San Diego Handicap – Grade II
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $200.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Steel Suited, trained by Mb Stables
The two outsiders finished first and second in this race but the odds were clearly
false as both had very good chances before the post. This four year old had finished
third in both the Pegusus and the BC Derby at grade three level but had also finished
third in the grade one Wood Memorial so it is hard to see how he started at ten to one.
I am guessing that it was because he had been slumming it in overnights picking up wins
as low as TAM. Winning form is good form though and he made it four wins in a row today
with relative ease.Taking advantage of the breakneck early pace he settled some way off
the lead and as the tearaways came back to the field he pounced readily for the sites
leading trainer.

2nd Hyper Silver, trained by Night Rider Stables
At the ridiculous odds of over a thousand to one you would think this was a nine year old
maiden but in actual fact he was the biggest earner in the race and the one with the best
recent speed figures. Drawn five of five the engine threw him into a clear lead at a break
neck pace and even with an improved wide gate AI he was always going to be susceptible to a
late challenge. This was a big effort for the old warrior and it looks like he still has a
few miles on the clock.

3rd Prince Of Monaco, trained by Nakamura Stables
Trailing the field he ran on nicely for a share of third again showing glimmers of the horse
we all know he can be. It is coming to the time of year that the four year olds start getting
back on terms so he could turn into a BC Marathon type as the season wears on.

3rd Cju, trained by Maxmillion Farm
Stalked the lead and although he finished in the same time as his last win the early pace
killed off his turn of foot and he looked pretty tired at the end. Another fair effort though
and there is no reason he cant get another win in a similar race.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES