The 7th Running of The May
February 21, 2022 12:20
AQU Race #1 $100.000 1-Mile
NY-Bred 3YO Fillies 122 lbs (plus penalties)
Track Record-1:33.67 (Omni-2004)
Stakes Record-1:35.56 (Fleeting-2021)
Happy Presidents’ Day! The May, a $100.000 stake for 3yo fillies bred in the Empire State, has drawn eight entrants for the 1-mile race over the AQU main track. This race will be an opportunity for one of these lasses to take a step up and show they are ready for bigger and better things. The eight entrants all get in at the 122-pound minimum and only have 10-wins between them, so there’s plenty of room for improvement and this could serve as a crucial first step on their sophomore journey. Here’s the field for The May at AQU:
#1 Chatta Code (Ace Racing Stable/K. Carmouche): The field’s only three-time winner draws the rail only nine-days removed from competing in a TAM stake. She failed to fire that day but returns in short order for this assignment. Filly made a winning debut over the DMR main track but that remains her only dirt score. She’s not outclassed by any means and could reward her conditioner’s faith if she’s fully recovered.
#2 Granato (Royalty Stables/D. Davis): Like the rail-horse she has defeated winners, and that is something the rest of these can’t say…yet. Enters off of a local 2nd-place finish at this level last month where she finished better than a couple that return here. This may be pushing her distance limits, but she always fires, is working well for this, and the trainer thinks she’s a legitimate contender.
#3 First Cousin (D J C Racing Stables/J.A. Vargas Jr): Another lass returning from last month’s local prep, this lass finished just behind the place horse. FL MSW victory came on the front end, but she hasn’t shown that facet of her game in two races since. Has route experience and made-up a little ground late so the extra distance will help her cause. Needs only slight improvement to get her picture taken after the race.
#4 Killeen (First Flight Stable/J. Lezcano): Filly makes her first start on dirt in this spot, but DMR debut winners usually have some talent. Last two efforts have been positive and latest work is right in line with the best of the group. Winner in her latest returned to be 2nd in a FG KYO prep, so expect she’s ready to fire on the surface switch. Strong contender.
#5 Hollywood (Smokey Stover/M. Franco): Started her sophomore campaign with a win before a non-threatening effort vs the boys at SA. Like her stablemates, this one has enjoyed a series of stamina-building works, so expect her to be a strong presence throughout. Well-drawn for this assignment and a win could catapult her into any number of spots. Top selection.
#6 Crackz (Fractious/Os Gomez): Maiden has raced the best of the best in both 3yo filly divisions, so she shouldn’t be intimidated by anyone in here. Works are within range and if she can show a “killer instinct”, this is definitely within her grasp. Always tricky with maidens, but this gal may be an exception. Win contender.
#7 Dance Macabre (Night Mare Racing/E. Cancel): Went from a maiden win to a KYO prep but, after failing to fire, she shows back up against NY-breds. Filly has talent and tractability and should appreciate the class relief she gets here. Not sure she wins, but fully expect her to contend for the minor prizes.
#8 Bobbles And Lasix (Establo Pichon/T. McCarthy): Outside-horse is the third to return from last month’s local prep where she DH’d for 3rd-place honors. While she only sports a free track win, she is multiple stakes-placed and has yet to put forth a poor effort. On-track results are positive, but works say she may be just a bit behind the best of these. Mixed signals.
Final Analysis: 5-6-2-7 is how we see things shaking-out in The May at AQU. Good luck to all involved!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
