Bloom Handicap – Grade 2 – $250.000
AQU – Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward
6 1/2 Furlongs – Dirt
September 25, 2022
This race is shaping up as a rematch of the first three finishers in the Bernardo Handicap (Grade 3). Winner Lady Sammyantha (The Sidley Stud) will try to best Canary For One (Mo Mentum Farm) and Christina G (Mb Stables) who finished two-three behind her in that contest. But these are not the only entries going to post in the Bloom. Ponderosa (Smokey Stover) won the Bed o Roses Handicap (Grade 2) in June. And Commanding Jane (Night Rider Stables) has been knocking on the door at this level long enough that you just know she’s due. Terminal Stupidity (TwinTowersRacing) makes her stakes debut in this small but tough field.
Here’s the field:
#1 Ponderosa (Smokey Stover) Winner of the Bed o Roses Handicap (Grade 2) at BEL in June. Tried to stretch out in the Pitcher Stakes but couldn’t hit the board. Last out finished well up the track in the Ballerina (Grade 1). This should be a better spot and distance for this five-year-old mare.
#2 Terminal Stupidity (TwinTowersRacing) Hasn’t been to the winner’s circle since she broke her maiden at TAM in January. This is her first try in stakes company. May be asking too much.
#3 Commanding Jane (Night Rider Stables) This mare has been knocking around in graded company for a while, but has only one win at this level, that in the Nassau (Grade 2) last year. Won the $125.000 Sweet Briar Too last out. This may be the one that puts her back in the winner’s circle at the top level.
#4 Christina G (Mb Stables) Graded stakes placed three times in her last four starts, including a third in the Bernardo Handicap (Grade 3) last out. Very strong competitor and a win would not be a surprise.
#5 Lady Sammyantha (The Sidley Stud) Won the Bernardo Handicap (Grade 3) last out over Christina G. Looks to do it again here. Will have her work cut out for her. Even so, she has a real chance to add another graded win to her record.
#6 Canary For One (Mo Mentum Farm) Hasn’t finished worse than third at graded level in her last four starts. Second in the Bernardo Handicap (Grade 3) last start. Another one looking for a rematch with Lady Sammyantha. Could be her day.
Picks: 5-4
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
