The Bloom Handicap – Grade II
BEL Race #9 6 1/2f Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $250.000 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 Steel Calling Mb Stables Bejarano R

This five year old was campaigned in cheap allowances at TUP and TP in the early part of the year but i dont think that was indicative of her ability more the fact that she was one of many in the stable and may have been just a tick off of the better ones. When finally called upon to run at the level her ability called for she has done very well at handicap level finishing third and second twice at grade two and three. She has not gone up in the weights at all which is a real bonus for this race and has a nice draw compared to her last start when she was second from gate nine in the Bernardo Handicap. A consistent sort with a winning chance.

2 Catch Me If I Fall The A Stable Velazquez J

Still a maiden in three starts the fragility of the class system is once again in full view as she is working faster than the stakes placed five year old inside her. Her last two starts have been on turf but her recent works suggest that dirt is her surface and as crazy as it sounds i think she has a very realistic chance from the perfect draw.

3 Nice Tactical Speed Maxmillion Farm Colon L H

This four year old has been campaigned over much longer trips in her entire career but here she is in a sprint with bottom weight and it would be dangerous to write her off. The trip seems to matter a bit less in these types of races and she clearly has ability as demonstrated in her wins and placings at graded level over a mile plus. There is a danger that she will be used as a pacemaker for her stable mate but failing that she would have a decent chance from a good gate.

4 Snakie Pleasure Maxmillion Farm Centeno D E

Won the Bed O Roses Handicap over seven furlongs carrying this same weight in June and ran well enough in the Great Lady M Stakes over this trip to suggest she could get into this finish. Tactics between the two stable companions will be important but given a decent trip she is certainly in with a chance.

5 Starlite Run D J C Racing Stables Franco M

Clearly the most accomplished in the race and worth every pound of her top weight she has the added handicap of the wide draw which seems harsh but she is certainly good enough to overcome both drawbacks. The winner of teh grade one Beholder Mile back in March she has also finished third in the grade one Phipps and Ballerina. My only fear for her is the last time she raced in a handicap with top weight with a wide draw she was on the speed and ended up a disappointing sixth in the Honorable Miss Handicap. If trainer and jockey can beat the wide gate speed push she would be a winning chance.

SUMMARY

Starlight Run would be the choice in a non handicap but i have a sneaking suspicion that draw and weight may stop her. Steel Calling looks a real threat but i am going for one of those special HRP results where the maiden wins and going for Catch Me If I Fall to win her first race.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES