The Kelso Stakes – Grade III
1 Mile Inner Turf Stake Purse $175.00 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Cascade King Nakamura Stables Davis D

I thought he may struggle a little over the mile, but he had no problems sticking with them through the race and his stamina came into play at the end as he kept on strongly for a three-quarter length win. He looked like he may have been trapped on the rail but when the gap presented itself between the leading pair, he had no trouble shouldering his way off the rail and went through the gap like the old professional he is. As the leader weakened inevitably pushing the wide closers even wider, he had the race won and took the second graded race of his career fairly comfortably at the line. He has come back nicely as a five-year-old and will continue to be a great horse for the stable who always runs an honest race.

2nd Dangerous Fugitive Night Rider Stables Lezcano J

He is getting closer to paying back his purchase price with another fine effort in running second. He had to wait for the gap that Cascade King made to get a run and kept on strongly. He seemed strong over the mile today and it is only a matter of time till he wins a race like this.

3rd Hawaiian Lord Our Athletes Dettori L

Went with the winner but could not finish as strongly and in the end just whacked away at the one pace for third. This was a good effort from the six-year-old who must be one of the most consistent place getters in the game. With just one win in the last two years, he looks destined to carry on his bridesmaid role, but we would all love a horse in our stable that has amassed nearly $1,200.000 in prize money with just three wins and no stakes victories.

4th Theegala Alydar Stables Rodriguez Jam

The best of the closers, he ran home really strongly for fourth but never looked to be getting to the winner and once again his running style as a deep closer sees him arriving too late, a story I seem to write every week as the engine seems to favor on or near speed more and more. If there is any way the trainer can get him nearer the front without blunting his finish, then he will pick up races like this.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES