Locust Grove – Grade II
CD Race #3 1 1/16m Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $400.000 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 American Sky Riggins Racing Rodriguez A R 124 —

She has been a solid stakes mare for a while now and showed in the Trillium last time that she is not finished winning yet. Looking at her works trend you can’t but help worrying, but if that is just one of those HRP things and her ability hasn’t diminished then she would be a live win chance.

2 Barossa Valley Mo Mentum Farm Smith M E 124 —

A great fourth in the Apple Blossom followed up by a win in the Belle Mahoe was followed by a lack luster showing in the Shuvee last time but we see so much inconsistency in these races these days that it is hard to take that run at face value. Winning nearly half of her races, she is clearly better than that last run and a great draw today should see her back to her best.

3 Hobo Blues Alydar Stables Espinoza V 124 —

Two from two on an off track and a grade one winner to boot, the trainer will be out doing a rain dance in the morning. If the rains come, throw the money on, if they stay away, well it will be a gamble.

4 Creepy Alexa TwinTowersRacing Sanchez M J 124 —

The last time this four-year-old won a race it was at the end of last year when she took the Bayakoka. Since then, she has been a bit disappointing and on her last two starts would be impossible to tip for this race.

5 Whoop Whoop The Sidley Stud Bocachica Ar 124 —

The trainer just can’t help winning stakes races these days and is making it look easy, so this consistent four-year-old must be a big chance to follow up her dead heat with American Sky in the Trillium last time. There won’t be much more than a coin toss between them again.

SUMMARY
A small field but not easier to try and find the winner with two horses that dead heated last time renewing rivalry. American Sky gets the better draw today and that may be enough of a difference, so I will take her to win. Unless of course it rains and if it does, I will be selling the house to put it on Hobo Blues

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES