Alysheba – Grade II
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $750.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Distant Breeze The Sidley Stud Pennington F

This six-year-old was handed his best chance of victory here as the rains came and with his wet track record, he certainly gained an advantage. Having said that he proved in the Ghostzapper last time that he is a strong on-pacer that can compete at this level whatever the weather. This was a strong win not least because his first quarter time was faster than his dry track winning time in the Ghostzapper which in itself is amazing. Using the outside speed push, he worked very hard to make the lead and still managed to hold on by a half-length bucking the days trend which generally saw the leaders struggle.

2nd Lunar Victory Mb Stables Velazquez J R

Sat in the lose stalk off a fast opening quarter but took ground all the way to the line eventually coming up short by a half-length. Whilst he clearly acts on this wet surface, I don’t think it was as much as an advantage as was held by the winner, so this was a decent effort by the BC Dirt Mile winner.

3rd Face The Lunatic Martyparty Corrales G

You can certainly say that after his great win last time and this great effort on a track that didn’t suit that this horse is peaking now. There will be more wins for sure.

4th Master And Commander John Henry Franco M

Considering the way other races went today I half expected this one to fly home for the win today after getting right back into his customary trailing position. He did fly home, but his late run was just too late, and he ended up just over a length behind at the end. After his last two very poor efforts this was a welcome return to some sort of form and will have given the owner some hope going forward.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES