BG Stakes Grade 1 Purse $1,250.000 For Three Year Olds

1 1/8th on Dirt       Keenland Park, Lexington KY

Lots of ways to bet this race and lots of angles to look at for Saturday’s BG Stakes. The first thing that handicapper’s will notice is either that Mb Stables sends out a three horse hidden entry or that one of the fourteen runners is a filly taking on the boys. Let’s take a closer look and try to head in the right direction. Quantum Pursuit from Mb Stables is a good sized three-year-old at 16 hands. He has been first or second in three starts around two turns since his opening performance at one turn back on Halloween. Even though both of the other Mb horses have more seasoning on their resume, this might be the best horse that the barn sends out for this stakes. Keep an eye on the tote board for more clues. Self Love also from Mb Stables won The Withers Stakes with a little something in reserve and then found himself trying to go gate-to-wire in NY and just missing at one mile. He wants more distance than that and is a better horse when allowed to relax, expect him to change tactics for this. Filly West Coast Girls from Diablo Diablo came up a head short of beating all the boys in The VA Derby. She draws the 12 hole here and will simply break a step slow on purpose, go down closer the rail and then come with a late run…if everything goes as planned. She is a threat here, but will need improvement and racing luck to win this, because the fact is simply that this group is tougher than what she faced in The VA Derby. Bank Robber from Our Athletes had been running in State Bred races in NY before going west to race in The San Felipe Stakes a in Arcadia. The colt had no trouble with the surroundings, the distance (first time going two turns) or anything else and came home fast to grab the silver medal. His number from that event hits hard in here and can’t be ignored with any confidence. Any improvement and he could take home the gold.

Of The Rest:

Mystic Caller from DJC Racing Stables is very interesting here. The gelding started his three-year-old campaign by running a sprint at Charles Town, where he won with plenty in the tank and simply outclassed the field. He then jumps all the way up to The Rebel Stakes where he just misses and earns a big number in the process. Couldn’t possibly talk you off him if he is your choice.

Mayor Of Win City from Mo Mentum Farm had no trouble when switching back to dirt and going two turns for the first time. Looking at that effort, he should sit comfortably on the rail here, save every inch of ground and then weave his way through traffic late. He should also offer some value for your exotic bets.

Southwind from Acber Farms won The Davis Stakes but then got too far back in The Tampa Derby. Looking at his overall form he looks like a small piece would be his ceiling here.

Meekshallinherit from Big Jd Racing won The Tampa Derby in his last start but earlier was no match for the cast of The Davis Stakes, including the winner, Southwind.

Liams Map also from DJC Racing Stables is improving and wants the distance. Throw out the effort in The Holy Bull as he didn’t take to the surface that day. He should settle in a good spot here, so hopefully his jockey can hit the button at just the right time. He will however need some improvement to grab a major prize.

Starbright from Twin Towers Racing earned a number in his last that fits the context needed to play ball here. Bought at auction in December, he is winless for this barn in three tries but is also improving with every start. Don’t be shocked if he runs a banger on Saturday.

Hades from Serenity Stables draws well here and should have every chance to be positioned wherever the connections want him to be. The recent $300.000 purchase was a big investment for the barn, but his form does not add up to an endorsement in this race unless he has a significant upswing in the cards for Saturday. The diminutive gelding could very well turn out to be a good purchase; I just think the spoils will come later down the road.

Colt Of Personality from Alydar Stables has finished with two mid-pack performances since breaking his maiden in the mud back in December. Not bad efforts, just nothing close to what it will take to compete for a prize here.

Chasing Magic also from Mb Stables has found the age change to three not too comfortable so far looking at his two efforts this year. His only solid effort going two turns was a win in The Gun Runner Stakes in Arcadia last year where he made a giant run off the far turn. That same effort and then some will be needed Saturday if he is to rebound.

Connect The Dots from First Flight Stable has won two allowance races since breaking his maiden at Charles Town. His run in the recent VA Derby was admirable, but overall, he looks to have little chance here. If the race falls apart and he lingers at the back from his parking lot post, he might be able to spice up the bottom of the tri or super, maybe…

-Trackman

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES