The 19th Running of the Grant Stakes
Saturday, November 19, 2022
DMR Race #5 $100.000
CA-Bred 3+ 121/124 Lbs (plus penalties) 7-Furlongs
Course Record-1:19.77 (Alpha Ultimo-2007)
Stakes Record-1:21.40 (Prato Gentile-2021)
#1 Blamethespeedparty (Martyparty/R.A. Vasquez 123): Took the Bertrando at LA back in June, but he’s winless in four starts since. That score costs him two pounds on the scales here, but he is nicely drawn. Bertrando victory came on the front-end while only facing three rivals, but he hasn’t been asked for much speed in his other races. Definitely fits on class, but the weight/trip scenario is a tad tricky.
#2 Caltastic (Night Rider Stables/J.J. Hernandez 124): Been ITM in six of seven starts this season with two wins thus far. Draws well to suit his preferred running style as he will probably be mixing it up in the early stages. If he can replicate the CD effort from back in May, he can make an impact; however, he’ll have to produce an improved effort in his third crack at state-bred foes.
#3 Daddys Operation (TwinTowersRacing/SCRATCHED)
#4 Shook (John Henry/J. Bravo 121): Spent some time on the KYD prep trail earlier in the season, but those foes (and perhaps the trips) proved too tough. His last two have seen him battling it out on the front end against quality, sprint opposition so the early foot is there to take advantage of this draw. Only one win and two ITM finishes on his season, but he was a very useful juvenile and may take to the 7-panels.
#5 House Command (The Sidley Stud/M.E. Smith 121): Lightly-raced gelding was 3rd beaten two lengths in a $75.000 ALB stakes two-back and just missed in September when he was 5th beaten only a half-length. Dips into the state bred ranks here and he brings some versatility to this assignment. Hasn’t won very often, but the trainer is on a pretty good run right now so everything from the barn deserves a second look.
#6 Palace Guard (Fractious/V. Espinoza 123): $55.000 purchase went through just in time to get nominated for this. Took a 6.5-furlong HST stake that will cost him on the scales here. Nothing wrong with the way he was working for the previous outfit and have to believe runner was hand-picked for this opportunity. He’s been prone to leavig himself too much to do late, so wouldn’t be surprised to see him asked for a bit more early on. Appears dangerous in barn-debut.
#7 First Down Dash (Axeman/D. Van Dyke 124): 6yo will be making the 2nd start for this outfit after being purchased for $20.000 last month. Last out was kind of spot on for this one as he has a knack for being a tad inconsistent. Trainer may have a better handle on his abilities and anything resembling the two-back effort at AQU would make him a player.
#8 Dream Rummer (La Canada Racehorses/U. Rispoli 123): Started his season by lighting-up the tote in the $100.000 Winkfield and has continued to be a useful earner. Was only beaten a length here in August in a very similar spot , and he only has to give a couple of rivals any weight. He’s won half of his eight starts this campaign and may be able to sit just off the pace in the two-path.
#9 Catchy Bay (Gdp Inc/Ru. Gonzalez 121): Consistent tryer has been ITM in six of his last seven starts and he was a close 4th in that other one. His one foray into stakes-company did not go as planned, but a lot of water has passed under the bridge since that January effort. Seems to be in the best form of his career and wouldn’t expect anything different for this assignment.
#10 On My Toes (Harvey Acres/E. Maldonado 123): Tagged for $50.000 out of a winning effort at KEE last time, he returns to face similar company to the season-opening score for $150.000. That January win will cost him a couple pounds on the scale, and, coupled with this post, presents an interesting dilemma. If either were working in his favor, this one would challenge for favortism. Would be a nice spot to get the barn their first win.
Final Analysis: 4-6-1-10 in a wide open renewal of the Grant Stakes. Good luck everyone!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
