The Gazelle – Grade 3 – $250.000

AQU – 1 1/8 Mile – Dirt

For Fillies Three Years Old

April 8, 2023

1 A Lot To Like (Riggins Racing)

There is a lot to like about this filly. She’s sitting on 28 KYO points for one thing. A win here would almost assure her a place in the KY Oaks gate. But let’s face it, anyone who grabs those 100 points is almost a sure thing. Not all have as good a shot as she does though. Second in the Busher last out, she makes her second try at graded stakes here and just might have a say in the outcome.

2 Ruth Langmore (Luz Interntional)

Martha Washington winner did not fare well in the Busher last out, finishing tenth. Her running style puts her at the back of the pack, so she’ll need a good trip to get a piece of the prize. And with 20 points, she’s going to need a win here if she hopes to compete on the first Friday in May.

3 Up She Flew (Riggins Racing)

Another purchase from Aer by Riggins puts him in a good spot here with two runners. This one won the Las Virgenes three starts back and finished third in the Alexandra two back. Last out she finished up the track in the FG Oaks. And with less than two weeks rest, it’s hard to think she’ll do her best running. She has 42 points, so she could probably slip into the KY Oaks with a second-place finish here.

4 Muddy Buddy (Mb Stables)

After scratching out of the Fantasy, this filly finds a spot in the gate here. With only 9 points to her credit, she really needs a win here. Working well. We’ll see if she can transfer that to the track.

5 Con Me (Alydar Stables)

Only a maiden win to this filly’s credit. Tried stakes level last out but couldn’t hit the board.  May be asking too much against these.

6 Proud Spell (Fractious)

Has not had a win in her four starts since the Chandelier back in October. She came close in the Demoiselle, finishing third just two lengths back. She is going to have to step it up if she’s going to compete here.

7 Miss Sodfather (Maximillion Farm)

Making her graded stakes debut here. Finished ninth in her only try in stakes company. Looks to be a bit outclassed.

8 Lindt (Jive Inc.)

Sitting on 28 KYO points, this filly looks ready to go for her new connections. Won the Suncoast last out by a nose after losing the Busanda by the same margin the race before that. She’s only finished off the board once in seven starts, and that was in the Frizette which throws into question her ability to win at graded level. Still, I like her chances to add to that KYO point total and even punch her ticket to the KY Oaks.

9 Stellar Strength (Mb Stables)

Mb’s other entry just broke her maiden in State-bred company at GG in her one and only start.  And that was on turf. Nothing but question marks for this one.

10 One Fine Dame (D J C Racing Stables)

Second in the Cicada in her last out and only start in stakes company. Only finished off the board once in eight starts. That consistency earns her a look in this field. With no KYO points, she is going to have to win here to have any chance to compete the first Friday in May. I wouldn’t count her out.

11 With Criminals (Big Guns Stables)

Only a maiden win for this one, though she has six starts and 10 KYO points. She is going to have to step up to win here, and with just two weeks rest, I’m not liking her chances. But anything can happen and has!

12 Electric Mischief (Arindel)

Second in the Bourbonette Oaks last start, this autogen holds 20 points and needs a win here to go on to the KY Oaks. Another one coming in on two week’s rest. She just might step up and surprise, but she’s got her work cut out for her against these.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES