Elkhorn – Grade II
KEE Race #2 1 1/2m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $350.000 For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Dark Arts TwinTowersRacing Geroux F 123 —

This one is typical of the horses from this yard, only two wins but some excellent efforts in some top races. His recent form hasn’t been as encouraging but this trainer can get performances out of horses that others can’t, and I wouldn’t be writing him off. Let’s not forget he was a hard closing fifth in the BC Turf last year and was probably moving faster than anything else in the final furlong.

2 Neds Influence The Sidley Stud Dettori L 123 —

He is in great form this year taking the San Louis Rey last time. He has been useful for a while now and loves the longer trips so is sure to be strong at the end of this race. The trainer has some big chances this weekend and with a great draw this one is certainly on the list of possible winners.

3 Life Is Beautiful Riggins Racing Bridgmohan S X 123 —

Yet another of those claimers turned stakes winners, he won the Connely BC Turf for the trainer that claimed him for just $20.000 but was then subject to the deep pockets of Riggins Racing and moved to that stable for $230.000. The new owner wasted no time in making his money back when winning the Diarmida last time and looks for a quick payback on the rest of the investment in this race. He is certainly working well and on his last two starts is certainly getting some of that five-year-old fairy dust so he could well be the favorite to win today.

4 Karma Sutra Night Rider Stables Cedillo A 123 —

Like his name’s sake he has a long list of positions he likes to use but he hasn’t really settled on a style that sees him coming through too often. One of those wild cards here, if he wins, I am sure someone will find a reason why but from where I am sitting, he will be hard pushed.

5 King Z Mb Stables Ortiz I Jr 123 —

Yes, yet another claimer to stakes winner, this one claimed by Mb Stables after getting beaten in a claimer and then just a few months later a grade three winner in the McKnight. Pushed Life Is Beautiful in the Diarmida after making the running and I suspect we will see him on the pace again today. The stable wins more than they lose so I am sure he will be right there again today.

6 House Of Games Spankys Barn Saez L 123 —

Ran an eye-catching race in the Muniz Memorial closing hard at the end and I do wonder whether we will see him to advantage over this marathon trip. I like him but on the balance of form he may find one too good.

7 Calling All Angels D J C Racing Stables Gutierrez Mario 123 —

He has always promised more than he delivers but that is probably down to his deep closing style. He will need a strong pace and a clear wide run to win which happens a bit these days so with the trainer in great form I may be looking to the odds about him.

8 Prince Ferro Maxmillion Farm Jimenez A 123 —

Works like a super star but often doesn’t deliver. Good enough to place at graded level but also not good enough to win over nights. If the trainer has found what makes him tick, then he could be a surprise package.

SUMMARY

An interesting race as these twelve-furlong slogs often are. I think Life Is Beautiful looks the obvious choice but there are plenty of chances around him.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES