The Garland of Roses Handicap
AQU Race #2 6f Dirt Stake
Purse $135.000 (plus up to $20.25 for NY-breds) For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 Broadway Heiress Glorify Stables Velazquez J R 119 —

This four-year-old has been brought along steadily picking up a great record with 7 wins from seventeen. She is one of those that is high level overnight but just hasn’t been able to break through at the next level however she was only beaten a half-length in the ONT Fashion last time so is clearly getting there. I would expect her to show early speed from this gate and she is fast enough to keep others off the rail so today could be the day she makes the grade.

2 Dancing Cracker Martyparty Luzzi L J 119 —

She struggled as a three-year-old but has been much better this year with her form building nicely with improving works. She gets a great draw here which will certainly help but she will have to step up again if she is going to be a threat.

3 Breath Of The Threat Winning Link Stables Davis D 117 —

I am really unsure how the handicapping system works here at HRP as this one gets in with bottom weight despite very similar looking form to those above her in the handicap. The winner of five, she has been close up in her last two at black type level and seems an honest type that should be pushing for a part of the prize money.

4 Moment To Dream Alydar Stables Lezcano J 121 —

Clear top weight goes to this 10-race winner of over $1,000.000 and that seems fair enough as she has already picked up three stakes races this year. A successful sprinter, she should still be a win chance even with the big burden.

5 Ifyerwokeyerajoke TwinTowersRacing Franco M 117 —

Third in the grade one Hirsch over a longer trip she has proved she can sprint too so is in a good spot with bottom weight. She doesn’t win as often as some but has been taking on top level for a while now and I feel if there is one of these low weights that can win, she is probably the best of them.

6 Statuette D J C Racing Stables Alvarado J 117 —

Another with much better form than a bottom weight should have but much of it has been over longer trips. Close up in the CT Oaks and The Dogwood over seven furlongs she may find the early pace a bit quick but will be doing her best work late, I am sure.

7 Sexy Angelina The Sidley Stud Prat F 117 —

Another one off 117Lbs with form that seems similar to all those weighted above her, she was bought at auction in September and has only run once for the new owner. A little bit disappointing in the Pumpkin Pie after being ridden up on the pace early, I think she resented the early speed that day and seems more enthusiastic when held up for a late run. That of course is a problem on this engine but if anyone can find a solution it is this trainer.

8 Run For Fun Maxmillion Farm Carmouche K 118 —

Bought in October after a stakes win on the dirt, the new trainer tried the turf with her in her first run and she didn’t get on with it, so she is back to the dirt today. Being a three-year-old she is not favored in a handicap, but her works are similar enough to make her a chance.

9 Wocky Woad Luz International Rosario J 119 —

A prolific winner she certainly knows how to win with 12 successes, but this is probably the top of her range and with this wide draw she will have to be better than her best giving weight away to similar horses.

10 Military Made Spb Racing Dettori L 121 —

Joint top weight and the car park draw she really didn’t get much luck for this race. A close third in the Chillingworth Stakes she is certainly worth her weight but will have a lot to overcome in order to get the result today.

SUMMARY

A tough handicap but I do feel that some of the lower weights have the advantage here. Ifyerwokeyerajoke may be the one in a tricky race to bet into, but it is hard to rule anything out.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded