The Hurricane Bertie – Grade III
6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $165.000 Filly & Mare 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Aliens Team 7 Illusions Van Dyke D

This one raced for Smokey Stover four times in 2023 placing in all four efforts but never getting the win. Off the track for 18 months, she was sold to Team 7 Illusions for $1.000 and came straight out as a five-year-old to break her maiden at TP. That seemed like a good effort after so long off the track, but it was a four-runner maiden with very little depth so it was somewhat of a surprise when she stormed home in the Wishing Well in her next start. That got her noticed, and I was looking forward to seeing how she coped with graded level today and boy did she cope. Beating a solid and experienced field she trailed early and picked them up pretty easily before coming home just under a length clear. This was as comprehensive as you can get in a HRP sprint, and she looks to have even more improvement in her in this role or over even further. Mark her down in your black books this is a mare that could go all the way.

2nd Grandest Lady La Canada Racehorses Bravo J

She has had the odd miss in her long career but in general has been pretty consistent and put up another good effort today. Brushed aside by the winner she did pretty well to hold second in a competitive race and whilst she may not have the scope for another BC attempt, I am sure she will continue to be competitive at this level.

3rd Ifyerwokeyerajoke TwinTowersRacing Saez L

Pushed for the lead as expected but much like in the Wishing Well gave way to the effort late. Still in front with half furlong to run she lost two places in the last 100 yards to end up third in another typically honest effort.

4th My Pretty Threshold Salles L

Struggling a little to recapture the form she showed at the end of last year, she was never able to get to her preferred position on the lead and was a little weak in the last furlong.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES