Commonwealth Derby – Grade II
LRL   Race #3   1 1/8m   Turf   Graded Stake
Purse $200.000  For Three Year Olds.

1 Danzing Lil Pirate, trained by Eastern Equine
Took a while to break maidens but when he did he did it with style taking an SA race over this trip by six lengths. That was only his fourth start and his only other start was even more impressive as he broke 1.45 in winning his allowance by an easy two lengths. On the strength of those two efforts he clearly is an untapped talent and this will be a big test to see where e fits in the multitude of good three year olds this year.

2 Wild Broomstick, trained by Mb Stables
Followed a similar trend to other good three year olds in the stable mopping up lower level races on his way to setting some stakes like work times. He broke 1.33 for the mile last time so is clearly right up to this grade and is coming off four wins in a row which is great form. Another un tapped talent that is on the verge of breaking through tis will be his first real test.

3 Zulu Dancer, trained by Witeout Stables
A nice sort who came off a long break to win a BTP maiden by an easy five lengths last time he comes up against some very promising sorts here and may find it too tough.

4 The Land, trained by Wolf Ridge Stables
Has been working like the wind but has found it tough in his last couple of races. Good overnight form was capped off with a good win in the grade three Pennine Ridge but he hasnt looked so good in his last two being unable to get to the front where he likes to be. If he gets a soft lead he has chances but this is a tough field and he will do well to get some place money.

5 Gallivant, trained by Joshua Stables
The class horse of the race he has lightening works and some top level form to back them up. The winner of a very competitive Pen Mile he then ran on strongly at the end of the BEL Derby to be beaten just a length into eighth. By his own high standards that was a disappointment but he stepped up in his last start to be a battling second in The Secretariat Stakes and must rate a winning chance in this off a fair draw.

6 Kc Masterpeice, trained by Kopites
Has been working as well as any but clearly has issues on the race track. His new trainer will be doing their best to find the key to this one and if they do then he will have a punchers chance.

7 Jolly Fog, trained by Gdp Inc
Another who has been working better than his racetrack form suggests he may be fighting for place money but certainly has the speed figures to be competitive.

8 Final Decision, trained by Canny Lodge
A nice winner last time in allowance company going under 1.46 for this trip. The wide draw will make it hard for him as it looks like he may go back and have to weave through late.

9 Yankee Baseball, trained by TwinTowersRacing
An inconsistent sort he ran a great race to be a close second in the American Derby but then struggled in a tough field in The Secretariat Stakes. The draw wont help his chances as he is likely to be catapulted into the lead and he may struggle late on. Possible place chance if he gets to the rail early on.

SUMMARY

This looks like Gallivants race to lose but there are a couple of untapped talents here that may push him to the limit. I like Danzing Lil Pirate and Wild Broomstick with the only question whether they can step up and beat a horse like Gallivant in their first forray into this class. Being HRP of course that may happen but then you could make a HRP case for any of the runners! For me its Gallivant from the one and two.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES