The 19th Running of the G2 Golden Rod
November 27, 2021 15:80
CD Race #8 $400.000 11/16 Dirt
2YO Fillies 120 Lbs
Track Record-1:39.28 (One For The Road-2012)
Stakes Record-1:41.59 (Viking Libra-2016)
KYO (G1) points are on the line for eight juvenile fillies as they contest the $400.000 G2 Golden Rod, a 11/16 race that serves as a starting point of the Oaks journey. Mb Stables (2017, 2018, 2020) has been a dominant force in this race and he sends a couple of his best in here. Jockey B. Hernandez Jr (2006, 2016) is the only active HRP pilot who has taken multiple runnings, but he will be sitting this one out. The winner of this race will have to buck 18-years worth of history if they want to wear the lillies in the spring, but this group may be up to the task. Here’s the field for the G2 Golden Rod at CD:
#1 Cb Lady (Maxmillion Farm/A. Cedillo): Lass was making-up ground through this same stretch last month before having to settle for fourth. Draws the rail for this assignment and was able to take the maiden-breaker on the front end. Maybe she utilizes the inside draw and shows a bit more early foot this time and any improvement makes her a major factor. Lots to like.
#2 Bella Chica (Mb Stables/J.R. Velazquez): Filly was dominant in the AQU stake three weeks ago after finishing third in KEE G1. She could be any kind at this point and have to like the fact that she is wheeling right back on short rest. From this draw, she may go back to the tactics she used in the maiden-breaker where she was close to the pace, but think she works out a trip regardless. Respect.
#3 Main Flirt (Fractious/S.X. Bridgmohan): Took a $75.000 stake immediately after being purchased for that same price and comes to CD looking for more. Two wins in three sprints to start her career, so we know she has some early foot. Will have to answer the question of how far she really wants to go while facing a field where all of the others have route experience. Maybe it won’t matter, but we’ll know soon enough.
#4 Local Model (First Class Stable/J. Talamo): Ran a clunker in KEE G1 after starting her career with two wins from three starts. Trainer gives her another graded try and she is well-drawn for this assignment. Looks to be at the mercy of those in front of her as she will be making a run from well back and will need to show more than she did in the previous two-turn try. Pass.
#5 Verve (Mb Stables/Ru. Gonzalez): Flattened-out towards the end of local try last month, but she has plenty of reason to be better this go in just her fourth career start. Has shown enough early foot to be close in both two-turn attempts and has a win on an off surface if there should be any rain. Foundation sire can still throw a good horse and she has every reason to be next in that long line. Top choice.
#6 Say Bye Bye (Arindel/E. Jaramillo): Like most runners for this barn, she has plenty of races under her belt as this will be her ninth start. Three stakes tries have yielded a win and a show, so the quality is evident for all to see. Has yet to really run a bad race and the workout tab looks very good. The main rival.
#7 Neon Moon (Allinthegate/T. Gaffalione): Three straight wins sprinting to start her career preceded the dud at AQU vs G1 company. That was her first try going a route of ground, so she has reason to improve here. At seven furlongs, this one might be a strong win candidate, but feels like she holds on for a minor prize, if anything.
#8 Ship House (TwinTowersRacing/S. Ryan): Outside draw shouldn’t hamper this one as she figures to take a sharp left and go to the back of the field. Hasn’t timed it right except for the maiden win, but she has made-up ground in the stretch against some quality opposition. Don’t think she bests this field, but feel like she will make her run and could be an even bigger threat as the distances increase. Minor prize.
Final Analysis: 5-6-1 for this author in the G2 Golden Rod. Good luck to all of the participants.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
