The Just A Game – Grade I
SAR Race #5 1m InTurf Graded Stake
Purse $500.000 For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.

1 Voltaire Threshold Lopez P 123 —

A consistent mare that has run some decent races including a grade three win and a good second in the Flower Bowl last year she has been a little off color in her runs this season placing at grade three but not really seeing her races out. She drops back in trip today to try and find some zip and at her best has every right to be top four.

2 Let Me Explain Mb Stables Velazquez J R 123 —

There was one point as a three-year-old that this filly looked unbeatable but her form, though still good, has looked a bit less imperious recently. A last gasp win in the Wilshire Stakes is her only win since the glory days but you have to respect her undoubted ability and if she is anywhere near her best she will spank this field.

3 Exulted Rene TwinTowersRacing Hernandez R M 123 —

Solid as a three-year-old running well in a couple of stakes races she has only had the one start this year when understandably rusty and ending up second in an SA optional claimer. Her works are looking good and if she has improved for her seasonal debut, she could be right in this.

4 Wander Mb Stables Buick W T 123 —

Brilliant at times this mare can be a bit in and out, but this is her best trip, and she may represent the best chance on balance in this field. Her last two starts have displayed a bit of weakness in her finish but if she reproduces the effort in the Buena Vista which she won easily in a fast time she would be a winning contender.

5 Power Royale D J C Racing Stables Franco M 123 —

A really good solid seven-year-old she has run three good races without winning this year but was a very good second in the Gallorette last time and looks to be peaking for this. The trip may be a little sharp for her but if there is one to beat the bigger names here it is her.

6 Antares Alydar Stables Curtis B 123 —

Her works are telling me that after two starts this year she is hitting her peak and if she can clear the field from this wide gate she may be tough to beat. She has plenty of speed as a sprinter so the trip is a question mark, but this stable has been in excellent form this year and this six-year-old may be joining the party today.

SUMMARY

An interesting race which would be a walkover if Let Me Explain was in the form she was in last year. She seems a little listless so far this year, but she must be the winner even if she is only at 90%. The stable mate Wander looks a big danger and will be ready to take advantage of any chinks, but I think Power Royale may be a value bet here.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES