The Poker Handicap – Grade III
BEL   Race #2   1m   Turf   Graded Stake
Purse $300.00  For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Jovan River, trained by Mb Stables
A five year old with a good record he has won eight from nineteen and comes here with a
handy draw, a fair weight and a top jockey. An on pace type he should be suited by the one
gate and his last three wins, all this year have been right on the mark. He battled bravely
in the Dangers Hour last time out and his works have been very good making him a great
hope for HRP’s top stable.

2 Seven Colors, trained by Allinthegate
Came to the top of his curve at the end of last year and has carried that improvement into
this season capping off some good runs in overnights with a  super second in the American
Stakes last time out. He won the Fitzsimmons Mile Handicap in a sub 1.33 so can do the pace
but with a  few extra pounds on his back today looks very much on a par with most of these.
If he can continue his improvement then he has a great chance.

3 Hulk Hogan, trained by Maxmillion Farm
Second in the DMR Mile last year he was bought at auction and was given a long break before
starting his campaign this year. He resumed with a fair effort and has improved with each run
so a top show looks likely here. A front running type it all depends how much he can save for
the end but he is sure to be in the fight with a furlong to run.

4 Mars, trained by Hawaiian Shirt Guy
Has struggled since his massive TC efforts last year but ran well for a long way in the LS
Handicap last time and looks to be slowly returning to form. He has run well on the grass
despite his best form being on the dirt but with several on pace runners today it may well depend
on the tactics employed as to whether he can get back in the black type winners circle.

5 Heart Pocket Jeans, trained by Yahudi Stables
Sold after a great second in The Woodford Turf Classic which followed a very close second in
the Appleton he is very much in this race with every chance. With only three wins you have to
worry a little about his determination at the end of his races but with very similar form and works to
the rest of the field he is in with every chance.

6 Secret Song, trained by Blushing Meadows
The only one in the field without bags of early pace the wide draw may play right into his hands today.
I expect him to drop back and with the other five all cutting each others throats he may be the strongest
at the end. The big black mark on his chances however is the 3 Lbs his jockey will put up over the top
of his already top weight. This race is going to be very close and even with the impost i think he may be
the one to upset.

SUMMARY
With five on pace runners and one closer you would have to think this will play into the hands of Secret Song.
The extra weight will be tough for him though. I fully expect less than a length to cover the field at the
end of the race so just cant pick second but i am looking for a huge late run from the Blushing meadows five year
old to take the race by a nose.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES