The Smart N Fancy       

SAR        Race #5   5 1/2f      Turf        Stake

Purse $200.00 (plus up to $30.00 for NY-breds)  For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 — Wengen

Works Pattern

• 7 Aug SAR 5f (T) :58.1 — 3/4 → Very sharp turf drill; signals intent.
• 23 Jul SAR 5f :58.3 — 4/12 → Back-to-back sub‑59s: major fitness.
• 16 Jul SAR 7f 1:23.3 — 1/2 → Strong stamina-building move.

Race Performance

• Dirt sprint figures: 86–93, honest but not elite.
• Only turf run: 93, but she faded late.
• Tends to sit mid‑pack and grind.

Interpretation

Her works are better than her races, which often means a lightly raced 3yo is about to jump forward. But her race figures are still below the top three.

Preview Verdict: Of course the three year old weight allowance will mean something but I feel it will have to mean a lot of something for her to be considered a winner here. Having said that, though her turf form is poor her works are pretty good and she has certainly shown some improvement in her last two starts. The inside gate should give her an easy run and she is certainly here with a shot.

2 — Spotted Cow

Works Pattern

• 8 Aug SAR 5f (T) :58 — 4/8 → Perfect prep for a turf sprinter.
• 19 Jul DMR 7f (T) 1:22.4 — 1/1 → Huge stamina work — indicates peak fitness.
• 29 Jul DMR 5f (T) :58.1 — 7/12 → Consistent speed.

Race Performance

• Last five turf sprint figures: 95, 94, 88, 91, 95
• Always within 1–2 lengths at the finish.
• Tactical speed: sits 2–3 lengths off and finishes.

Interpretation

Her works match her race form — she’s holding top condition. The 7f turf work is a major positive: she’ll finish strongly.

Preview Verdict: A good stakes winner last out on this surface, she has proven speed and a great draw. She has been patiently handled and allowed to find her form without being pushed so she is certainly a top chance. Besides the obvious she has a great name and that could be enough to push me to her side.

3 — Starry Starry Nights

Works Pattern

• 8 Aug SAR 6f (T) 1:11.3 — 16/23 → Average; not sprint-sharp.
• 26 Jul SAR 6f (T) 1:09.3 — 1/1 → Fast, but route-style work.
• 7 Jul SAR 1m (T) 1:35.3 — 1/7 → Pure route conditioning.

Race Performance

• All best figures (92–97) at 1 mile to 1 1/16.
• No sprint races in two years.
• Needs time to wind up; lacks early acceleration.

Interpretation

Her works are long, her races are long, and she’s being dropped into a short sprint she’s not built for.

Preview Verdict: Now though it looks on paper that this four year old is racing over the wrong trip if you look back into her form she does have sprinting form and her works suggest she can cope with this. I like her chances here although it has to be said she has been a little disappointing overall.

4 — Pelucha

Works Pattern

• 9 Aug SAR 5f (T) :58.1 — 4/12 → Matches Spotted Cow’s sharpness.
• 24 Jul SAR 6f (T) 1:09.3 — 1/6 → Elite turf sprint work.
• 14 Jul SAR 6f (T) 1:09.3 — 4/19 → Consistent speed.

Race Performance

• Last five turf sprint figures: 92, 96, 93, 92, 93
• Extremely consistent.
• Can lead or sit just off the pace.

Interpretation

Her works are outstanding, and her race form is rock-solid. She’s the most reliable mare in the field.

Preview Verdict: A sound sprinter and at six years old she is probably at her peak. She has the form to win this but it isn’t enough to make her a clear cut chance so whilst a big run would be expected I would say she is a top three chance rather than an obvious choice

5 — When Doves Cry

Works Pattern

• 1 Aug SAR 6f (T) 1:10.1 — 11/36 → Strong, but not blistering.
• 19 Jul SAR 1m (T) 1:35 — 2/5 → Stamina-building, not sprint-sharp.
• 27 Jun SAR 6f (T) 1:10.2 — 4/6 → Holding fitness.

Race Performance

• G2 sprint figures: 100, 92
• Best closer in the race.
• Needs a hot pace.

Interpretation

Her works are steady, not explosive, but her race class is superior. If Pelucha and Spotted Cow duel early, she becomes the winner.

Preview Verdict: The stable is having a strong meet and brings this five year old here with a great chance after nearly winning the Intercontinental over this course and distance. Her works are a touch off some of the others but her form is probably the stand out so she would be a good choice even with the wide gate. A little bit of wide gate speed push may see her lead and cross and if she got away from them this could be all over in the first half.

Race Summary:

An even looking contest I would have to say When Doves Cry would probably be the stand out for me. I will put a proviso in here that Starry Starry Nights may just be the smokey with the wise old DJC switching her back to sprinting which has been a tried and tested tactic many have used for stakes wins.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded