Grade 3 for Fillies And Mares Three Years Old and Up
1 1/16 Mile Dirt
Post: 9/17/2016 18:05 at CD
Two of the entrants in this field are newcomers to stakes competition, but most of the field is well-seasoned at this level. Brawl Dead End has been having a great year and is now sitting comfortably at #7 on the BC Distaff points list. Shadow Of A Doubt isn’t new to graded competition, but her last win at this level came last October in the Ballerina BC (G3). Effortless Admiral has been knocking on the door with four 2nd place finishes at this level, but this is her first time to take on older. Eviction won the Turn Back The Alarm (G3) last year but has been competing mainly in allowances this year.
Here’s the field:
1 Ancient Minoan
Owner/Breeder: Paradise Stable
Won her first stakes, the Spook Express at GP going 1 1/16 Mile on yielding Turf. Not so long ago she was knocking around in low-level and free maiden special weights. In fact, her only two previous wins came in a MSW6 at PM in the mud and a free N2L at PEN on good turf. She is 3 for 3 on off-going. But even if it rains, she looks to be a bit outclassed in this field.
2 Shadow Of A Doubt
Owner: Axeman
Breeder: Strangefate Stables
Last win came last October in the Ballerina BC (G3) at HST in the slop. She’s been very consistent in graded company, but hasn’t been able to make it back to the winner’s circle in her six subsequent starts. Even so, she sold to Maverick Racing for $200.000 in June.
3 Effortless Admiral
Owner: Ekli Stable
Breeder: Grimley
Three-year-old stakes winner looking for her first graded win. Won the $100.000 Busand at AQU in January. Since then she has been second four times at this level. This is her first time to take on older, but I wouldn’t count her out.
4 Back Line
Owner: Alegria
Breeder: Team 7 Illusions
Another three-year-old, this one broke her maiden last out in her seventh start, bating a field of five Cal-breds by seven lengths. Big step up to graded stakes. Too much too soon.
5 Brawl Dead End
Owner: Mb Stables
Breeder: Sarah Stables
Except for a glitch in her last start, Brawl Dead End has been a super star in her sophomore year, with two wins in graded company and hitting the board two other times. Currently sitting at #7 on the BC Distaff Points list, a win here could go a long way toward guarantying her a space in the starting gate come BC day. I like her chances.
6 The Reaper – SCRATCH
7 Eviction
Owner/Breeder: Mb Stables
Another high-flying four-year-old filly from Mb’s stable, Eviction has put in some very nice performances herself. Not as flashy as her stablemate, she’s been hitting the board – and winning consistently – in allowance company this year. In fact, this is her first start of the year in graded company. She could give Brawl Dead End some competition.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
