The Pennine Ridge – Grade 2 – $200.000

BEL – 1 1/8 Mile – InTurf

For Three Year Olds

June 3, 2023

Mb Stables has won this race three times in its eight runnings. He will try to do it again with Love Of The Derby. His chief competition could come from Solar Coast (Smokey Stover) or Buccaneers Bounty (Nakamura Stables).

Here’s the field:

1 Love Of The Derby (Mb Stables)

Undefeated this year in three starts, including the CA-bred Sullivan Stakes last out. Does his best running on or near the lead. Looks primed for a step up in class. Remains to be seen if he can stretch out the additional eighth mile. If he can, he will be tough to beat.

2 Solar Coast (Smokey Stover)

Hasn’t had much luck so far in graded company since he finished second in the Kittens Joy (Grade 3) back in February. Won the Palm Beach in March when he wired the field. Has performed well on the lead and coming from off the pace. Class is a question, but he still deserves a look.

3 Classic Peace (Threshold)

Broke his maiden two starts back, then finished off the board in the $150.000 Gold Fever. Making a big step up here in class and distance.

4 Racket Cat (Alydar Stables)

Second by a nose in the SUN Derby three starts back but hasn’t run to that form in either of his subsequent starts, finishing well up the track in both graded attempts. Will have to bring his A game to compete against these.

5 Kentucky Pharoah (Arindel)

His last win was at optional claiming level. Hasn’t hit the board yet at graded level since winning the With Anticipation last August in spite of several tries. Can’t make a case for this one.

6 Buccaneers Bounty (Nakamura Stables)

Another one struggling to win at this level. Did finish third by a neck in the SUN Derby two starts back on the dirt. Trying turf for the first time since a win in the Dania Beach in January. If he can run back to that form, he could get a piece of the purse.

7 Martinez (Royalty Stables)

Just a maiden win for this gelding. Finished third in the Ruby Stakes in the mud. Trying turf for the first time. Works say he’s good to go, but he’ll have to prove it on the track.

8 Law Of The Land (Mo Mentum Farm)

Solid allowance and optional claimer performances. Trying stakes for the first time since winning the Canada-bred Cup and Saucer in October. Working well, current performances are good. Tough to win against these but could get a piece of the purse.

Picks: 1-6-2

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES