3/25/23
12 FG New Orleans Hcp (GII)
$500.000 4yo&Up 1 1/8m Turf Hcp Weights
The stakes races keep coming here on LA Derby Day, and we get a fantastic field of eleven set to go the classic mile and an eighth in the New Orleans Hcp (GII) on the main strip, here at FG. I’m going to give Killer Instinct the edge here today off of the three wins in his last four starts. He closed fast to win an Alw race in his ’23 debut and I think he will be tough to get past today. Let’s go right next door and put Quality Art in the second spot… and give Mb both of my selections. He won the Razorback (GIII), beating a few of these, and had the lead as they turned for home in the SA Hcp (GI), ending up fourth in that one. Best of luck to everyone!
Here’s The Field –
Came back on short rest to get the job done vs sAlw foes at SA, and got home in very quick order, going wire to wire in that one. Blazing work getting ready for today, so someone seems to like the current state of affairs and will probably come with some odds… but I wouldn’t be afraid to put a dime on him.
He’s been running fairly well for this barn, closing out ’22 with his only win of last season, but was third vs Cal-bred stakes company, then a fast closing fourth in the Razorback Hcp (GIII) at OP last out. He’s put some money in the bank winning five of sixteen wire-to-wire so he’s worth a look here.
He equaled his ’22 win total taking his seasonal debut at SA, beating up on OptAlw types in wire-to-wire fashion. He was second in graded company, sprinting at WO last season, so his best could make him a factor today.
He won the TX Derby, was third in the WV Derby (GIII) but the last three starts leave a LOT to be desired. He only beat one in the PA Derby (GI), was seventh in the Fayette (GII) and tired after setting the pace in the Razorback Hcp (GIII) to kickoff this season. He has to turn it around.
When he’s good, he’s good, but… He won the Birdstone after changing hands, then ran a couple of bad races on the grass, then won the Mr Prospector (GIII), only to go back to the grass and run mid-pack in a SA grass sprint stakes. I think he will like coming back to the main track as his weed-whacking days seem to be over.
Third in both ’23 starts, an Alw race then in the Razorback (GIII) where he faced a few of these. Four wins last season, so he certainly knows his way around the track and how to get his picture taken. I’d give him a fighter’s chance in this one as well.
Lightly raced for a 4yo, but JGR has this one in good shape right now. Broke maiden at KEE, then won an Alw race at SA before a third-place finish in the San Pascal (GII) where he did set the pace in that one. HOF trainer and this one could make some noise.
Won the Razorback Hcp (GIII), then was fourth in the SA Hcp (GI) where he had the lead late in that one. Comes back on short rest, but the big barn knows what the have and they are looking to get another big win today.
Very tough rascal from the big barn and he’s won three of his last four starts, carrying high weight here today. He never seems to run a bad race and closed like a freight train to win going away in his ’23 debut, pulling away late to beat Alw horses at SA. He’s a nice horse.
Another part of the Max couple and this one was a recent purchase. While he’s been close in a number of recent races, getting to the winner’s circle has been challenge for him, of late. His best would certainly make him a factor today.
Very discouraging finish in the Razorback Hcp (GIII), especially off of that runner up effort in the Pegasus (GI) where he had the lead in the lane. He can run with the best of them, thus why he has a 121 impost in this one. Don’t ignore him.
COZMAN 9 / 8 Willie’s Green Card 1 / 9
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
