The Lang Stakes

6 Furlong Dirt Stakes Purse $150.000 3 Year olds

2016 Champ: Going Bonkers

A very interesting group of eight 3 year old colts and geldings will compete for the $200.000 purse on Saturday evening as part of the under card on Preakness Day. This 6 furlong race has a little bit of everything from a Breeders Cup runner to one that ran for $7.500 last time out.

1- Iamquick (Brave, ridden by Lynch F)

Win a $7.500N3L, next step? $200.000 stake? Sure why not says Brave. He has been steadily improving over the past few months but this placement is a bit of a jump. The distance should be right in his wheel house. I think this horse is one to watch going forward but not yet, give him a few more races and he may fit in just fine to a race like this.

2- Galway Bay (Estero Farms, ridden by Velazquez J R)

After being purchased for a very reasonable $65.000 last month from Australia Wide, Galway Bay was able to break his maiden in an Ontario bred maiden race at the end of April. He broke his maiden that day in a full field of 10 and was able to do it in impressive fashion. The 1:08.4 time makes him a contender in this race and should not be overlooked in this field despite only having the three career starts.

3- Assvolts (Namor Farms, ridden by Bejarano R)

Assvolt is proving to be a great claim back in January. In his most recent start he was able to close out the $100.000 Walker at Churchill. He is continuing to improve every time he hits the track. No doubt will be a contender in this race but wont be my top pick in this race.

4- Clash Study (Smokey Stover, ridden by Cruz An)

In from New Mexico, Clash Study comes into this race on a two race win streak and Sunland Park. Both wins came at 5 1/2 furlongs and the move to 6 furlongs should not be an issue for this one. Like many in this race he likes to sit a few lengths off the lead and close late the one to his outside could very well be the rabbit to run down in the race. He will hope to have the best late kick and get a trip but will likely only be able to take home a small part of the pot.

5- Jacque Allot (End Run Farm, ridden by Prade E S)

Jacque Allot is a regular in the New Mexico state bred ranks but will step out and give open company a try again. His last attempt was in the GIII Sham which was a forgettable performance. This one definitely has some talent and will likely be the only speed threat early on in this one. I wouldn’t be shocked if he can get loose on the lead and no one ever catch him.

6- Sir Plucky Monkey (Blushing Meadows, ridden by Ortiz I Jr)

The six horse in this race is by far the most seasoned stake horse on the field. He was a turf runner as a two year old ending in a 12th place finish in the BC Juv Turf race. In 2017 he as switched over to a dirt sprinter which includes a 2nd place finish in the GII Swale. Should be the big money favorite in this one. He will likely want to just sit off the pace set by Jacque Allot, make his move around the turn and hold on for dear life while the mid pack closers hope to best him.

7- Hey Champ (Luz International, ridden by Gutierrez Mario)

This gelding will be taking his shot at a stake outside of the New York bred ranks for the first time. This will be the first start since early February where he had an unimpressive third place finish which quickly resulted in being gelded. I do not see this one being much of a factor in this one, at this time he looks more suited for some state bred racing.

8- Mae Mae (Jkk Racing Stables, ridden by Desormeaux K J)

Drawing the outside post in this one is Mae Mae. He is coming in off a nice showing in the $100.000 Woodstock Stakes at Woodbine. Of all the contenders in the race this one will likely be the furthest back early on. Which could be an issue with 3-4 others all closing at the end it may make it difficult to find a hole to squeak through. He usually finds a way to be near the front when they cross the wire and will likely do the same in this one.

It is an interesting group of eight in this one making it a very difficult race to handicap as they are coming for all over the place. In the end I think Galway Bay is just starting to show his talents and this will be the race people start to take notice.

My Selection: 2/6/8

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES