Lacombe Memorial

  FG      Race #5       1 1/16m     Turf      Stake

Purse $100.000 (plus up to $15.00 for LA-breds)  For Fillies Three Years Old.

1 Spring Ginger             The Sidley Stud                           McMahon C J               122

As usual highlighted the lack of difference between dirt and turf here at HRP running much the same in her only turf run as the rest of her career on dirt. Thus, the fact that he runs on grass for just the second time makes no real difference to her chances. I liked her efforts as a two-year-old, but he didn’t show a lot of early pace which may be a problem off the ace draw and in small field. Good enough to be competitive for sure.

2 Mabel                             Bigchief Stables                          Loveberry J                    122

A winner twice as a juvenile he has yet to break through in this grade but gets her chance today. She was never dangerous in the CAC Oaks but will have needed that run and should be fitter today.               

3 Ocean Party                Arkansas Elite                              Murrill M                         122

Made all to win a little maiden at TUP at the end of last year which wouldn’t be good enough in a race like this anywhere other than HRP. Working well enough she may be the one to cause a surprise.    

4 I Am The Storm          TwinTowersRacing                     Dominguez Jo              122

Knocking on the door as she showed with a good second in the Sweet Chant last time she looks a big chance today. Proven at the trip and hard fit after two runs she looks a good choice for top three.

5 Viscancia                     Nakamura Stables                    Pedroza M Jr                  122

A three-race winner she was in it for a long way before fading in the CAC Oaks so is not far off this sort of class. Certainly, a top three chance.                       

6 Zeibekiko                      Night Rider Stables                   Hernandez B J Jr         122      

One for one on turf but has run all her other starts on the dirt. Seventh in the grade two Starlet and a decent sixth in the Suncoast she certainly can find a win in this race if a sluggish recent work can be ignored.

SUMMARY

A clear top three for me here with Zeibekiko, Viscancia and I Am The Storm looking the top choices. I would be tempted to box them up to hedge my bets but if I had to go for one it would probably be I Am The Storm.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded