The 13th Running of The AP Classic-G3
July 17, 2021 18:25
AP Race #2 $100.000 13/16 Turf
3YO 120 Lbs 4+ 124 Lbs (+penalties)
Track Record-1:51.94 (Caught Red Hoofed-2015)
Stakes Record-1:52.52(Darth Invader-2020)
AP gets in on the graded action on Saturday with the 13th Running of the $100.000 G3 AP Classic for 3yos+ going 13/16 on the turf. The 3yos had the gate to themselves for the first twelve editions, but that changes today as the older generations are invited to the party. Diablo Diablo (2011, 2020)is the only conditioner to have saddled two winners of this race while jockeys M. Murrill and C. Emigh have each booted home two winners. As a Grade 3 event, the race offers four BC Turf points to the winner while the place and show horses will earn two points and one point, respectively. Will the 3yos be able to use the weight break to their advantage or will they wilt under the pressure of their elders? Let’s meet the field for this year’s G3 AP Classic:
#1 Feathers Not Dots (Night Rider Stables/J.E. Lopez 124): 5yo Cherokee Sunset gelding has taken it on the chin against G1 foes recently but has also won his last four against ungraded company and one of those was the $95.000 Claiming Crown Emerald. Should relish the class relief in this one and looks like he will be running at the end. When asked to comment, conditioner Night Rider Stables had this to say, ” I bought him from John Henry who had him firing on all cylinders. Since he’s been in my barn he’s been showing me some real quality; that’s why I went straight to Gr1 races with him. I don’t believe I’ve figured out the right formula to get his best race out of him so I feel like I’m still trying to figure him out. Hopefully this is his best race for me yet and if that’s the case he will be a major factor.”
#2 Butterball (Angelos Stable/Edg. Perez 124): Old-timer shows up here after third place finishes in the G2 Connault Cup and G3 Poker Stakes. 6yo Prince Majestic gelding will be making the 40th start of his career and has shown the ability to beat these types before. Hard to root against a horse like this, but this will be his first try past 9 furlongs. Can you teach an old dog new tricks? Trainer Angelos Stable said, “I think Butter Ball has a great chance to win the race. He has taken 3rd in his last few races but, I think he’s really got a shot against this company.”
#3 High Command (Nakamura Stables/R. Bowen 124): Sixth in the G3 MTH Stakes last out, this Honorable Command gelding has been touting himself locally with two sharp morning drills. 4yo could be sitting on a big one and he will need a career best to beat this field, but all signs point to him making an impact here. Trainer Nakamura Stables had this to say when asked about how his horse was coming into this one, “His last was a mystery. May need some urging if he’s going to compete.”
#4 Ideal Gift (Threshold): SCRATCHED
#5 Mahogany Storm (Smokey Stover/E.T. Baird 120): Grade 3 winner looks to get back on track here after two failed dirt attempts preceded his 5th place finish in the G2 American Turf last time. Took down a G2 as a juvenile, definitely prefers the lawn and gets four pounds from his elders so expectations should be high for the son of Good Authority; however, it is fair for anyone to question if this one has gotten better as the season has progressed. Trainer Smokey Stover had this to say about his charge, “He is one of my best active sire prospects so certainly hoping for a good run. He hasn’t quite kicked on from his form at the start of the year so I am not sure what to expect. The weight break will certainly help but not sure it will be enough. I do think he will appreciate the extra distance. I think ideally he wants 12F. Not confident but hoping for the best!”
#6 City Watch (John Henry/C.A. Emigh 124): Motor City 4yo gelding has earned a check in 9 straight races and 15 of 16 in his career while only missing the tri three times. No doubting his consistency, but has yet to defeat graded competiton. Has two victories at 11/16 but this will be his first race beyond that distance; however, this guy will compete and knows how to make money for his conditioner.
#7 Going Gone (John Henry/D. Carroll 124): 7yo G1 winner looks at all of these whipper-snappers and says, “Let’s race!” Hasn’t won since October of last year, but on his best day(s), the rest of these are running for 2nd. Cherokee Sunset gelding enters here off of a disappointing effort in the G2 Wise Dan and in need of a win. We should all be so lucky to own one horse like this.
#8 Brain Power (Nakamura Stables/J.E. Felix 124): Even if the 7yo to his inside has had the more prolific career, this 8yo Iron Kaki gelding has the upper-hand in terms of wins and longevity. Has yet to win a graded race in 48 career starts, but is enjoying an eight race streak of placing in the money. Won the $100.000 Douglas Park at CD in his last start and looks to keep the good times rolling here. As for how his horse is doing, Nakamura Stables replied, “As consistent as they come. Just run however he chooses.”
#9 Sevens Vb (La Canada Racehorses/J. Loveberry 120): The 2nd 3yo in the field, this Viking Bachelor gelding was purchased in the August 2020 auction for $1.000. Didn’t do much running in his debut; however has been an exact machine in his last six while picking up four wins. Took down the War Chant ($125.000) at CD on June 26 and comes back here on short rest to tackle some very tough veterans in his first attempt at graded company. If you prefer experience look elsewhere, but, if you favor upside, then this is your guy. La Canada Racehorses had this to say about his charge, “Hes rested and eating LOL! So he finally won a non GS race and it was either wait 30-60 days due to weight penalties or enter into a GS race. Hes very consistent, appears to be improving and thought he deserved a shot in this race. As it turns out, the race did not turn up super tough and I think Smokey’s horse is the one to beat. Expecting a solid effort.”
Final Analysis: Would love nothing more than to see the elder statesmen decide this one, but in the end 5-7-8-9. Good luck to all of the connections in the 2021 G3 AP Classic!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
