The 16th Running of The Sleepy Hollow

Sunday, October 30, 2022

AQU Race #7 $200.000

NY-Bred 2YOs 119 Lbs (plus penalties) 1-Mile

Course Record-1:33.67 (Omni-2004)

Stakes Record-1:34.84 (Im Too Confident-2014)

#1 Enjolras (D J C Racing Stables/L. Saez 119): Like the majority of the field, he only has a maiden-win to his credit; however, both times he faced winners, he was only beaten a length.  We last saw him in a similar spot where he was 3rd, so this seems a perfectly logical spot for his return.  All five starts have been 6f or less, so it will be interesting to see if he shows more early gas from this rail draw on the stretch-out.

#2 Skill Not Luck (Axeman/J.R. Velazquez 119): Two-time winner was tagged out of a score versus winners for $32.000 and will make his barn debut in this lucrative spot.  Hypothetically, he faces a step-up in class here, but he’s faced winners twice and acquitted himself well in both.  He does own a win at the distance on this strip and he’s drawn well for this.

#3 Apple Dumpling Gang (Oquinn Farm/J.J. Castellano 119): Debut winner has jumped in this pool twice and ran pretty well in both tries.  Was left with too much to do at SAR, but he showed fight when just getting nipped adter leading a long way last month.  Most recent morning drill says the stretch-out shouldn’t be too much of a factor for a colt that has shown ability at this level. 

#4 Clancy (Mo Mentum Farm/J. Lezcano 119): Gelding broke his maiden at second-asking, but he’s only beaten one horse total in his last two efforts.  Not sure what went wrong in the last race, but he didn’t show his best.  If you toss that effort, his form isn’t too bad.  Seems to be content to let the others battle on the front end, but he’ll need to find the right trip to get moving at the right time.

#5 Charley Appeal (Nakamura Stables/R.M. Hernandez 119): Broke his maiden after visiting the vet following his second race.  Like the fact that he’s got ample experience going a route of ground and he looks like he has enough early foot to be involved from the jump.  Faces winners for the first time, but he doesn’t face the most accomplished group here.

#6 Tough Customer (Mb Stables/M. Franco 119): Gelding has yet to run poorly in five tries as he’s been ITM in all five.  Last two have seen him face stake’s company and he’s a length and a nose from being a two-time stakes winner.  Like the versatility he’s shown as he’ll need it from this outside post.  He doesn’t have to improve to win this; however, any improvement and he could be the one to beat.

Final Analysis: For a $200.000 purse, this one came up a little light.  We’ll go 6-3-1 in the 16th running of The Sleepy Hollow.  Good luck everyone!

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES