The Hillsborough Stakes – Grade II
TAM Race #9 1 1/8m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $225.000 For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.

1 Painville Mo Mentum Farm Gallardo A A 122 —

A small but elite field here, with this brilliant seven-year-old heading the field. The reigning BC Fillies and Mares Champion, she ran a great race to be beaten a half-length in the Pegasus on seasonal debut and looks as good as ever as she bids to defend her title for the third time. I would say look no further for your winner, but whilst she could and should win this there are others here with a chance to upset her.

2 When Doves Cry Big Jd Racing Lopez P 122 —

She ran pretty well as a three-year-old winning the Tropical Park Oaks in her last start as a three-year-old. Getting well behind from a wide draw on seasonal debut in the Pegasus, she was making eye catching ground at the end and could well be a four-year-old looking at a big year.

3 Star Sapphire Pan Farms Davis D 122 —

Having her first race on the turf today after a strong work on the surface, she is a closing type who may just run one of those HRP special races today when a change of surface brings about a leap in form. She is certainly a chance, but it is tough to see her beating the best in the game on this new surface.

4 Lady Hilltopper Black N Gold Stable Velazquez J R 122 —

This mare possibly deserves a BC title and certainly has shown enough ability to win one. A running on fourth behind Painville last year and then fourth again in the Pegasus on seasonal debut she won’t be happy that Painville is in the field again today but has run well enough against her rival to see revenge as a possibility. The shape of the race will be key here and if she is at her best she is good enough to find chins in the champion mare’s armor.

5 Be Exceptional TwinTowersRacing Geroux F 122 —

A very nice five-year-old with multiple stakes wins, she has come up a bit short at the highest level a couple of times but may be reaching her peak. I like the way she stretched her head out to win the La Prevoyante Handicap on seasonal debut and whilst she does have to step up on her best form to beat this very good field it wouldn’t be beyond her if she has taken improvement from the age change.

6 Bronze Mooka Party Mo Mentum Farm Ferrer J C 122 —

On form this filly is certainly sixth choice here against a very strong field, but she may get some wide gate speed push and lead them out and with a small field the leader can sometimes get cheap sectionals and that could see her surprise a few.

SUMMARY

There is no getting away from the obvious exacta here with Painville beating lady Hilltopper although you could be safe and box them up. If there is one that may get among them it is When Doves Cry which I feel is a little under rated and you may want to throw a dollar or two on her if her odds are huge.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES