2/16 Royal Delta – Grade III
GP Race #4 1m Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $150.000 For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.

1 City Never Sleeps Saratoga Stud Landeros C

Her one win last year came in the grade three Pines Stakes but she ran pretty well in some other hot races suggesting she was good value for that single win. A neck second in the Rampart from a wide draw and a good third in the SUN Oaks put her right in this race on her seasonal debut and as long as she doesnt get buried from this rail draw she will be a threat.

2 Hands Up The Sidley Stud Leparoux J R

A regular on the statebred circuit she has been consistent at that level and gets her chance here to break through to graded class. A game winner in her first run of the year she gets a competitive draw for this attempt but her works say she has a bit to find.

3 Ideal Bella Barcelona Farms Albarado R J

Another that looks to break through into graded class she has won her last nine races in a row a feat not often repeated at HRP but they have all been at lower grade so she is tough to place at this level. Her works are pretty good and she certainly knows how to win so with a perfect draw she may be the one to follow.

4 Night School Maxmillion Farm Jimenez A

One of the ‘class’ horses in the race she has run against some good ones and was not far away so must rate a big chance from this handy draw. An easy winner of the Groupie Doll over this trip her bets races were probably in defeat, most notably when third in the DEL Oaks and a close second in the Summertime Oaks both a grade two. The trainer is in great form and i would expect this one t be involved in the finish.

5 Pumpernickel Basil D J C Racing Stables Jaramillo E

She has some form on the board but most importantly comes here race fit after a close and game second in an open allowance a month ago. Hailing from a strong stable she has run well enough to be in the top three but to win this she may need things to go her way. She was most impressive when taking the Empire Distaff last year but that was from a rabbit set pace and she may need a fast run race to get her nose in front today.

6 Adsila Night Rider Stables Maragh T

A ten length maiden winner and then a four length ungraded stakes winner she was thrown into the grade one Taylor in the hope she was a wonder horse but failed in that hot contest. She was better when fourth in the Maple Leaf next time but is still really hard to place at this level especially with a widish draw. She may be worth watching today in her first start for her new stable but any glimmers should be recorded for future reference.

7 Harsh Mb Stables Zayas E J

She was pretty successful when raced on turf last year wining an ungradaded stakes and running well in a few others but has looked rejuvenated since returning to the dirt winning her last two including her seasonal debut this year. She didnt beat much in The Wayward Lass Stakes and gets a nasty draw today but her works suggest she is getting better and she may just turn out to be a big danger today.

SUMMARY

I think Harsh is a lot better than her form suggests but she will have to be to win from her wide draw and meets an even group here. Pumpernickel Basil and Night School will be popular choices but i wonder if Ideal Bella can make it ten in a row.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES