The Withers – Grade III (P3) [KYD]
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $250.000 Open 3-Year-Olds.

1st Boss Spearman Wood Duck Stables Saez L

The new owner/trainer of this one must be giving themselves a huge and well-deserved pat on the back as the gamble of finding a TC chance paid off with this one. Not only did they get an immediate profit on their $150.000 investment they also managed to negate the disadvantage of the wide gate, in fact, it wasn’t so long ago that a wide gate and going back off the speed was seen as the kiss of death in a race. We have seen this year though that the closers in these qualifying races have been doing very well and despite being six lengths off the pace in eighth after the first half mile he was able to find the wide run off a strong pace and as so often happens the widest horse won the day.
A big improver as he has gone further, he will need to reload and go again but this was a very good start, and he shouldn’t have too many problems in getting a few extra points to assure him of his place in the run for the Roses.

2nd Dunked On Shambo Mb Stables Ortiz I Jr

Raced on the speed but was taken on by a couple of bolters in the early part of the race but managed to keep his cool and looked like he might hold on approaching the final furlong. In the end, he was run down like so many have been in these early TC qualifying races but certainly showed he is up to the challenge, and I am sure we will be seeing him have another go.

3rd Legalise D J C Racing Stables Corrales G

Another that stalked and was happy to let the leaders battle each other early, he kept on really well in a career-best effort and will have given the trainer some hope that he can stay on the main track and have another go.

4th Gymnast Noblepark Ayuso A

Of the first four home the beaten three were all on speed and considering this was only his fourth start he ran a cracker in the end to be close up in fourth at the post.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES