The Orchid $150.000 for fillies and mares four years old and upwards

1 1/2 on Turf

Gulfstream Park Hallandale Beach, Florida

To say this race is wide open is an understatement and the exotics should pay well because of it. Explorer from Avenue Z is our top pick and looks solid once you toss out her last start. She wants to go all day and the 1 1/8 distance of her last race was just a little short, especially given the class level. Explorer will be much more comfortable here and should be set to give a solid effort. One Spirit from Nakamura Stables has a ton of past class and recently put on a public exhibition when dropping to the allowance level at the Bay in a race that was basically a public workout. She now steps back into the ring against real horses and given the barn’s lifetime history she should come out swinging. Eva, one of two entrants from The Sidley Stud should be a huge price given her post and the fact that she only has a maiden win on her resume. However, she will get the distance and would benefit from anybody getting cute on the front end. Add her to the mix to spice up your exotics. Be Exceptional from TwinTowersRacing gets back to her best trip and surface Saturday and might offer the most value of the top picks, especially with the confusion this race is sure to put on the betting public. “Exceptional” looks to be in a good spot to get back on track and should show her teeth in here.

Of the rest:

Mean Girl from DJC Racing Stables is interesting here. She won The Belmont Oaks and then went off form afterwards. Given enough time, she came back in a race that was truly a public workout, and barley took a deep breath over at Turf Paradise, stopping the clock in just a tick over 1:33 flat for the mile. Plenty of time since and the barn puts her in here. Food for thought.

Nijinsky from Team 7 Illusions has gone a long, long time since entering the charmed circle, but has a shot to make the board here. Check the tote for more clues but be cautious on the win end.

Sannys Legacy from Threshold is a four-year-old that went on a good run early in her career. She has faced some decent horses as a two- and three-year-old, but also has form suggesting that she wants plenty of give in the track for her best. Most likely an outsider and a toss out unless it rains Saturday.

Petroleum, also from The Sidley Stud is a four-year-old that would most likely light up the tote with a victory. She simply doesn’t look sharp enough or experienced enough to best the top few picks.

-Trackman

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES