The 17th Running of the G3 Lang Stakes
Saturday, May 20, 2023
PIM Race #15 $200.000
3YOs 122 Lbs (plus penalties) 6-Furlongs
#1 Prince George (Mb Stables/P. Lopez 122): 6th on the stretch-out last time, but he was only beaten a length in that KEE G3. Gets back to his preferred three-quarters trip for this and draws the rail which should suit his ample early foot. Bested NY-breds for $100.000 two back and looks ready to bounce out of there for this one as the controlling speed.
#2 Regal Halo (Fractious/M. Franco 122): Gelding has beaten winners twice in his last four starts with the wins sandwiching a couple close, runner-up efforts. Faces the litmus test today, but he’s proven this is his game and that he doesn’t mind a dogfight. Race doesn’t look to have much pace (minus the rail horse); however, he shouldn’t need a win to continue down this path.
#3 Shame (Arindel/L. Saez 122): Last-out MSW winner jumps straight in the deep end here, and his times are right in line with these types. He didn’t catch a monster group for his first time with winners, but all five rivals have conquered winners at least once. Should be able to stay within range early and get first jump if he’s good enough.
#4 Art Vandelay (Jokerjoes/D.E. Centeno 124): Took AQU G3 last time and will spot his rivals two pounds here. Multiple stakes-winner has yet to run a bad race on this engine, but he’ll need to show he’s just as good at 6F as he was at 7F. He could be much the best, or he could leave himself too much to do…your call.
#5 Freed (La Canada Racehorses/F. Boyce 122): 2023 has been all good for this winner of four straight. He’s been able to rally late in each of those four scores, and he’ll need to show that ability again here as he faces graded foes for the first time. Appears as though he’ll have to take the overland route; however, his kick has been pretty consistent this season.
#6 King Noah (Arindel/J.R. Velazquez 122): Colt is the barn’s 2nd entrant here, and he’s the A-side of the show. Been facing similar, and, in some cases tougher, for a while now; however, he hasn’t been this trip since the score last summer at SAR. Maybe that cutback makes the difference here for a runner that could use a win.
Final Analysis: The rail horse appears to hold all of the cards here. We’ll call it 1-5-6 in the 17th edition of the G3 Lang Stakes. Good luck to all of those running this weekend!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
