The 18th Running of The Pan American-G2
April 2, 2022
$200.000 11/2 Turf
GP Race #17 Post Time 17:55
4+ 124 Lbs (plus penalties)
Track Record/Stakes Record-2:23.95 (Accidental Spirit-2013)
The Pan American-G2 will be held for the 18th time down at GP this Saturday. The 12-furlong turf event offers a purse of $200.000 and though we have some talented runners lining the gate, all seven will carry the minimum impost of 124-pounds. Going off as the 17th race on the GP card, the smallish field appears worthy of its G2 status. Here are the runners for The Pan American-G2:
#1 Key Biscayne (TwinTowersRacing/J.R. Velazquez): 6yo gelding draws the rail and looks for his first stakes victory here. Followed up his winning seasonal-bow with a 3rd place effort in the local G3 last month. He closed a good bit of ground that day and appears to be getting closer to a winning performance for this level. He’ll save some ground and make a run, just has to hope the chips fall his way and get a well-timed ride.
#2 Dangerfield (Mo Mentum Farm/D.E. Centeno): 4yo was offered for a $40.000 tag in his latest and after returning unclaimed following his 2nd place effort, he was pointed here. He’s another that should be finding his best stride in the latter stages and he may be even further back than the rail horse early on. Doesn’t have much experience at this level while going this trip; however, he is a former G2 winner going 7f on the main track, so he has the talent necessary for this level. May not pass all of them, but he’ll come running late again.
#3 French Style (Royalty Stables/Mario Gutierrez): 4yo gets his first assignment at this level since the successful sophomore finale in December. Changed hands again following that race and has prepped with two very different allowance runs for this. Trainer was always going to send him here regardless of his results, but he is one that will need to show some improvement if he is to best this group.
#4 Cossack (Maxmillion Farm/S.X. Bridgmohan): Colt validated big allowance score in barn debut with a very nice 2nd in G1 Big Cap at SA. Comes back to the lawn for this assignment and may be a monster in the making. Working like a freight train and the distance should only make him more dangerous. Trainer does better than most in these spots and have to respect the fact that this guy is his only runner in here. Look out.
#5 Billy Joel (La Canada Racehorses/J. Stein): 5yo former BC winner has done all of his training in CA and all of his racing right here at GP this season. Took a G3 in his seasonal bow before the latest effort in local G2 where he was 4th. Seems to be rounding back into top form and is always dangerous when he gets in the gate. He’s an extremely talented individual and his class demands respect. Looks like a major player in this spot.
#6 Dreams Of Fire (Night Rider Stables/E.J. Wilson): 4yo was claimed in his seasonal bow for $32.000 and then never lifted a hoof in debut for the new barn. Different trip and surface for this assignment and he will be getting a stiff class test from these guys. Trainer does well with these types so beware of what you can’t see on his page. Expect he’s shown something on the farm that warrants this chance and that will give punters another element to consider.
#7 Afterburner (Arindel/C.J. Hernandez): 4yo was a MGSW on dirt before going on the grass 11-months ago, but he’s won the majority of his bankroll on the lawn. Showed good improvement off of his seasonal debut and if there’s another one of those jumps to be had, he is a serious contender in this spot. Not overly concerned with this post as he has run well from much wider in graded events so expect him to make a very good impression on race day.
Final Analysis: Cossack looks to be sitting on a star-making performance and we’ll give him the nod over Billy Joel and Afterburner in an excellent renewal of The Pan American-G2. Good luck everyone!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
