Connaught – Grade 2
WO Race #2 – 7 Furlongs Turf
Three Year Olds and Up
This field is made up of nine talented horses, including Shark Anarchy who was claimed for $5.000 earlier this year and has been successful as an allowance horse for his new barn. But as much as you might like a Cinderella story, Insist Always is going to be tough to beat. That task may fall to Rocky Mountain High, the only other graded stakes winner in the field. That came on dirt, but the son of Pinnacle West has shown his worth on turf as well. Another one up to the task might be Sweep The Soviet, coming off a win in The Paradise Creek on this same turf course at the same distance. But there are always surprises, and these are not the only contenders. Here’s the field:
#1 Cherokee Devil
Owner: Maxmillion Farm
Looking for his first graded win after finishing 6th in the Jaipur (G1) last month. Draws the inside post and has the speed to go to the front or lay just off the pace.
#2 Rocky Mountain High
Owner: TwinTowersRacing
Won the Run Happy (G3) at BEL two starts back on dirt. Came up flat in his last start on turf in optional claiming company. Not sure if that was a throw away race or a cause for concern. One of two graded winners in the field. Look for a strong performance.
#3 Free Blast
Owner: Fractious
Coming in off a win at WO in allowance company at this same distance. Did not fare well in his only attempt at this level but seems to be on the improve.
#4 Shark Anarchy
Owner: Asgar
Claimed for $5.000 in March, this four-year-old gelding has been competing in allowance company since then, scoring a win at TAM at N1X level. Big step up for this one.
#5 Insist Always
Owner: Mb Stables
The other stakes winner in the field. Strong performances for this one on dirt and turf. Finished 2nd in the Jaipur (G1) last out over this same turf course. The class of the field, he will be tough to beat.
#6 Bubble Bubble
Owner: Angelos Stable
Won the $75.000 LA Legends Turf last out in state-bred company. Shortens up here and tries to move up to the next level. Will have his work cut out for him here.
#7 Senator II
Owner: Glorify Stables
Stakes winner in state-bred company. Successfully competing in allowance company this year. Another one looking for his first graded stakes win.
#8 Sweep The Soviet
Owner: Arindel
A lot of stakes experience for this one, with a win last out in the $100.000 The Paradise Creek on this same track at the same distance. A win would not be a shock.
#9 Gran Man
Owner: Gdp Inc
Four-year-old colt comes in off a win at optional claiming level. Won the $75.000 Woodchopper Stakes at FG in December. Has tried graded company twice before. Maybe the third time will be the charm.
Picks: 5-2-8
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
