The Miss Grillo – Grade III
BEL   Race #7   1 1/16m   Turf   Graded Stake
Purse $200.000  For Fillies Two Years Old.

1 Tightness, trained by EasyMoney Stables
After three fair, but not outstanding efforts on the dirt, this filly signalled that she is above average when she switched to the turf. A fair run in a sprint was followed by an impressive win in her last start when she tackled a trip winning an ELP allowance by an easy three lengths. Her turf work times are very sharp, and although she hasn’t got any black type form yet, I am pretty sure she is ready to run a big race off this nice draw.

2 General Bale, trained by Mb Stables
Looked good on the dirt, finishing a strong third in the Schuylerville before winning the Tah Dah Stakes, and then ran a super closing sixth in The Pocahontas from a horrible draw. Those three runs were top notch, and after a fast mile work on this track, it looks like she can run just as well on the grass. If indeed she can reproduce her dirt form, she will be tough to beat from a much better draw today.

3 Cape Velvet, trained by Sheffler Stables
Another dirt winner that has worked a very fast on the turf, she ran well in The Johnson last time, but could not find the nessascary acceleration to go and win. I am not sure she can win today, but is certainly in the mix for a place.

4 Miss Optomist, trained by Mb Stables
Just a nose behind Cape Velvet in The Johnson, she was running on just a little better, but could only manage fourth. There won’t be much between them again today, but of the two, I fancy this one a bit more if either of them are going to win.

5 Lady Zippy, trained by Calia Stable
Has only sprinted so far, but worked a mile on this track and got a figure in the right ball park to put her in with a hope here. She floundered on the soft ground last time, but the time before won her maiden in good style in a fast sprint time. The main question mark over here will be the trip, but if she stays it, she must have a chance of the smaller prizes.

6 Bailed Out, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Took her time to break maidens, but did so in style on her first attempt on the grass. The trouble is that win was at BTP, and whilst track grades dont mean much at HRP, she would need to improve a fair bit to get into this.

7 Prudent Cat, trained by Drabfantasy
Scraped home in her maiden last time, and her work times and a wide trip suggest she may find this company too hot.

8 Bottom Line, trained by Night Mare Racing
Ran the stalk and kept on for a close second in The Johnson, beating both Cape Velvet and Miss Optomist. Stuck with a wide draw again, she certainly looks good enough for a repeat of that, but I worry that she may find herself catapulted into the lead and set things up for a closer.

SUMMARY

This could be set up for another Mb Stables victory with General Belle. As usual all the horses are working within a tenth or two of each other, so it will all come down to who gets the trip, but I am going for Miss Optomist and Bottom Line to chase her home.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES