The El Camino- Stake
GG Race 5 1 1/8M Dirt
Purse $100.000 for
Three Year Olds
This Derby prep has flown a bit under the radar this weekend since first 50 point race is taking place and the other 10 point race has a $500.000 purse. That being said I think a lot of trainers felt this was a good spot to potentially earn a few points and get their epr up while not facing the toughest competition. Let’s take a look at the field and see whose dream might live on for a few more weeks.
1 Processing Class, trained by Toppedout
Well it is a good thing we do not have a virtual ASPCA here at HRP or Toppedout may be in some trouble. This poor pixel is making his 18th lifetime start here and has yet to win a race at a pay track. He does have a couple of close seconds in his last three races and earned a very good 95 speed rating in an optional claimer earlier this year but I cannot see him breaking out for his first pay track win here.
2 Chipotle, trained by Mb Stables
The first of three entries from leading trainer Mb Stables. His first attempt in a prep did not go well back in December when he went to the lead in the Remsen and faded to 9th. He followed that up with a win at today’s distance in a nwx2 where he stalked the pace and won easily. He has been working very well so has to be considered a contender here.
3 The Drifter, trained by D J C Racing Stables
This colt has won 2 of 6 lifetime starts while earning $85. His two most recent efforts were both graded stakes and they did not go well for him. Those races were also his only attempts at two turns so not sure he will like todays distance. He also does not get one of the top jockeys which is a problem at Golden Gate since the 9% jocks win the vast majority of the races. Would not be a complete surprise but not my first choice.
4 Thanks For The Land, trained by Team 7 Illusions
Has only raced 3 times with his lone win coming in a maiden special weight way back in April. Comes into this on an over 4 month layoff and his works are not up to the others in the field. Lastly he gets a jock that is 1 for 42 so I think he is going to need this race before he is ready to compete at this level.
5 Centerpiece, trained by Mb Stables
The second entry from Mb is certainly the most accomplished runner in this field having earned over $1000 lifetime. That being said this is an interesting spot to have him entered and my gut is it was done to ensure that one of his other entries gets JJ Hernandez so I expect him to be scratched at some point. If he does go to the post he will be working on a 2 week layoff and carrying an additional 6 pounds which we know is very difficult to overcome here. All things considered if he makes the start he has to be the favorite on his resume alone.
6 Wild Fame, trained by Mb Stables
Third entry from Mb is a lightly raced colt making his 4th lifetime start. His last race was a nwx1 at today’s distance where he ran a game second in a good field. He seems to be steadily improving as his works continue to get quicker. I think he is rounding into form nicely and will be tough to contend with.
7 Tyreese, trained by Threshold
This guy was the talk of the chatroom last year when he put up a monster breeze on the farm that had his trainer wondering if it was a glitch. He has not been able to duplicate that performance on the track so perhaps it was. His deep closing running style is not usually very successful here at HRP so I would look for him to try and stay closer to the pace here. His works seemed to have slowed so I think he has an outside chance at best.
8 Deep Under It, trained by Nakamura Stables
Only 2 lifetime races with his one win coming last out in a 5.5 furlong maiden race. His conform says he should be handle the distance but his only mile work is not up to par with the rest of the field. With a less than desirable post and jockey I do not envision him being able to get home first.
9 Sacred Sacrifice, trained by Fractious
Our final entrant is an interesting one that is 2 for 2 lifetime. His last race was an impressive win at a mile where he rallied from last even though the pace was not that fast. He does get a good jock and has been working very well so if he can overcome the post I think he is a major factor.
10 Crake, trained by John Henry
Scratched
Summary
There does not appear to be a ton of speed in the race so I think Chipotle should be able to stay close and make his way home first. His main competition will probably come from his stablemate Wild Fame and Sacred Sacrifice who I would have picked had he gotten a better post. I am going off the notion that Centerpiece will be scratched but even if he runs I feel like the weight will be too much to overcome.
2-6-9-3
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded
