San Luis Rey Stakes – Grade II
 SA   Race #5   1 1/2m   Turf   Graded Stake
Purse $200.000  For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Gallivant, trained by John Henry
When this one took the PEN Mile last year i thought he was going to be the emerging horse of the season but although he has run well a few times since he has not won another race. Placings in The Secretariat, and the Pacific Classic before an average run in the BC Turf forced his owner Australia Wide to sell him very cheaply to his current owner and he looked money well spent in his seasonal reappearance. Making the running he understandably weakened late to dead heat for second in the San Marcos but he will be fitter now and from the ace draw will definitely be a danger to all.

2 On Deck, trained by Night Rider Stables
A winner only once this one has been consistently beaten in overnights and should not be able to live with these. His only chance is the HRP anomaly that when a horse changes surface they can find an extra leg and his last work suggests that just may be a possibility.

3 Admirals Aces, trained by Mb Stables
The top stable at HRP certainly hasnt been showing signs of slowing down this year and paid $509.000 for this four year old only to have it race against two of its stable mates. Last years BC Turf winner he had taken out the Hirsch Turf Classic prior to that to become one of the top turfers of the year. A slightly disappointing run in the GP Turf Handicap on seasonal debut may have pre empted his sale but at only 4 and with just 12 starts he should plenty left in the tank.

4 I Have Arrived, trained by Mb Stables
Aptly named this one has looked like arriving for some time but has yet to really hit his stride. A close third in the Secretariat and again in the HOL derby surrounded a poor effort over this trip in the Northern Dancer. So at his best he is certainly among the favourites and his work at AQU at the beginning of March was sizzling enough to suggest his best is yet to come. He opened the season with a strong enough win in an FG restricted overnight and you would be a fool to ignore him on your short list.

5 T S Crystal, trained by Triple K
A fairly consistent sort he likes this trip and his last three runs have been strong. Tactics may be the winning or losing of this race for him though as his off pace efforts have been better than his on so it will need a strong pace to see him at his best. His works are in the ball park and he is certainly in with a chance.

6 Sunny Gabe, trained by Mb Stables
Another from the dominating stable on HRP he won the Breeders Stakes over this trip last year and also had enough pace to take a competitive Commonwealth Turf. He took an open allowance on seasonal debut toughing it out over a mile and sets up here as a big threat. Again his work times are in the ball park and if he can get into a stalk from this draw he will be right in it at the end.

7 Valar Morghulis, trained by Gdp Inc
A tough five year old but he doesnt win very often and may be battling for place money today. Dead heated with Gallivant in the San Marcos so atleast has as good a chance as that one so you have to respect his chances even of they arent as obvious as some of the others.

8 Bay O Fire, trained by Oval Express Farms
Out stayed his rivals to win the Jerkens last time out but his form before that suggests he may find a few of these too hot. Having said that he stays well and his work times are pretty much the same as everything elses so its impossible to write him off completely.

9 Royal Sevens, trained by Sizing Europe Lodge
Six years old now but hasnt got too many miles on the clock so that shouldnt matter too much. He was in good form this time last year taking the grade two Whittingham Stakes but hasnt lived up to that since. A good enough sort but has enough crosses on the list to write him out of the winning chances.

10 Big Daddy Z, trained by Maxmillion Farm
Won the DMR Derby last year as well as finishing third in the Hirsch Turf Classic but was then forced into a break half way through which he got sold. He proved just how crazy HRP can be by winning a sprint in a very fast time at the end of the year and then reappeared in the CA Cup Turf Classic a month later to win over a mile and an eighth. He certainly has plenty of ability and at his best would go very close to winning despite the horrible draw that seems to have befallen him and his stable mate.

11 North Palmerston, trained by TwinTowersRacing
Claimed for just ten dollars last time and with just one maiden win to his name if this one wins i will eat Australia Wides dirty underwear.

12 Dogs Dragon, trained by Maxmillion Farm
When you look at this ones form it does make you question the validity of the form book at HRP. A close third in the BC Sprint he has also won the HOL Turf Cup over a mile and a half so trying to work out just what he is is almost impossible. His works are pretty strong and his form amongst the best in the field but a horrible draw may make it tough for him with a stalkers running style. I cant really place him in this field he could win by a length or finish last by the same margin.

SUMMARY
An almost impossible race to read the safe bet would be the reigning BC champ Admirals Aces. As for the rest get your pin out, it could be anything for second.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES