The 18th Running of the G2 Ballston
August 28, 2021 14:40
SAR Race #6 $400.000 1 1/16 Turf
4YO+ Filles and Mares 123 Lbs
Track Record-1:38.91 (Pago Lass-2012)
Stakes Record-1:39.34 (Sesquipedalian-2012)
With all six entrants already confirmed stakes winners, and five graded winners, the 18th running of the $400.000 G2 Ballston, for older fillies and mares going 11/16 on the SAR inner turf, has the look of a compelling event. D J C Racing Stables (2014, 2018, 2019) has conditioned three previous winners to be HRP’s leading trainer for this event while E. Prado (2006, 2009, 2010) leads all jockeys with three winners. Of the six conditioners with runners in this year’s G2 Ballston, only Mb Stables has a win in this event. Here’s the field for Saturday’s $400.000 G2 Ballston at SAR:
#1 Commanding Jane (Night Rider Stables/J.R. Velazquez): New connections get the rail in the first start after purchasing this 4yo filly for $250.000. Back-to-back stakes wins in the last two races for previous outfit (including G2 Nassau) came in front-running fashion so she has the speed to take advantage of the inside post. Those two wins are the only turf starts of her career and she could get back nearly all of the recent investment if she continues her recent run of form. Dangerous.
#2 My Girl Makita (Smokey Stover/T. Gaffalione): 4yo filly brings a strong 6-4-1-1 2021 record into this and gets an inside draw. Unlike the rail horse, this girl has 19 grass starts in 20 career races so there isn’t a lot of mystery with her. Dual graded winner this season could enjoy a dream trip with the right break and continuation of her recent form makes her a major player. Respect.
#3 Why Do You Do That (Mb Stables/A. Beschizza): Winner of three straight breaks from the middle of the compact field and goes back to the turf for the first time in her 4yo season. Graded winner on both surfaces hasn’t seen the lawn since October, but get the feeling she’ll run on just about anything. Will be interesting to see what kind of trip “The Biscuit” gives her, but she’s a player in here with her best. Contender.
#4 Lost Goddess (Nakamura Stables/V.R. Carrasco): Winner of three straight, at various levels, has yet to finish outside the top two in four starts in 2021. Post gives her a couple of options, but expect her to be forwardly-placed. Has yet to taste graded success, but is a two-time black-type winner. Needs to find more to compete for the top spot here, but wouldn’t be totally out of the realm either. Passing today in this extremely tough spot, but think she wins a graded race at some point this season.
#5 Ewa Beach (The American/J.J. Castellano): Breaking from post five, this 5yo lass has proven to be a great claim as she hit the board in four consecutive graded races (with one win) before throwing a dud over the off-going last time. Yet another who is proven on the surface and in this class, she has nice early foot and should be no worse than three wide at any point. Another with positive vibes if she can avoid a weather intervention. Player.
#6 Bagina (Chili King Stables/L. Saez): Outside horse was a runner-up in the G1 Diana earlier in this meet to confirm she was back on track after two subpar outings in the spring. 6yo only has the G2 Hillsborough as a win this season, but she hasn’t dodged anyone for sure. May look to drop to the rail from the start and hope they go hot-and-heavy on the front end. She will probably have to pass them all, but that is definitely a possibility if she is back to her true self. Fear her late.
Final Analysis: W-O-W what a race. 2-1-3 but could honestly see any kind of finish and not be totally surprised. Good luck to everyone in an exciting renewal of the $400.000 G2 Ballston!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
