4/9/22
6 AQU The Carter Hcp (GI)
$300.000 4yo&Up 7f Dirt Handicap Weights
We get an interesting field of ten set to go to go the extended sprint distance of seven furlongs, and the field for The Carter Hcp (GI) certainly has a bit of everything. I landed on Howl Of The Hound as the top selection today, despite the fact that he hasn’t seen the winner’s circle since the PRK (GI) last season. We all know the TC fantasy trip that he was on, and that it’s been a struggle since, but he’s shown some promise of late, and changing him to a miler type may be just the ticket. I’m not questioning Mb’s tactics, that’s for sure. I don’t think Etf Funds has ever been better than he is right now, so let’s look for him to give a big performance today. That was a nice win last out in the General George (GIII) and I think he can keep his hot hand going. Winchester is making his second start for the new connections, and that could spell trouble for these. He’s won some big races, and could add to his total today.
Here’s The Field –
Two wins last season and was on the board in half of his eight seasonal starts. Kicked off 22 with a tiring fifth going the marathon distance at GG. Shortens back up to a preferred distance, but this is an acid bath so he’s going to need his very best if he wants to be around when they hand out checks.
Lightly raced and has never seen the likes of these. Two wins and a second from his last three starts, breaking maiden and running second in an Alw race, both sprinting on the grass, then won an OptAlw on the main track at a mile, going wire to wire in that one. They jump into the deep end with him today.
Looked to be on cruise control, winning the Queens Plate at WO, then just missing in the Awesome Again (GI) at SA. Had a win and a second vs. Alw types, but started the year with an absolute dud in the Pegasus (GI) at GP. Shortens up looking to regain some old form.
Another that steps up in class after a few nice Alw wins, and he uses speed to get to the wire first. Wire to wire at FL to take Alw foes, then the same at TAM knocking off similar. This is an obviousl step up, so he’d best pack his lunch, because this is a tough group.
Sold after a couple of up the track finishes in the BC Sprint (GI) and Mr Prospector (GIII) and was fourth in his first start for the new connections, closing late in the GP Sprint Chp (GIII). He won the TAM Stakes (GIII) and the Forego (GI) last year, so he has what it takes.
What a difference a year makes… this time last year, he was setting sail on a TC adventure that had everyone on the edge of their seats… that ended just three quarters of a length short, and the gelding hasn’t had his picture taken since the PRK (GI)… can he change that here?
Won the Wildcat on FL Day last fall, but he’s sold since then and it’s been a bit of a mixed bag since. He beat two inthe Cigar Mile (GI) then ran big to be third in the Hernandez (GII) at SA to close out the 21 season. He kicked off 22 with an Alw win, then closed to be fourth in the GP Mile (GII) so give him a punchers chance with this group.
Two wins and a fourth since switch from the grass to the main rack, where he closed to take an Alw race at GG, then won the Queens County at AQU. He started 22 with a tiring fourth in the Razorback Hcp (GIII) but this looks like a spot where he could pull an upset.
He only missed one check last season and certain showed improvement as the 21 season progressed. He took the Fall Hwt (GIII) and won the General George (GIII) at LRL last out. 22 could be a season for him to shine, and this may be a spot to get the win.
Very consistent type but he failed in the Toboggan (GIII) his only time facing black type horses. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the mix, but I would be surprised if he wasn’t, either. I’ll have to look at some others.
COZMAN 6 / 9 / 5 Willie’s Green Card 8 / 6
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
