The Appleton

GP                  Race #7                            1m                       InTurf                  Stake

Purse $150.000  For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Anna Anna Anna          Maxmillion Farm                     Rodriguez A R               124

The trainer clearly has a high opinion of this five-year-old as he competed in the AP Million and the Henry Championship last year but as yet the gelding has yet to realize that confidence. After some fairly plain efforts in stakes races but much better form in overnights he maybe gets a last chance today to prove himself at this level in this race. Last time out was typical of his form as he won a competitive optional claimer at SA in a fast mile time after a plain effort in the Kenner Stakes. He certainly would be a competitor here on his works and overnight form, but he still has to prove he has the class gene which makes it hard to be confident about his chances.

2 Full On Express                 Alabarda Stable            Ortiz I Jr                           124

The four‑year‑old continues to demonstrate clear potential, but this assignment represents a substantial rise in class following his fourth victory at a lower level. His recent works suggest there may be further improvement to unlock, and this opportunity will reveal whether he can progress beyond the form he has displayed to date.

This also marks his first attempt at a route distance, adding another layer of intrigue. If his morning performance translates to the race itself, he has the profile of a legitimate dark horse in a field rich with interest. The draw should enable him to settle into an ideal stalking position, and any rain would further enhance his prospects. His lone off‑track appearance was notably strong, making him one to monitor closely should conditions deteriorate.

3 Down The Middle          Chili King Stables                 Bocachica Ar                124

Another that is chancing his arm in a higher grade and whilst he hasn’t been too bad at lower level it is hard to make a case for him in this race. Suited by a mile, his on-pace style may give him some exposure in this race, but I would be surprised if he had the ability to win.

4 The Mad King             John Henry                     Ortiz J L                            124      

I always admire a veteran, and this 60-race veteran has been quite extraordinary in his long career. Six years ago, he showed plenty of promise when sixth in The Pilgrim but despite a few dips into stakes racing over the last six years his main focus has been in overnights. He has won no less than 28 races which really is close to being a record and after an all the way win at HOU last time it is clear he has lost none of his enthusiasm. Could this eight-year-old win, hell yes, is he a clear choice, well not so much but he certainly has every chance.

5 Diventare                      Invicta Group Llc                  Alvarado J                       124      

The winner of just three he does have enough stakes form and exposure to make him each way chance. I think this may be his best surface and he has run well over a mile so there is plenty in his form to give us some confidence, but he seems best when coming from off the pace and that may be the biggest problem here. You have to include him in any exotic bets but as a win bet he may not be the first choice.

6 Gatorbyte                     Winning Link Stables             Salles L                           124               

A fairly lightly raced four-year-old that only broke his maiden three races ago he certainly seems to be on a steep improvement curve and could represent some value in a race without some of the depth we have seen in the past. Likely to go on speed he may be wide enough to get some help from the race engine so the first quarter may be key to his chances. I feel like this is a step up he can take and whilst his form doesn’t make him an easy choice, I can see him running well.

7 Dragon             Nakamura Stables                    Bridgmohan S X                  126

You would be happy to put this one in the mix after winning at this level two back but the two pound penalty, whilst not seeming much, may be the difference. The four-year-old certainly sits at the top of the form tree but I feel this wider draw and the added weight brings him right back into the pack. Could win but hard to be confident.

8 Kidding                          High Voltage                  Lopez P                           124      

I love seeing these older horses and this eight-year-old veteran of 49 races and 10 wins is another great old battler. The difference between him and the other eight-year-old is that he has been a regular is graded stakes races so there is no question about his class, and he is somewhat of a standout when it comes to form. A solid second last time in the Thunder Road he seems to have lost nothing with age, and he may be a good choice to win here.            

9 You Know Youre Right           Night Rider Stables       Castellano J J               124

A seven-year-old on pace type he will get the most benefit from the race engine being drawn in the car park. Plucked from a claimer two back the trainer either seems to win with these types or finish last, so it is tough to place this consistent and game eight race winner in this line up. Certainly, good enough to win as he has proved capable of running low 1.32’s which will be key. I guess the only question will be how fast he has to go early and whether that is lone speed or contested speed. As usual the race engine will be the biggest question mark over who will win this race.

SUMMARY

This is a tough race to call but as usual we can only see racecourse performance for what it is worth and if you do that then things seem clearer. Kidding has the best recent stakes form so he would be my first choice and although he has to cope with a tough draw he certainly deserves to win. Anna Anna Anna certainly has the ability to win if he puts his best hoof forward and You Know Youre Right could make the front and be tough to overtake. There is some speed in this race and that also brings the closers into it so Diventare shouldn’t be overlooked either.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded