The Critical Eye ($200.000 Purse)
BEL- For Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward Foaled in NY
One Mile on the Dirt
May 25, 2015

La Gran Kirky has had a different path to her success then has the traditional highly talented three year old filly. She showed promise early when running for Alegria, but in September 2014, that stable decided they needed to clean house.   So La Gran Kirky found herself sold in private sales to Mbo Racing Stables for just $47.410.    Nothing wrong with that, but it soon became evident that her new trainer was also looking to sell her quickly.    That said, Mbo did a fantastic job getting the most out of this filly while she was in his possession, but regular readers of the private sales classified pages saw frequent headlines of her being offered sale, including one mere minutes after her biggest career win prior to this race, the Martha Washington. Eventually, Mbo got his buyer in Pan Farms and there is no denying that Mbo cashed in at this new $200.000 tag.  So with Pan Farms, she raced a total of; check that, she didn’t race at all. At the beginning of May, she was sold again. For half the price, at $100.000, but to the hands of Australia Wide.

Australia Wide, the legendary trainer is looking to get back into the game, and he has made his presence felt immediately with a bunch of purchases, and can still be seem claiming horses from the top tracks in the game. His intent is clear.   Having said that, it’s a pretty good thing that he and La Gran Kirky have crossed paths. Now, the filly has an owner who seems to have a plan for her future, and not just to increase her value for another sale.   Now we can see what’s up at last, with this filly. I may be looking at this with too critical of an eye, but La Gran Kirky was impressive in today’s Critical Eye at BEL. It’s a positive step forward that she needs, and it will be interesting to see what her future holds. Let’s take a look now at her race, and that of the others!

1st- 3- La Gran Kirky (8/1)- Got off to a good start in her debut for Australia Wide. I Ortiz Jr seemed to reign her back in slightly over the backstretch run from the early pace, and in the turn she was running side by side with Amazing Discovery, about a length from the lead. Positioned just to the outside of Blarney Bee, she was ready to run on exit of the turn. But Amazing Discovery was not about to let her run away with things, as she too was in great stride in the stretch. La Gran Kirky did not give in, and matched strides while keeping a head in front. As they approached the wire, she may have been inching a bit further ahead, so there is plenty to like about the way she won this race. Hopefully, her owner sees that and is saying “she’s a keeper.” Congratulations to all of the connections! The race was won in 1:35.32.

2nd- 2- Amazing Discovery (7/5)- Content to let the other three race alongside one another while jockey J L Ortiz positioned the Mb Stables filly just off the lead, about a length or two back. Maintained his position for the entire backstretch run. Forced her way into a hole between Blarney Bee and La Gran Kirky on exit of the turn, and looked as though she was poised to take command of the race.   Amazing Discovery would do all she could in the stretch, but La Gran Kirky simply refused to let her pass, and she would have to settle for second. Makes you wonder how common these stretch battles between Australia Wide and Mb Stables will become!

3rd- 4- Blarney Bee (9/2)- Started well out of the gate, running on the lead early for Smokey Stover. Showed that she would have plenty of run during the backstretch trip, and looked to take the lead in the turn, and would be there to set the half mile fraction in :47.91. Even in the final furlong, a distance she hasn’t raced much at, she still seemed fine, she was just not as quick as the top two. Perhaps, carrying six pounds more was a factor but she appeared destined to finish third anyway, moreso because of the talent displayed by the top two.

4th- 1- Great Velvet (1/1)- The Canadian Racing entry was surprisingly the race’s favorite, so he would disappoint those who were showing a high degree of confidence in him. Quick out of the gate, setting the opening quarter in :23.91. Battled with Blarney Bee in the turn, but once she went by, she was unable to respond. It wasn’t a bad performance, but the others were better today.

Track: Fast
Time: :23⁴  :47³  1:11   1:35¹

$2 Mutuel Prices:

$1 Exacta: 3 – 2 Paid 11.40

— NS

Categories: Ungraded