5/29/23

   2   SA    The Gold Cup (GI)     

 $400.000        3yo&Up        1 1/4m  Dirt            3yo 121lbs  Older 124lbs

More Memorial Day stakes action as we look at the older handicap gents going the classic mile and a quarter in The Gold Cup (GI).  I’m going to take Individuation as the top selection today, which probably surprises nobody.  He won the BC Classic (GI) in ’22 and won seven of eleven starts last season.  His best should turn out the lights on this group.  I know Smoking Makes You Il is a logical selection, but I’m going to pass on the 8yo and look at Jolly Rock for the second spot.  He had four wins last year and won the NO Hcp (GII) two back.  There’re a few others that certainly deserve a look, but let’s run with these and see how we do. 

Here’s The Field –

Two wins for this one, but it’s been a while since this one had his picture taken.  His last time on the board was an Alw win at LAD back in Aug.  He’s gotta find some old magic or it’s going to be a tough day for this one. 

Another that hasn’t had his picture taken for quite some time… He won the Blame at CD back in June of last year, and shows a pair of seconds in the SA Hcp (GI) and the Ali (GIII) at KEE, so I think you have to pay attention to him. 

Three wins in a row coming into this one, including wins in both the SA Hcp (GI) and the Ali (GIII) at KEE, so it’s really hard to go past him.  I know, I know, he’s an 8yo and the end could come at any moment, but even when he doesn’t win, he’s close. 

It’s been up and down since his be BC Classic (GI) win, showing wins in the Malibu (GI) and an Alw race, but was seventh in the Clark (GI) and fifth in the Peg World Cup (GI).  When he’s right, he’s hard to get past… and he looks ready to deliver. 

Has an Alw win this season and was second in the NO Hcp (GII), then tired to be fourth in the OP Hcp (GII) last out.  Picks up five pounds for this one, so that is not his friend.  He can run, but I’ll probably look at some others. 

When he’s good, he’s good… and when he’s not… well. Won the NO Hcp (GII) then came back to be seventh in the OP Hcp (GII) and with twelve lifetime wins, and sixteen other on the board races, there’s no doubt that he can. 

Won the Tiznow, taking down Cal-bred stakes types and was second in the OP Hcp (GII) closing from the clouds to be the runner-up there.  Nice bullet work getting ready for today, and the distance could be what he wants.

He’s won three of four starts this year and started out the season winning at the $12.500 claiming level but was third in the Challenger (GIII) before winning the SUN Hcp and then again in the California (GII) last out.  He’s running big right now, and could get it done, again. 

COZMAN  4 / 6               Willie’s Green Card    3 / 4         

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES