Pocahontas – Grade II [BC]
CD Race #4 1 1/16m Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $200.000 For Fillies Two Years Old.
1 First Time, trained by Smokey Stover
Followed up a promising debut with two good wins, the second being an impressive two length win at DMR over a mile. Her most recent mile work is already at the same level as this years TC contenders were in March this year, so putting that and her form together, and she has a very lively chance off the inside.
2 I Figured, trained by Sanny Village
A very easy winner at BTP on debut, she was then pointed at the grade two Sorrento Stakes where she ground out a game win. Her mile work isn’t close to First Times, so you have to overlook that, if you fancy her for this, but her exposed form looks good on paper.
3 Taken Down, trained by Joseph Racing
Took three in a row, including the My Dear, before facing defeat for the first time in the Adirondack. An on-speed type, she flattened out close home in that race, and I wonder if she is ready to win at this level over a mile.
4 Toleration, trained by Mb Stables
A winner of two from three, she just scraped home last time, but has since worked up a storm at home. Her mile work at BEL was as good as any TC contender in the weeks before last seasons KYD, so it is clear she has the ability to win this.
5 Wine And Bubble, trained by Night Rider Stables
A tough sort, she always gives her best and has a punchers chance of some place money. I like the way she stuck on to be a very close third in the CTBA Stakes last time, but with no real route form, I will have to put her on the watch list, rather than look at her for the win.
6 Bronzed Bombshell, trained by Pumpkin Racing
Has close form links with Taken Down, but with plenty of stamina in her breeding, I expect her to get in front of that filly in this race. Having said that, there looks to be one or two that are quicker than her, so whilst she will be right in it, I dont think she can win.
7 High Precious, trained by Eastern Equine
Unbeaten in three with some strong works, she could well start favourite to extend her unbeaten run in this. She kept on gamely to win The Schuylerville last time from a horrible draw, and that run puts her in the top three with ease.
8 Killer Angels, trained by TwinTowersRacing
A good debut winner, she has struggled in better grade since. A tough consistent sort, but she may find a couple too good for her.
9 Threat, trained by D J C Racing Stables
The third of the favourite choices for this race, she looked good in the Adirondack last time, coming home strongly for a length win. She had been running on strongly in the Schuylerville the time before that getting within a length of High Precious, and the extra trip will probably suit her better putting them pretty close this time.
10 Viking Libra, trained by Delta Farms
Two easy wins in overnights make her a dark horse for this, but the combination of the wide draw and a lack of stakes experience may find her out.
11 General Belle, trained by Mb Stables
Right in the mix when third in The Schuylerville, she is closely matched with Threat and High Precious. Her mile work was very good, and the style of her win in the Tah Dah Stakes suggested a mile will suit. The draw is her biggest problem.
12 Blackberry, trained by Our Athletes
Ran on really well to be second in The Adirondack and is entitled to get close to Threat again in this race. Finds herself in a horrible draw and luck will have to be on her side if she is to overcome it.
SUMMARY
Of course this is as close as ever at HRP, and there are 6 or 7 with a big chance. The key form races suggest a length or two will cover them, so again it is down to who gets the trip. Toleration gets a decent draw and has the quickest mile work, so she may be the safe bet with Threat and High Precious being the main dangers. Blackberry and General Belle have the draw to overcome, but aren’t out of it and I rather like First Time as a dark horse.
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
