6/4/22
1 BEL The Pennie Ridge (GII)
$200.000 3yo 1 1/8m InTurf 122lbs +penalties
The Empire State is the venue as we go to BEL for The Pennie Ridge (GII) a mile and an eighth turf stakes for the sophomores and I’ve landed on the rail for my top selection. The Godfather has been running big for Smokey Stover and I just think he has the class and ability to win this one. It looks like they are finally leaving this one on the weeds and I don’t think there is any doubt that it’s his preferred surface. I’ll look for some value and put Just A Horse in the second spot… he hasn’t seen graded company, but he’s just so consistent and the big barn knows a horse… plus I think he’s going to be a bit of an overlay for his ability.
Here’s The Field –
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The Godfather | Smokey Stover | Franco M | 122 | 8/5 |
It looks like turf is the answer for this one as he’s been right there in all four turf starts, including the BC Juv Turf (GI) and his main track efforts have been a mess. So Smokey brings him back in a spot where it looks like he can be a huge factor, and he closed from well off of the pace to be second in the Transylvania (GIII) in his most recent… he can run
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Certified Yank | Mb Stables | Saez L | 122 | 6/1 |
Back to back wins for the big barn after being purchased from the March Auction for just $5.440. Broke maiden then took now N2X Alw types at WO, so it’s a step up in class, but obviously this barn knows talent, so you have to think he can run with this type.
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Just A Horse | Arindel | Lezcano J | 122 | 8/1 |
He seems to get a paycheck every time he goes to the starting gate. He’s been on the board in all six seasonal starts, a pair of each, and takes another step up. He seems to love the weeds, so give him a look even though this is his first graded start.
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Penal Hockey Party | Martyparty | Velazquez J R | 122 | 9/5 |
His three race win streak came to an end when third beaten a nose in the American Turf (GII) at CD, and certainly nothing to be ashamed of there. The bigger question may be, did that stretch long battle take anything out of him? I think you have to give him a big look today, and he may be the one to beat.
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Double Sided | Fractious | Davis D | 122 | 6/1 |
Purchased two races back, then didn’t get going in the Transylvania (GIII) at KEE only to fire big last out facing Cal-bred stakes company at GG. Showed good speed and got up late for the win… so, does he fire back big again today?
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Winstorm | Fractious | Ruiz Jo | 122 | 5/1 |
He was on the TC Trail and just never really got traction at that level, so they move him to the weeks for the first time, trying to wake him back up. Laid down a bullet work getting ready for today, so maybe they found some magic…
COZMAN 1 / 3 Willie’s Green Card 1 / 2
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
