The Bradley Handicap- Grade III

FG Race 9 1 1/16M Turf

Purse $125.000 for Four Year

Olds and Upward

1 Playmaker, trained by RNP Stables

This 5 year old gelding is coming off a year in which he logged 14 races. He has experienced most of his success on the grass and drawing the rail in a relatively small field should mean a good trip. He does have some of the best speed numbers in the race and I expect him to be able to capture a minor share of the purse here.

2 Cherokee Charlie, trained by Team 7 Illusions

Only beaten 2 lengths in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby last out this gelding should be one of the main contenders today. Prior to that effort he picked up a win in an ungraded stake and looks to have found his best form recently. I am a bit concerned about his most recent work which was a bit on the slow side but he should get a good trip and make his presence felt.

3 Shining Victory, trained by Sanny Village

Horse has changed hands a couple of times since his last race as he was claimed by AER Stables for $16.000 and then sold to his current owner for $45.000. All of his races to this point have been on the dirt but the recent mile turf work might be what caught the new owner’s attention. He is going to have to improve quite a bit to be a player here but there is not much speed in the race and he could get loose on the lead.

4 Maggies Bones, trained by End Run Farm

A very consistent sort finishing in the money in 7 of 9 lifetime turf starts. His 2 most recent efforts were a first and a second in a pair of $75.000 ungraded stakes races and he garnered a 100 speed rating in both of them. Should be a major player in this field but does his best running from further back and I am not sure he will get the pace he needs to get the job done.

5 Dorky Stripes, trained by Glorify Stables

The winner of a 20K claimer his last time out this one takes a big step up in class here. Has shown major improvement with a switch to the grass and may be able to work out the perfect trip just off a slow pace. Since we all know there is not much of a class system here at HRP it would not surprise me to see this one close at the wire.

6 Sweep the Ravine, trained by Hambletonian Stable

Purchased out of the most recent auction for $100.000 he was quickly entered into the Grade 2 Mathis Brothers Mile and did not disappoint winning by a clear length. Now in typical Hambletonian style he is being brought back on short rest in an effort to capitalize on his good form. He has been in the money in 9 of 11 career races, several of which are graded stakes, which is what brings us to the big issue. This being a handicap he will have to spot the field 4-6 pounds which is a tough obstacle here at HRP. I think he is the best of this bunch but the weight may be too much to overcome.

7 Chef de Brigade, trained by Nakamura Stables

This guy is only 2 for 18 lifetime and does not seem to be on his best form lately. Was beaten by Maggies Bones in his last outing and was winless for all of 2017. Does pick up a hot jock and has been working fairly well but would be a major surprise if he was able to win from the outside.

Summary

I expect Shining Victory to set a leisurely pace with Dorky Stripes sitting just behind. I believe if Maggies Bones can stay close enough he can get the job done as the weight proves too much for Sweep the Ravine.

4-2-1-3

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES