The 15th Running of the G3 Connally BC Turf
January 30, 2022 19:05
HOU Race #4 $200.000 11/2 Turf
4YOs+ 123 Lbs (plus penalties)
Track Record-2:24.93 (Cinnamon Strike-2021)
Stakes Record-2:25.04 (Techfluence-2018)
The 15th Running of the G3 Connally BC Turf has drawn a field of six older turf marathoners for the $200.000 signature 12-furlong event at HOU. None of the six will have to pay a penalty on the scales so the best horse should win on Sunday. Who’s the best horse? Let’s take a look at the field and see if we can find the winner of the G3 Connally BC Turf:
#1 Louisiana Chicken (Maxmillion Farm/M. Franco 123): Not often do we see a 5yo with only two lifetime starts. Less often, do we see a 5yo with two starts making their third start in a G3. Rail-horse has flashed plenty of talent in the mornings leading-up to this assignment and has been fast enough to be in front early going much shorter in the first two starts of his career. Could be any kind at this point, but this is a gargantuan leap in class. He’ll be in front early, but not sure he is quite ready for this.
#2 Born To Party (Lanfranco Stable/F. Geroux 123): Claimed for $25.000 back in September of 2020 and has four exacta finishes in five starts for this outfit. 6yo will be taking his second crack at graded foes, but the last try came during his sophomore campaign. Not making quite the leap that the rail horse is but this is still a very big ask.
#3 Andes (Threshold/J.L. Alvarez 123): 4yo was plucked out of the December auction for just $22.950 and new connections stand to make a nice profit if this guy can get the job done. He beat stakes foes and placed against GS foes last season, so he shouldn’t be intimidated by this group. Has been dropping back a bit in the early stages but tactics may change with the new barn. If he can be a little closer, he looks like the type that should relish going the full 12-furlongs. Win contender.
#4 Hindenburg Tour (Nakamura Stables/V.R. Carrasco 123): 6yo has covered a lot of miles and is a multiple GSW; however, he hasn’t won a GS in a little more than 24 months. Probably dropped too far back in his last effort but he has shown the ability to be on/near the pace and still finish strong. If he can get back to that style, he could factor in the outcome of this. Think a minor share is his most likely outcome.
#5 Devil Made Me Doit (Maxmillion Farm/J.R. Velazquez 123): 4yo had a strong sophomore campaign and looks to add a 2nd G2 to go along with his G1 victory last year. No questioning the stamina, heart, or ability with this guy. If he is ready to run his “A” race, he looks to be the class of the field and is strictly the one to beat.
#6 Zensational (Smokey Stover/S.X. Bridgmohan 123): 4yo will be making his GS debut while going three-eighths further than he has ever been. He’s beaten winners on four occasions in the allowance ranks, so we know he has some talent. Gets a class test here but doesn’t appear that he will embarrass himself. Don’t think he beats the top two, but he could turn a profit in this spot.
Final Analysis: 5-3-6 feels about right. If Devil Made Me Doit is on his game, the race will be for second place. If he doesn’t fire his best, Andes seems the most likely alternative. Good luck to everyone in the G3 Connally BC Turf!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
