The 18th Running of the G3 River City Handicap
Sunday, November 13, 2022
CD Race #8 $300.000
3+ Handicap Weights 11/8 (T)
Course Record-1:44.12 (Iron Kaki-2012)
Stakes Record-1:44.31 (Bottom Line-2011)
#1 Bronze Bomber (Threshold/Ru. Silvera 119): Gelding only has one win from seven starts, but he is earning his way with three other ITM finishes. Win came at FE two-back facing $30.000 listed foes and he followed that up with a DH for 3rd in a G3 last month. Rail draw will help him save ground as he is likely to reserve his energy before being produced for run in the latter stages.
#2 By The Night O Bay (Oval Express Farms/J.J. Castellano 119): 6yo is one of the more versatile in here so this draw should benefit him regardless of instructions. Most recently, we saw him finishing just a neck short in G3 Knickerbocker where the rail horse was 3rd. Could sit a really good trip from the rail in the 2nd flight or may drop just a touch further back.
#3 Commanding Officer (Winning Link Stables/Mario Gutierrez 120): 5yo hasn’t been as consistent with his results as some of these, but he has faced, arguably, some of the best company in the field. Best effort came on the front end when he almost wired in the G2 King Edward BC, but that was over a less-than-firm course. He’ll need that type of effort to contend here.
#4 Two In The Chamber (TwinTowersRacing/L. Saez 120): 5yo has raced against G1/G2 foes in six straight starts, so he should appreciate this slight drop. He’s another that prefers to preserve his energy in the early stages and that worked well for him in the G2 at KEE. Another graded tally would sure look good on his pedigree page for his next career.
#5 Moonlight Special (Allinthegate/J.R. Velazquez 118): 5yo hasn’t faced the same type of company as most of these, but he’s only made five starts this season. Does reunite with Johnny V and they had moderate success when 3rd in the Gran Couturier. Doesn’t really have a determined style, but expect he’ll lay a little closer to the pace in this one.
#6 Justice Demanded (Nakamura Stables/S. Elliott 120): With his 7-3-1-2 record, this guy has had the most successful season from an ITM standpoint. Now, he hasn’t faced nearly the same company as these; however, he has crossed the wire first three times and that is more than the rest of these can say this year. Probably tries to get to the front and improve his position.
Final Analysis: 6-3-1 is how we see the G3 River City Handicap, but any type of course with some give in the ground would greatly enhance the chances of the 3. Good luck everyone!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
