The Audubon
CD Race #9 1 1/8m Turf Stake
Purse $275.000 For Three Year Olds

1 One Beer South Shore Stables Cabrera D 122 —

First turf run and a win last time, sometimes they can do that and then not do it again. This gelding looked like a good prospect at the end of last year and confirmed that with a third in the Lecomt making him an outside chance to get in the KYD. He ran well but didn’t place in the Risen Star and then ran very well to be fourth in the TAM Derby. His one shot came in the Wood Memorial, but he couldn’t make it count. I am not sure he is a turfer but his dirt form is good enough to give him a live chance off the inside gate.

2 Nebraska Smokey Stover Gutierrez Mario 122 —

The trainer must have a big room where he keeps these lightly raced horses that run up a sequence before taking on stakes company. It is a formula that works, and this son of Great State has won her last three and worked a very encouraging sub 1.35 last time for the turf mile. Drawn perfectly with a turf specialist AI in the saddle he must be a winning chance.

3 Exemplary Mb Stables Franco M 122 —

Another that looked a TC prospect among the many in the stable but although he ran some nice races, he never got a point in the qualifiers. Eighth in the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint and then a close second in the De Mile Stakes in fairness to him he looked like his future was on turf and with that his efforts to be close up in the top dirt qualifiers were pretty good. Ran on last time in the American Turf and wasn’t beaten far but he is one of the few closers in the stable and thus his form doesn’t read like others from the yard. His works are sharp, so his winning chance has nothing to do with his ability and everything to do with the race engine.

4 Way Of The Dragon Fractious Velazquez J R 122 —

Fourth in the American Turf and ahead of Exemplary he has every right to confirm those placings and if he does could well win. Two good wins prior to that and some very nice works before and since point towards him being above average and the stable is no stranger to winning this year.

5 Sorcerer Fractious Prat F 122 —

Back on the turf where all three of his wins have come, he is another strong worker who, back to his favorite surface, looks a strong chance. It is hard to split the stable companions and just maybe there is a one-two on the cards here for Fractious.

6 Memory Upgrade Wood Duck Stables Geroux F 122 —

A speedy type who may use the wide gate to lead them out, he could well surprise a few if he is left alone and not pressured too much.

SUMMARY

Only a small field but a tough race to call. I like the Fractious pair here and maybe that’s the exacta right there although this is a field where you cannot write anything off.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded