The 9th Running of the Critical Eye Handicap
Monday, May 29, 2023
BEL Race #7 $200.000
F&M 4+ Handicap Weights 1 1/16
#1 Better In Leather (Allinthegate/D. Davis 119): 7yo mare has won nearly half of her 31 starts, and is a MSW. Tried G1 foes last time, but may not have enjoyed the muddy surface she caught that day. Draws well here, and has the early foot to take advantage.
#2 Exactly (Smokey Stover/K. Carmouche 120): ’22 KYO winner hasn’t won since September; however, that was the last time she faced an ungraded group. Ran well at OP to finish a length back of the winner when 4th, and maybe, just maybe, she is starting to round back into form.
#3 El Gran Condottieri (First Flight Stable/I. Ortiz Jr 119): Hard-knocking lass has taken a minor share in 10 of her 23 starts while only getting the big prize three times. 5yo was runner-up at AQU two-back before the graded try right here 3.5 weeks ago. Needs to step-up her game in here.
#4 Hollywood Romantik (D J C Racing Stables/J.L. Ortiz 118): Filly has been 1st or 2nd in 10 of her 14 starts; however, the last two times she tried this level, she was OTB in both. The good news is, she’s been in very good form since those efforts and deserves the shot here.
#5 Bla Bla Bla (Night Rider Stables/J. Rosario 118): Lightly raced, for this group, filly has been fairly consistent in the overnight ranks, but the G3 turf marathon didn’t go her way. She left herself with too much to do last time; however, she usually has a fairly dependable rally.
#6 Surrey (Smokey Stover/F. Prat 120): The second 4yo filly from this barn, this one is in better form than her stablemate. Hasn’t faced the same consistent quality as that one but she has bested these types before. Rallied well down at OP however, would expect her more forwardly-placed this time.
#7 Cherokee Latte (Chili King Stables/J. Alvarado 118): 5yo is in a good race/bad race form cycle that wouldn’t do her well to continue since she was runner-up last time. Slightly less accomplished on the main track, but she has shown some versatility that could serve her well here.
#8 Bad Seniorita (Luz International/ E. Cancel 120): 7yo just took a $100.000 race against this company in March. Last out, though, she was well beaten in a PRX open allowance. She’ll look to rally from midpack, but mare will have to prove the last was a fluke before some get back on her bandwagon.
Final Analysis: Only a two-pound weight split between the eight runners, so everyone should have an honest chance. We’ll call it 1-6-2 in the 9th edition of the Critical Eye Handicap. Good luck to all on this Memorial Day Monday, and, please, remember those that have served and continue to do so.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
