Six Sprinters for Big Bucks in Kona Stakes

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RACE 3 SA

5/21/2016  Post Time 3:40PM
KONA STAKES (GII)
$200.000    3yo&Up      6  1/2f     Dirt

1
 Oh Awesome One  Axeman  Talamo J      7/1 124

Two races since being purchased for $175.000 and he won last out (DH) in the Fleet Spring Hcp (GIII) at OP.  I like that he was back to his press-the-pace ways in that one after lagging back in the San Carlos (GII) over this strip in his first start for the new connections.  He’s had a few starts over this strip and has been around for a check in each… do we get more of that here?

2
 Hes Juiced Up  Mb Stables  Desormeaux K J     3/1 121

Was undefeated since being altered but just couldn’t find enough in the Bay Shorse (GIII) where he was fifth.  That win in the Swale Stakes (GII) is probably his best effort and with only six lifetime starts and four wins, you have to think he still has room to get better.  He certainly should be in the conversation here.

3
 Kiva Kon  Night Rider Stables  Baze T C      5/2 124

Don’t bother telling this old feller that he’s a 9yo… he will laugh at you and still outrun you to the wire!  A nice win in the Toboggan (GIII) and then a hard fought second in The Fool Hcp (GIII), both of those of the AQU inner dirt for his ’16 efforts.  He’s been on the board in forty-four of fifty-eight starts… you need anything else?

4
 Shoot And Hope  Maxmillion Farm  Blanc B    12/1 124

Nice stakes score v. NY-bred sprinters last out, so they go back after graded horses where he’s had mixed success of late.  Nice third in the Turf Monster (GIII) at PRX and that was on the grass.  I still think he’s more suited for the main track and could be in the middle of this at decent odds.

5
 Reel Steal  Scarletandgraystable  Pedroza M A    7/2 124

Back-to-back DH finishes but was in the win photo last out at OP while facing graded foes.  He’s been in the middle of things in each start since selling in the Dec Auction for $75.000 which may prove to be a bargain for this speedster.  Don’t ignore in this one.

6
 Shelby Mustang  Blushing Meadows  Nakatani C S      5/2 124

Faltered as the 7/2 favorite over this track last out as he finished eighth in the San Carlos where he just never seemed to get on track.  He won two graded stakes over this track prior to that dud, so maybe we can just look the other way and he can get back to his late closing style here.


            Willie’s Green Card    3  /  6


 

 



Categories: Grade II