Astra Stakes – $100.000
SA – 1 ½ Mile – Turf
For Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Upward
January 21, 2023
 

Two of the four in this field have never won on the pay side. Seems like a big step up to expect them to compete at this level, but this is a short, pretty soft field and anything can happen once the gates open.
 
1 Louisiana Woo (Invicta Group Llc) Last win for this four-year-old filly came in allowance company back in June. That race was 7 ½ furlongs. Since then, she has had some good performances going longer, including a second-place finish in the DMR Oaks (Grade 1). Finished up the track in her last start in the American Oaks at 1 ¼ mile. Still like her chances.
 
2 Ckon Kiwi (BomBay Stables) Very successful on the free side, but her last effort at this distance on the pay side saw her beaten by fifteen lengths. Loves off-going but will not get it here. Not convinced this one belongs with this field. A lot to prove.
 
3 Commanding Ash (First Flight Stable) Another one coming from the free side. Just broke her maiden at MNR last out at 1 3/8 mile on a yielding course. Another one making a big step up.
 
4 Chub Wagon (Spankys Barn) Last win for this one came in April in optional allowance company at 7 furlongs on dirt. Her longest attempt was 1 1/8 mile on dirt. Finished third by six in a field of four that day. She did break her maiden at a mile on turf, so I wouldn’t count her out.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded