American Turf – Grade II
CD Race #2 1 1/16m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $500.000 For Three Year Olds.
The turf Derby we get a nice mix of three year olds here, some are confirmed turfers and some will be hoping to see the back of off failed KYD qualification. Here’s how they line up:
1 Big Aspirations Fractious Gaffalione T
Lightly raced with only four starts he gets a great draw as he tries to step up today and certainly looks as if he has the raw ability. Two good runs at stakes level after his maiden win saw him very nearly win the Cutler Bay last time and he may just be the untapped talent in the race.
2 One Man Show Maxmillion Farm Bisono J
You cannot ignore the turf king in this sort of race and you had to like the way he won the Bridgetown Last time in a fast time. He has certainly improved this year and gets the draw everyone wanted so must demand a lot of respect.
3 Iron Nation Nakamura Stables Gryder A T
The stable has been in fine form this year and this formerly ordinary sort typifies what they have done this year. A poor effort on seasonal debut on an off track was quickly put behind him and he has won his last two including the grade three Transylvania last time out by a comfortable length. A 1.34 flat work for a three year old would be pretty unbeatable against older horses and this may be just the first step towards a BC victory later in the year.
4 Show Shocker Maxmillion Farm Gutierrez
Won a mile allowance in 1.33 and 1 and then ran a close third in the Shakertown over five and a half furlongs last time so clearly has plenty of pace. He looks like an ideal rabbit but if he is given his chance he looks good enough in his own right.
5 Bombay Diplomat High Voltage Velazquez J
Won the DeMille Stakes as a two year old and ran an eye catching race in the Transylvania last time when flying home from the back to grab fourth. A deep closer he will need luck with those tactics today.
6 Hammerfest Smokey Stover Bejarano R
The stable is in top form and this winner of five from seven must be highly respected. One of the easiest allowance winners i have seen last time out he looks a specialist turf horse should be right in at the finish.
7 Divos Moon Shot Mb Stables Beschizza A
Bought for $125 by the champion trainer should be advert enough as to his quality but he disappointed first up and was quickly gelded. His work since suggests some improvement but you have to rely on the trainers magic rather than bare form to give him a chance.
8 Bold Express Mb Stables Lezcano J
Tried the TC route briefly but failed and then came back to turf to run third in the Transylvania. He gets the same draw here so i can’t see him bettering that run and whilst he will be competitive he may have to settle for a minor placing.
9 Got Control Team 7 Illusions Vargas J A
No luck for the trainer with two wide draws he throws this one in after a maiden win and its hard to place him here. His works suggest he is better than just a one race winner but he will have to be very good to win from this draw.
10 Sakaiminato Team 7 Illusions Davis D
An easy maiden winner first up this year he has struggled a bit since but comes back to the grass today and i expect an improved showing.
11 Gordon Drive Estero Farms Tunon M
Gets the right jockey but the wrong draw. The impressive winner of the Dania Beach he then failed when switched to dirt but i expect a much better effort being back on turf today. A rain effected track from this draw may be his best chance.
SUMMARY
An interesting race i rather like Iron Nation to go marching on today. The placings will be close as always but i like Big Aspirations and One man Show to be up there.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
