Alexandra Stakes – Grade II [KYO]
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $300.000 Filly 3 Year Olds.

1st Credit Crime Aer Stables Ortiz I Jr

The early pace here was solid, maybe a tick above average but the sort of pace that gives the leaders little chance and the trailers the same. That leaves it open for those mid pack types and this filly that has demonstrated many times that she needs little help when it comes to instructions as she has the gift of being able to adjust to the race pattern. She stalked a grade one win in the Spinaway, was a deep closer in the BC Juvenile Fillies and today was slightly worse than mid pack but each time she adjusted her running style to the pace and today she did it perfectly. When Ortiz told her to go, she went and won with a bit in hand at the end going under the wire a length clear. She has been long vaunted as a super star by her trainer, and she certainly looks a bit special as she gears up for the KYO with this impressive win. In years gone by the trainer may have been tempted to take on the boys but many a very good filly has failed to clear that significant HRP hurdle, and I would think the safe bet would be to take on the filly’s crown.

2nd Shes A Looker Nakamura Stables Gallardo A A

Her winning run may have come to an end, but she did nothing wrong in running second to a very good filly here and has the advantage of a light career and obvious improvement to come. She may be suited by the slightly longer trip in the KYO and whilst it is tough to see her beating her victor in the near future, she has the right running style and the right attitude to go a long way in this division.

3rd Valkyria Alydar Stables Espinoza V

We have come to expect deep closers from this trainer and this one came from a long way back to grab third and is clearly much improved since her long awaited maiden win at the end of last year. That’s two KYO races and a win and a third and if this pace had been a tick quicker, she may well have made it two wins.

4th Ride With An Edge Mb Stables Prat F

Back on the main track she had to do a lot of work to find a slot and did pretty well to end up fourth. I think she is deserving of another shot at the KYO and with a better draw and a kinder run, I wouldn’t be writing her off a chance of the KYO field.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES