THE WONDER AGAIN – GRADE II
June 5, 2026 – SAR – Race 3 1 1/16 Miles | Inner Turf | Fillies, 3YO | Purse $300.00
A small but high‑quality field of six fillies line up for this year’s Wonder Again. Several of these have been sparring all season, and the draw once again plays a major role in shaping the likely outcome. With contrasting running styles and a few familiar rivalries, this sets up as a tactical, engine‑sensitive contest.
1 – I Am The Storm
TwinTowersRacing – Sanchez M J – 122
A reliable and honest filly who has been highly tried throughout the season. She has repeatedly been handed wide draws yet has still managed to acquit herself well. Notably, the two most recent times she drew inside, she won. Her Edgewood fifth was a strong closing effort from a poor gate, and her Appalachian run was similar.
This draw finally allows her to secure a forward, comfortable position, and that alone elevates her chances significantly.
Verdict: Major player with the right trip.
2 – Clement
Royalty Stables – Gaffalione T – 122
She finished well behind I Am The Storm in the Edgewood, and her first attempt at stakes company was undeniably disappointing. She is better than that effort suggests, but she would need to find a steep improvement curve to be competitive against this group.
Verdict: Needs a big leap forward.
3 – Wild Water Wagon
La Canada Racehorses – Velazquez J R – 122
The BC Juvenile Turf winner from this very gate, she hasn’t been quite as dominant this year as her connections may have hoped, but she has still performed at a consistently high level. The early‑season dirt experiment produced respectable efforts but not enough KYO points, prompting a return to turf.
Her FG Oaks second and Appalachian victory validated that decision. The Edgewood fifth was more a case of the race engine working against her than any lack of ability. She remains a top‑class filly and looks poised for another strong showing.
Verdict: The one they all have to beat.
4 – Rowena
Williams9 – Moran D – 122
Third behind Wild Water Wagon in the BC Juvenile Turf, and again behind her in her last two starts. It’s difficult to construct a scenario where she turns the tables today. She has talent, but her form suggests the trainer has been experimenting with settings, resulting in inconsistency.
Verdict: Capable of a placing, but unlikely to win.
5 – Influence Seeker
Mb Stables – Curtis B – 122
She finished behind Wild Water Wagon in the Appalachian but ahead of her in the Edgewood — a perfect encapsulation of HRP’s unpredictability. If she secures a soft lead, she becomes dangerous; if the two fillies are together turning for home, she may lack the late kick to hold off the stronger closer.
The draw is crucial for her, and today’s setup gives her every chance to be competitive.
Verdict: A genuine threat if she controls the pace.
6 – Patronize
D J C Racing Stables – Pennington F – 122
Her form this year has shown steady progression, and she may be hitting her peak at the right time. Unfortunately, the wide draw works against her. She is likely to drop back and will need both a strong pace and perfect engine timing to get involved. In a small field, that scenario is unlikely.
Verdict: Closing late for a minor award.
SUMMARY
A compact field but a compelling race, with familiar rivals clashing again and a couple of fillies hoping for a favourable engine shift. The draw appears to favour Wild Water Wagon, who gets the nod over Influence Seeker, with Patronize expected to be running on strongly for third.
Predicted Order:
- Wild Water Wagon
- Influence Seeker
- Patronize
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
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