9/25/21

   7    BEL     The Kelso Hcp (GII)

  $300.000    3yo&Up   1m    Dirt     Hcp Weights

Up to BEL we go for a race that can certainly have ramifications towards the upcoming BC weekend, as we look at a field of ten set to go a flat mile on ol’ Big Sandy in The Kelso Hcp (GII).  I’ve landed on Expert Eye as the top selection today, and that win in the Crosby (GI) certainly lends to that.  He actually drops five pounds from that race, and coming out of a grade one, well… he looks tough to me.  I’ll give the slightest edge to Need 4 Speed for the second spot (over Shaky Sight) but being the high-weight as a 3yo vs. older horses sure is making me think about that.  The win in the WV Governors Stakes (GIII) makes me go with him, but he picks-up five pounds, so…

It’s a nice group so grab a cold-snack and let’s get a good spot to take this one in.  

Here’s The Field –

Looked good getting back to the winner’s circle for the first time in a while, taking down the Crosby (GI) at DMR.  He just missed prior to that, and has been in the middle of things in a couple other races this year, including a win in the Toboggan (GIII) to get the year started.  If he stays true to this form, I think you have to give him a big look today. 

Broke maiden, won the Jerome and was sold for a pretty penny… since then, it’s been tough sledding as a second in the BG Stakes (GII) is the only on-the-board finish since changing hands.  Now this is a sharp barn, and the TC Races are never anything to hang your head about, but he needs to change his form. 

What a claim… taken for $6.250 bck in Dec of last season and has won four of five starts including the Col Lexington (GIII) and the WV Gov Stakes (GIII) last out.  Heck, even the ninth in the Haskel (GI) is nothing to be ashamed of, know where he’s been.  Can he pull another shocker here today?  Or are the shocking days over… you have to accept, he’s a runner. 

Had two wins back in the spring, then a pair of bad races before a solid third place finish in the Iselin Stakes (GIII) last out.  His best would certainly put him in the middle of things, so you may get some odds here if he’s in your sights. 

Changed hands two races back and won at first asking for the new barn, taking a flat mile Alw race at ELP, then was ninth in the CT Classic (GII).  He’s going to have to step-up his game, because it doesn’t get any easier here today. 

Still looking for his first win of the ’21 season and they picked a tough spot to look for it.  He was third in a high-end Alw race at CD back in June, was up-the-track vs. graded horses at GP, then tired to be fourth at ELP vs. Alw types.  He has to show more.

Only one win this year but he made it count taking the Dwyer (GIII) over this track and at today’s distance.  You know I’m a horse-for-course kind of handicapper, so this one will be on my tri tickets, for sure.  He may come with some odds after those fourth and fifth place finishes in his last two. 

Has struggled all year while facing graded foes, but did wake up to take down Alw company at DMR in his most recent start.  Still, his graded races are tough to find any up-side in, so I’ll have to look at some others here today. 

Three wins from nine starts and broke his maiden vs. Alw races and has won his last two starts.  He’s been solid in the PA-bred races and that last race was an open claiming race, so he’s this is obviously a big stage… can he compete with these?  He certainly loves to show his speed.

Stepped up from Alw races and just missed in both the Vigil Stakes (GIII) at WO and again when only a slight nose back in the Obrien (GII) at DMR.  He certainly does seem to be sitting on a big big win and this would be a fine spot to get it.  If not for the post, I’d probably be a bit hotter on him, but…  watch him. 

COZMAN   1 / 3             Willie’s Green Card       1 / 10 / 6          

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES