5/16/2020
2 SA Barrera Stakes (GIII)
$100.000 3yo 6f 122lbs
The tote board was lit up in the Barrera Stakes (GIII) on Saturday as my top choice Red Strategy got home first by a length, sent off at 14/1 odds – then add 70/1 shot Temple Of Gloom taking the second spot and shaaazam.. big numbers. Tango Mango was able to hold on to the third spot in this seven furlong sprint.
The field of seven got away from the gate with Tango Mango on the early lead, Workload along the rail, Red Strategy between horses and Clockwork next to that one. A gap back to Genghis, Temple Of Gloom was next and Rally Monkey the early trailer.
Down the backside and into the far turn with three furlongs left to run, Tango Mango in front by a length and a half. Workload up the rail to keep the pressure on, Red Strategy on his flank, Clockwork three wide and just in behind that one. Another length and a half to Temple Of Gloom on the rail, Genghis on his flank and Rally Monkey could still see them all.
Around the far turn and now into the lane, the field neared the furlong marker and we had three across the track… Tango Mango now being joined by Red Strategy, Workload cut the corner and was with that duo, another length to Clockwork down the middle of the track, Temple Of Gloom still in striking distance, Genghis and Rally Monkey continued to rail.
Inside the final 150-yards to the finish, this was Red Strategy’s race… and he cruised home to win by a length and a half. Temple Of Gloom closed from out of the blue to grab the second spot, then another half length to Tango Mango. Genghis made a bit of late ground to take the fourth spot, Clockwork was fifth, Workload sixth and Rally Monkey was last in the field of seven.
Red Strategy is a 3yo gelding by Strategic Command – Di Raunchi Secreti, by Di Medici, and he was bred by his owner, Gdp Inc, in Cal. This was his fourth win from seven starts and he now has $157.260 in earnings. This was his first graded win, but certainly doesn’t appear to be his last.
$2 Mutual Prices:
| 3 – Red Strategy | 30.60 | 20.00 | 10.60 |
| 6 – Temple Of Gloom | 104.80 | 56.20 | |
| 5 – Tango Mango | 3.20 |
Track: Fast Time: :23 :46 1:092 1:212
$1 Exacta: 3 – 6 Paid 567.10 $1 Trifecta: 3 – 6 – 5 Paid 1,398.30
Scratched: None
Red Strategy broke alertly, sat just in behind the pace, moved up when asked to take over, kicked clear late. Temple Of Gloom was never far back while unhurried, good late kick, second best. Tango Mango broke well, lead to the top of the lane, headed, could not go on. Genghis under wraps early, best foot too late. Clockwork evenly while tracking the lead, no late effort. Workload broke well, tracked the lead, tired. Rally Monkey dull effort.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
