The 17th Running of the G3 Mineshaft Stakes
February 19, 2022 15:40
FG Race #9 $250.000
11/16 Dirt 4yo+ 123 Lbs
Stakes/Track Record-1:39.97 (Phuneios-2013)
Stakes action will be fast and furious down at FG on Saturday and the G3 Mineshaft has drawn a stellar field. Run over 8.5-furlongs on the main track with a purse of $250.000, the G3 Mineshaft will go as race nine on a day where six stakes will be run at FG. Unlike the 3yo preps, the ten older males in the G3 Mineshaft will not have to deal with any fillies and mares and all runners will carry 123 pounds. This one’s for the boys so let’s meet the runners for the 17th running of the G3 Mineshaft:
#1 Contradiction (Aer Stables/S.X. Bridgmohan): Uber-consistent as a sophomore, the rail horse will be making his 4yo debut. He’s already a G1-winner and just missed landing the biggest prize at the BC in his last. Gets his main pilot back for this and expect him to be ready to fire fresh off the bench. Major player.
#2 Set In Space (Nakamura Stables/C.J. Hernandez): The first of three in here from the powerful barn of Nakamura Stables. He took quite a few swings at graded company as a sophomore but fell short each time. Defeated LA-bred stakes runners in his prep for this; however, the water is much deeper here. Not the best from his own barn, so hard to endorse.
#3 Milford Sound (Mwn Racing/C.J. Lanerie): 6yo just took a GP G3 with this same pilot so you know he’s sharp right now, but he has yet to win going two-turns and he will be going this trip for just the 2nd time in his career. He has displayed plenty of versatility in his running lines, so that should aid his cause; however, this is a tough group to best when trying to do something for the first time.
#4 Eclipse My Knowledge (Nakamura Stables/V.R. Carrasco): Barn’s second entrant was a two-time G3 winner last fall and makes his 7yo debut in here. Proven at this trip and quick enough to get whatever position he desires. The old man still has gas in the tank and fully expect him to continue being competitive at this level. Contender.
#5 Charleys Latte (John Henry/D. Davis): 5yo will make the 2nd start of his season after throwing a dud at GP three weeks ago. Even if you can forgive him that effort, he hasn’t been all that competitive since the June win in a CD G2. Still, this guy has plenty races further down the page that make him a player and have to think he still has the drive. May not win, but think he runs much better in here.
#6 Akkadian (Night Rider Stables/J.C. Ferrer): It’s been almost 11 months since this 6yo’s last victory, but seasonal bow was encouraging. Would like to see him more involved early, but those days may be long gone at this point. His two wins last season were both at the stakes level with a G3 included; however, this feels a bit more than he’s ready for.
#7 Kick Rocks (Nakamura Stables/J.K. Court): Barn’s third entrant is in career-best form and looks to keep the good times rolling in seasonal debut. Was last seen taking a WO G3 in December so he should be fresh after that big performance. Prior to that effort he was facing much softer company so the form could be a mirage, but this guy feels like one of the ones in this.
#8 Saturday Khartoum (Rousee/L. Saez): 8yo dominated FL-bred foes in seasonal debut where he led gate-to-wire in a $75.000 stake. That seems to be his game, and this is a logical step to see exactly what he has left to give. He will throw the occasional clunker; however, off of that latest effort, as well as his works since, he deserves respect.
#9 Red Divos Alliance (TwinTowersRacing/J.R. Velazquez): 5yo had a winning seasonal bow, but that was just his 2nd win in a 21-race career. In multiple attempts, he’s yet to hit the board when facing graded company; however, maybe the last will give him the confidence to produce a career-best in here. Anything less and he will probably be looking at an off-the-board finish.
#10 Crack Dab (Gdp Inc/E. Jaramillo): 6yo is another who’s last win was eleven months ago, but this guy has been a very steady earner since October with four quality efforts. He was third in this race last year and enters with better finish in his latest prep this time. Not convinced he bests this group but think he could fit in the exotics somewhere.
Final Analysis: 1-5-7-4 in an excellent renewal of the G3 Mineshaft Stakes at FG. Good luck everyone!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
