The 16th Running of the G2 King Edward BC Stakes

August 15, 2021 13:40

WO Race #2 $175.000 1-Mile Turf

3YO+ 119/123 Lbs (Plus Penalties)

Track Record-1:31.72 (Cleveland Browns-2012)

Stakes Record-1:32.00 (Trading Punches-2010)

Just a two-race card at WO on Sunday, but there’s no doubt the $175.000 G2 King Edward BC Stakes is the headliner.  Being a G2, 12 precious BC points are on the line and the winner can take a significant step towards BC Mile qualification.  Looking back, only one trainer has been able to take this event twice as Thinken Stables (2010, 2011) went back-to-back and no jockey has been able to win more than one King Edward BC (G2).  Interesting mix in this field of six and someone will look to stamp themselves as a legitimate contender in BC points races down the road.  Here’s the field for the $175.000 G2 King Edward BC Stakes:

#1 Big Aspirations (Hippyheart/E.J. Wilson 123): Stakes-winning 4yo gelding draws the rail position for the first time in over a year.  Son of Skeleton Key is in sharp form and any kind of improvement makes him a major player in here.  Will be interesting to see if he goes back to his pace-setting tactics or tries to time his run a bit better than he was able to in his last start in the G3 American Stakes.

#2 Commander Wellesley (Jive Inc/D. Moran 123): Donegal Commander-sired 4yo has been close, really close, in several graded tries and draws well in here.  Only has one win going a route of ground, but he was right there in two G1 tries in the spring.  Running lines seem to offer him multiple paths and seems like the most likely to get his picture taken.

#3 Sneaky Steal (Riggins Racing/L. Contreras 123): Unraced as a juvenile before he went postward last July in career debut.  Came back after 11-months on the shelf and has won both starts as a 4yo.  Son of Pure Steel will definitely find these foes more difficult, but he has shown enough early foot in those two sprint scores to suggest he can at least be a part of the pace picture. 

#4 Mojave Rattler (John Henry/S.X. Bridgmohan 123): Graded-winner has been in against a lot of high quality stock throughout his 31-race career.  G3 win came at today’s trip and on the lawn, so he’s shown the ability to win tough races.  Problem for the 5yo son of Snakie is that win seems like ages ago and recent runs haven’t been great.  Still, he’s in very capable hands and must be respected.

#5 High Command (Nakamura Stables/S. Ryan 123): 4yo Honorable Command gelding is a bit of a Rickie Bobbie-type with six wins and one place in 15 career starts.  Has taken four cracks at the graded level and has yet to hit the board; however, did win the $100.000 Crystal Water for Cal-breds on the lawn at today’s distance.  Hard to form an opinion, but minor award seems to be most likely scenario.

#6 Phoe Eva (Angelos Stable/D. Fukumoto 118): 5yo mare gets in here with a five-pound weight break, but has to start from the widest gate.  Daughter of Unsuited took down G3 lasses back in June, but faces some tough members of the opposite sex here.  Best weapon may be her speed and should be able to decide whether she wants to be in front or just off of the leader from out here in that long run to the first turn.  Has won three in a row at this flat mile and could prove very tough coming down the lane.

Final Analysis: 2-6-1; Taking Commander Wellesley to get the first graded victory for himself and his conditioner.  Good luck to all of the participants in the G2 King Edward BC Stakes!

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES