Grade 3 for Four Year Olds and Up
$300.000
6 Furlongs Turf at BEL
Post: 6/11/2016 15:00
This field is full of experience, but only one Graded Stakes winner. Sandor Clegane won the Grade 3 Saranac at SAR back in September. But that was at a distance. He shortens up here to take on seven talented challengers.
1 Sandor Clegane
Owner: Smithtown Stables
Breeder: Night Mare Racing
With five starts this year, this 4 year old gelding didn’t score his first win in 2016 until stepping down from graded company to Optional Claimer. The win came at AQU going 1 1/16 on firm turf. Next out he took on ungraded stakes company and won again, this time at 7 furlongs in the $100.000 Elusive Quality. 14 of his 18 career starts have come at a distance. Most of his starts have come at distance over turf, but his last two performances show ability at shorter distances, too. The one to beat.
2 Snow Tap
Owner: Australia Wide
Breeder: Rockitpad
Unplaced in graded company, Snow Tap tried Grade 1 in his last start and finished last of 7 at 1 1/8 mile. He’s been successful on dirt in ungraded stakes and turf at allowance level. Won the $100.000 Dangers Hour at AQU two starts back.
3 Five Foxes
Owner: Night Rider Stables
Breeder: Running Bear
At age 6, this son of Fox Hound makes his graded stakes debut. His only win at stakes level came in state-bred company at CRC in November. This is a big step up, but he has been very in Optional Claimer company after winning the $75.000 Millions Turf Sprint Preview Stakes at CRC in November.
4 Klepto
Owner Wolfs Den
Breeder: Night Mare Racing
His last win came at $7.000 claiming level three starts back. A multiple allowance winner, but his two previous tries at this level were unimpressive. Never in the money in stakes company. Big step up.
5 Shoot And Hope
Owner: Maxmillion Farm
Breeder: La Canada Racehorses
Has one win this year and that came in state-bred stakes company on dirt. He has been successful on turf recently, with a win at Optional Claimer level. Successful in ungraded company but is yet to win in graded company. Has been close in Graded company with a 3rd in the Turf Monster Handicap last September. Lightly raced since then. Last win came in the $100.000 Affirmed Success for NY breds here at BEL on dirt. Could be a factor here.
6 Smooth Linguist
Owner/Breeder: Canadian Racing
Has not finished out of the money since February 2015. Most recent action on dirt. Scored a win at BEL last out in Optional Claimer going six furlongs. Another one making graded stakes debut. Multiple allowance winner. Could be out front early.
7 Discernment
Owner: Mb Stables
Breeder: Bayou Star Farm
Most of his wins have come on turf at a mile or longer, but his last out at WO was 6 ½ on turf in Optional Claimer. Won his last out at WO in $80.000 Optional claiming company. Look for him to be out front early, too.
8 Kick It Up A Notch
Owner: Mb Stables
Breeder: Night Mare Racing
Won the $200.000 Presidents Cup for PA-breds in September at a distance. Shortened up for his last starts, turning in second place finishes in Optional Allowance and Allowance company. Will need to live up to his name to win here.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
