Mo Mentum Farms is hoping that with the return of Gaffilione back in the irons of Mojaves Rattler for this event, the duo will once again find the winners enclosure as they did in last years BC Mile and Shadwell Turf Mile and earn career win number six.
- The Canadian Turf ( Gr. III )- Purse $150.000
- Gulfstream Park- For Four Years old and Up
- One Mile in distance- Inner Turf course
- February 29th, 2020
This event has the ideal distance for Mojaves Rattler. The four year olds last two major Grade I victories have come at this distance. While he has been struggling to gain a victory in his first two starts of this season, the return of rider Gaffilione should perk him right back. He did earn a 98 SRF figure in his opener of the year, and that deserves merit in your considerations.
While Mojaves Rattler is out of sire Snakie and the John Henry breeding barns, that trainer will be sending another Snakie foal to this event from post ten. Snakie Authorization will be making only his third start on the turf, but he did place third in the Gr. I Fourstardave over at The Spas inner turf course at today’s distance, in a respectable 1:32.67 final time, earning a 99 SRF. He does have a bullet work here on Monday of 1:09.73 in the morning, so watch for this one to put in a stellar performance as well.
Others who should find themselves in the mix and need consideration consist of Hefner ( Mb Stables ) and Command Authority and Cherokee Reward ( Nakamura Stables ). Hefner has picked up the assistance of rider Tunon who started just last season as a rider, but has been putting up the numbers to show his talents. Hefner has finished eleven of sixteen in the money on the grass, so will more then likely add another bit of purse money to his bank. As for the two Nakamura entries, both have been proving their worth to their trainer. Cherokee Reward has two back to back victories since making the switch to the grass. A $25 auction purchase last September, he may just keep rollin in the dough for this trainer. With Command Authority, he will be in the hunt from the start of this affair and if he is let go without as much of a challenge up front, he will be off to the races.
Other contenders in this affair will be Expert Eye ( TwinTowersRacing ) from the rail, and he will more then likely bring his running style in the latter part of this race. Will definitely be looking for an opening at the rail off the turn for home.
Sezhai ( Greeko Holdem ) went to the front in his opener of the season and took home a victory at the mile distance on the grass. It was against allowance company at HOU, and if his 92 SRF number would have been a bit stronger, I would be considering him today.
From post five will be Estero Farms Farday. Has just one win in six starts on the turf and that came in his last start when he broke his maiden after nine unsuccessful attempts. He earned a 95 SRF figure for that victory, and if last year has any bearing on what happens to recent maiden winners, he could be the upsetter of the group. I personally would like to see one back before making a decision.
Number seven will be Gdp Inc.’s Plucky Brit. A four time winner out of ten on the sod, his two most recent wins have come in restricted New York affairs. Did win his first try on the grass at this track going five eights of a mile breaking his maiden at the start of last season over a yielding track. Return of the shadow roll helped last time by, but the 124 pounds is a concern here.
Finally we have Thanks For Nothing ( D J C Racing Stables ) from post nine. Will have to contend with Mojave Rattler to his inside and Snakie Authorization to his outside, but that could play well for him using them as guides. A four time turf winner competed in the Gr. III TAM Stakes in his opener of the season, breaking from the one hole, finishing fourth at 134-1 odds. Does seem to do his best running inside, but has three straight 97 SRF numbers heading into this affair, so don’t discount too quickly.
Picks- 8-10-2
Duffer
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
