the race to date. A four-time winner this year including a score in the Grade II Brooklyn, he now boasts more than $750.000 in lifetime receipts and a history of excellent wins at marathon distances, which has become his niche and a very profitable one at that.
The scratch of The Crown due to the sloppy conditions completely changed the start of the Premiers and almost by default, Elusive Image (*0.60) took the early lead and was quickly two-lengths clear and widening. As Graceful Shadow (2.60) settled into second and Better Step Back (1.80) fell into third, each of them saved some ground for the long race, highlighted by a 50.60 first half-mile. In front of the stands for the second time, Elusive Image was well in control and cruising five-lengths in front with six-furlongs in a very modest 1:16.14 to fall back on; if anyone wanted to make a move, now was the time to do it. Around the bullring one final time through a mile in 1:42.17, Graceful Shadow started to make a minor run with Better Step Back in his sights and with two-furlongs to go, the pace slowed noticeably all around. Everyone seemed to stagger into the final furlong with Elusive Image still two-lengths clear but while Better Step Back angled outside, Graceful Shadow moved to the rail and that proved to be the right move, as he ran down Elusive Image to win by a neck with Better Step Back a length in arrears while third.
There is still a very remote chance that Graceful Shadow could get into the BC Classic on points but the likelihood is that he will be better suited to the Grade II Marathon over the Grade II HAW Gold Cup after his off-the-pace score in the Grade III Premiers. His final speed rating is not a reflection of his talent but proves that he can win over a fast surface or a very sloppy one, and chances are good that all three runners will move forward off this very taxing event.
Congratulations goes out to owner Aer Stables and their six-year-old gelding Graceful Shadow, a last gasp winner of the Grade III Premiers at HST!
Prediction Graceful Shadow / Elusive Image / The Crown
Winner Graceful Shadow
Six-year-old black gelding
Shadow Rider-Ungraceful Exit (Gone In A Flash)
Owner Aer Stables
Time 50.60, 1:16.14, 1:42.17, 2:23.73
Overall
Graceful Shadow 2.60 sat patiently, angled inside, up in time
Elusive Image *0.80 set even splits, looked clear, caught
Better Step Back 1.80 minor late rally, fell short
Triple T Racing 🙂
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
