California Dreamin Stakes
DMR – 1 1/16 Mile – Turf
For Three Year Olds and Upward Foaled in CA
Ungraded – Purse $150.000
August 6, 2022
There is no real standout in this field, but Bright Carat deserves a look. He has been first or second in eight of his last ten starts, including a second-place finish in graded company.
Let’s look at the field:
#1 Doctor Dawning
Owner: Mo Mentum Farm
One start this year and one win. This gelding has never raced anywhere but the Free tracks. A tough spot to make his pay-side debut.
#2 Bright Carat
Owner: Black N Gold Stable
Put together an impressive streak of 8 starts of first or second place performances, including a second-place performance two starts back in the Dinner Party Stakes (G2). Like his chances here.
#3 Fallacious
Owner: Nakamura Stables
Despite several attempts, this five-year-old has not made it to the winner’s circle in stakes company, though he did come close with a second-place finish in the CA-bred Tiznow in February. Could get part of the purse with a big effort.
#4 Bad One
Owner: Lanfranco Stable
Has not been in the winner’s circle since a starter allowance win at TUP February 2021. Finished third in the CA-bred Unusual Heat Turf Classic at SA in January. Turned in an impressive mile work at DMR, best of 21 that day. Looks ready to race and could have a big performance.
#5 Regret Nothing
Owner: Threshold
Only on the board once in four starts this year. But that came in the TAM Stakes (G3) when he finished second. Works aren’t as strong as some in this field. State-bred company might be the right fit for him, but he will need a big effort against these.
#6 Atomic Eclipse
Owner: Spankys Barn
Purchased for $25.000 last month. This is his first start for his new connections. Performing well in allowance company. Another one with a strong mile work under his belt. Could be ready for a step up to stakes.
#7 Pinnacle Beauty
Owner: High Voltage
Won a N1X at CD last out. Has been performing well at that level in his last few attempts. First attempt in stakes company, but he’s another one that might be ready to step up to the next level.
#8 Suspect
Owner: Arindel
This three-year-old has been close at this level twice, finishing second in the Snow Chief ($150.000) and the Sullivan Stakes ($75.000) before finishing off the board in the American Derby ($200.000) on soft turf in his last start. Should like this spot better and a win wouldn’t be a surprise.
#9 Moonlight Special
Owner: Allinthegate
Won the Diliberto ($75.000) last year but hasn’t repeated that performance since. Third in the Crystal Water Stakes for CA-breds two starts back and in the Grand Couturier last out. Working well coming up to this race. Could have a say here.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded