STAKES ARTICLES

All the Stakes previews and reviews.

Classic Look Makes It Look Easy in Harlan

Ever since this summer, Classic Look has developed from a good horse into a great one, making the most of the ungraded stakes that he had competed in. On Saturday, trainer Nakamura Stables gave the gelding his first chance to run in a graded race. Classic Look would make the most of the opportunity, with an impressive wire to wire win.

Operation Mongoose Thwarts Upset Bid in Janus

Last month, Operation Mongoose took on some of the best in the BC Mile, but he has also been a very good sprinter as evidenced by his victory in the Grade 2 Nearctic in October. In the Janus, he would take care of business while going five furlongs, catching massive longshot Superbush just in time.

All Eyes on Fried Chicken for Harlan

Saturday’s action at GP will include the thirteenth running of the Harlan, a Grade 3 on the main track that goes a mile and a sixteenth. The race debuted on the schedule in 2011, but only would begin being held every year once it gained graded status in 2016.

Field Quality in Janus Far Exceeds Its Purse Level

The Janus may “only” be a $125.000 ungraded stake, but that has not stopped four horses that ran in BC races last month from participating in it. That’s partially due to limited opportunities for turf sprinters this time of year, but it does give this race a feel of one that should go for double the purse.