The 5th Running of the Winter Memories
November 14, 2021 12:40
AQU Race #2 $150.000 11/16 Inner Turf
3YO Fillies 122 Lbs
Track Record-1:39.55 (Sundays Sauce-2019)
Stakes Record-1:39.95 (High Ended-2020)
The 5th edition of the $150.000 Winter Memories only drew four 3yo fillies to the AQU turf for Sunday’s 8.5 furlong feature. No HRP trainer has won multiple editions of this stake, but J.R. Velazquez has booted home two winners. None of the barns represented has taken home this prize before; however, all four are very capable horsemen. Here’s a look at each of the four fillies who have entered the Winter Memories:
#1 Hint Of Rubicon (Arindel/J. Lezcano 121): Rail horse enters here after back-to-back second place efforts in NY-bred stakes company and is still looking for her second trip to the winner’s circle after 17 starts. She is five-times stakes-placed, so she is earning her keep, but, at some point, she needs to finish the job in one of these events.
#2 Millie Vanillie (Threshold/E. Cancel 121): Changed-hands twice this fall for via a $6.000 claim and a $5.000 private pirchase. After the latter, she was immediately placed in a G2 where she would take home the show honors. That was the first attempt at routing after 14 sprint starts, so maybe this is what she has wanted to do all along. Retains the jock from that effort and likes to get her picture taken; just needs to validate that most recent performance.
#3 Test Code Party (Asgar/D. Davis 121): Claimed for $5.000 back in January and has been an excellent earner despite two sixth-place finishes that sandwich the latest win. Was a non-factor in the G3 two weeks ago, but the barn is having a banner year, so she deserves respect. Would still like to see more proven form at this level, but she will be a pace factor if nothing else.
#4 Ihaveasecret (Nakamura Stables/N. Juarez 121): Speaking of pace, this outside-drawn filly has plenty. All six starts have been sprints and she’s been in front or very close at each first call with the exception of the off-track maiden win. Toyed with DMR allowance foes back in August and a repeat of that would make her tough to beat. Has been off since, so no reason to fear a bounce and she appears the one to catch and beat.
Final Analysis: Think the race runs through the 4 and we’ll take her on top in the 2021 edition of the Winter Memories at AQU. Good luck to all involved.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
