The Stephens Grade 1 7f on Dirt

Purse $500.00 For Three Year Olds

Saratoga Racecourse Saratoga Springs, NY

Illusionary Artist from Nakamura Stables must be reckoned with, regardless of who you end up betting in The G1 Stephens on Saturday at the Spa. “Artist” will try to move his 7f Keenland form over to upstate NY after going gate-to-wire in The Lafayette Stakes. His number earned in Keenland fits big here and he has drawn fine in the smallish field, beat him to collect. Control The Center is one of three entries from Mb Stables and is only a nose shy of being two-for-two at seven panels. Will have no problem with the assignment and his last seven panel run earned a number that probably wins this if repeated. Petit A Petit from Jerry Garcia Racing is a lightly raced gelding with only six appearances under silks. “Petit” has closed ground nearing the wire in all three starts at one mile or shorter, if you throw out his first start. He has lost ground both times he went further and that is no small fact to haphazardly throw out. He will be the late danger here and if he fires his best shot he can play ball with these. Need Cash Now, also from Mb Stables missed winning the BC Juvenile by a scant neck and won his only subsequent one-turn race since. He will have his backers, I just think he could be vulnerable with the way this race probably goes down.

Of The Rest;

Bells N Whistles from TwinTowers Racing draws the rail but will not be sent along. Expect him to come out, settle under a hold and come running late. Needs his best number to be part of the picture.

Launch Code, also from TwinTowers Racing is a legitimate sprinter looking for his fourth straight victory party. If he is going to be partying Saturday night, he will have to negotiate 7f for the first time and will have to run a better figure than he has to date. Not out of it, but doubtful.

Blooming Attack, also from Mb Stables is versatile for sure, but also looks to be a horse who wants to go forward for his best. Not impossible, just doesn’t look like the right context for him to come away with the prize.

Liberty Street from DJC Racing Stables will handle the distance, but most likely not the company, pass.

-Trackman

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES