Mabee Stakes – Grade II
1 1/8 Mile Turf Stake Purse $250.000 Filly & Mare 3 Year Olds And Up.

Of the many random looking results around the country today it is nice to write about a race that went pretty much to the form book. Here is how the top four did their stuff:

1st Demanding Commander Mb Stables Lezcano J

There was no doubt that this was the best horse in the race, the big question was what would happen with the wide draw. Well, there are two options with a wide draw and the two extremes were demonstrated in the two races I have just written about, this one and the VA Derby. In one race the wide horse went way back and came with a strong late run off a fast pace and in this one the wide gate got catapulted forward into a clear lead and had made enough of a break to hold on late. They are pretty much the only scenario’s that seem to win with wide gates with this version being the more popular and successful on the new engine.
This horse could have been drawn anywhere though and it would still have won, a grade one winner, she was the class act and the result never looked in doubt after a furlong.

2nd The Great Enabler Wood Duck Stables Bravo J

A good effort chasing the winner hard, and she didn’t really put a foot wrong but at the end of the day she was beaten by the better horse. I am pretty sure there is more to come from this five-year-old who has settled well into the new stable and is running good races.

3rd Charleston Girl Nakamura Stables Beschizza A

Kept on well and never stopped closing off but just couldn’t raise the required sprint at the end. I am still unsure whether she is a better horse on dirt, but I think whilst this was a decent effort she may be suited by the main track in future.

4th Victory General Invicta Group Llc Alvarado J

Went back and stayed on but never looked like reaching the first three. A fair effort and she is clearly improving so her day in the sun may yet come.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES