The Iowa Oaks – Grade III
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $200.000 Filly 3 Year Olds.
1st Distant Cousin, trained by D J C racing Stables
This filly clearly benefitted from a little break and a confidence boosting allowance win as she ran her heart out to get a game win today. Just in behind the speed she kept finding to grind out a head win making it four from nine in a career that has already netted two black type races. I believe this filly was not far off the best of her age group so with a little improvement she could turn out to be the sort of filly to peak come BC time.
2nd Hydro, trained by team 7 Illusions
Ran up to her Acorn second coming with a strong run but just failing to get the win. Being by Charley Farley she just keeps adding to her value as a broodmare but I think there may be a big win in her before that happens.
3rd Danzing logic, trained by Riggins Racing
Flew late and was only beaten a quarter length in third. Her running style will always result in these types of last gasp efforts but she is good and should add to juvenile successes before long.
4th High Percentage, trained by Maverick Racing
Was right on the speed in the stalk from the off but could not find a turn of foot when challenged from behind. This was a nice run but once again she didn’t live up to her superb second in the grade one Ashland.
5th T S Razor, trained by Australia Wide
This race posed just as many questions as answered for this filly. I was fearful of the wide draw and it was the wide speed push and early lead that beat her for no particular reason other than that is what happens at HRP. She was only beaten a length in the end which wasn’t a bad effort but I was a little disappointed by this and will take x=some convincing to get on her side again.
6th Don’t Freak Out, trained by Visceral Farms
It must be heart breaking when you buy a horse for a significant amount and see it continually fail but like so many this season this run once again proves that money can’t buy easy wins.
7th Shakira, trained by Alydar Stables
I cannot explain this terrible effort unless instructions played a part.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
