GP 10 McKnight Stakes (GIII)
$200.000 4yo&Up 1 1/2m InTurf 124lbs +penalties
It’s going to be a great weekend of racing in South Florida and we look at the field of 10 set to go the marathon distances of a mile and a half on the inner turf at GP in the McKnight Stakes (GIII).
I’m looking at the Big Barn for my top choice and will give that to Mb Stables Devilish Details. He was a VERY fast closing fourth in the BC Mile (GI) and the added half mile may be just what he wants. He knocked down $507.000 in earnings last season, so he knows how to cash a check. Let’s go to the outside gate position for the second choice and take Taniwha for that. If he didn’t get that horrible post I’d probably put him on top, and he may still take the win. It’s a solid field, so let’s grab another cold snack and get down to the rail to watch this one.
Here’s the Field –
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Stallsome |
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Maxmillion Farm |
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Maragh Ro |
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124 |
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12/1 |
Three wins from four starts since being purchased for $10.000 after running in $5.000 claimers. The barn knew what they wanted as he’s been tough since, except when facing graded company and that’s what he sees again today. He needs to step up here or it’s going to be a long afternoon.
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The Monkii Man |
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The Sidley Stud |
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Maldonado E |
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124 |
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8/1 |
Three wins last season including a nice turf triumph at PRX in the Neshaminy. He had three one-length defeats after that, incluing the Sycamore (GIII) where he was fourth going today’s distance. He could have an outsiders shot here.
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Lets Do It Big Boy |
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RNP Stables |
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Jaramillo E |
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124 |
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7/1 |
Only one win in ’19 but he made it count taking the Knickerbocker (GII) at AQU, bringing home a nice payday. He was fifth in the BC Turf (GI) going the extreme distance and a repeat of that may get him on the tote board.
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Happy Model |
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Estero Farms |
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Velazquez J R |
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124 |
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6/1 |
Had a couple of Alw wins in ’19 and was on the board in a few nice graded stakes races. A couple of lengths difference and he wins a ton of money… so can he find that extra today and get the season kicked-off in style?
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Wired Up |
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Rampage Stable |
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Ortiz I Jr |
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124 |
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5/1 |
Very hit and miss season for this one last year… two wins from seven starts, was second in the Hirsch Turf (GI) and a third in the BEL Derby (GI) but had a 10th and a 9th in two of his last three. When he’s right, look out, when he’s not, look away.
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Raj Action Packed |
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Arindel |
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Gaffalione T |
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124 |
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4/1 |
Three wins last season including a victory in the fore-mentioned Hirsch Turf (GI), finishing out his three race win streak. The rest of the year was fairly forgettable, but if he can run back to that late summer form he could be a huge factor.
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Major Glory |
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Court Jester Racing |
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Bravo J |
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124 |
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10/1 |
A single win last year, an Alw race at ELP, but it was at today’s extended distance. He was third in the Jerkens over this course to close out the year, so some home cookin’ may be a reason to like his chances in this one.
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Devilish Details |
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Mb Stables |
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Bejarano R |
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124 |
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7/2 |
Hard closing third in the BC Mile (GI) and he had three wins in ’19 including the Wise Dan (GII) at CD. He’s been training well and has been off since Nov so if he’s ready, and he looks like he is, this could be a good spot for him to make a splash.
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Warino |
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D J C Racing Stables |
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Beschizza A |
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124 |
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8/1 |
Two wins last season, both vs. Alw types and he struggled in both the DMR
Derby (GII) and Commonwealth Turf (GIII). I do like that he won
going a mile and three-eighths at GG, so the distance may play to his
liking.
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Taniwha |
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Aml Racing |
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Tunon M |
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124 |
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5/2 |
Won the BEL Gold Cup (GII) at today’s distance back in Jun, one of his two wins last season. He was second in the Sycamore (GIII) to close out his year and has been off since Oct. Rested, loves the distance… then he catches the ten post. He still looks good to me.
COZMAN Picks 8 / 10 Willie’s Green Card 10 / 7 / 3 Scotty 10 / 8 / 6
Categories: Grade III
