The 10th Running of The MTH Cup-G3
July 17, 2021 14:55
MTH Race #9 $300.000
3YO 119 Lbs Older 124 Lbs 11/8 Dirt
Track Record-1:47.23 (Spiritual Warrior-2009)
Stakes Record-1:47.77(Mad King-2020)
Welcome to the Jersey Shore for the 10th Running of the $300.000 MTH Cup-G3! This is a race that has seen quite a few changes since its debut; the distance of the 1st running was 1-mile then it was switched to 11/16 for five renewals before being held at today’s distance of 9 furlongs the last three years and the first five editions were all G2 events before dropping to G3 status in 2017. One thing that hasn’t changed much is the conditioner getting his picture taken after the race as Mb Stables has claimed four of the previous nine editions (2015, 2017, 2019, 2020). Ten different pilots (DH 2017) have won this event, but none have won it twice. One current trend: 3yos have dominated the event since 2016 (after getting shut-out of the first four editions). Here’s the field for the 2021 $300.000 G3 MTH Cup:
#1 Winchester (Fractious/J.R. Velazquez 124 lbs): Changed hands back in April via $250.000 private purchase. Comes here after an off-the-board turf try in the G1 Manhattan and has never won on dirt, but does have a couple races from the Spring of 2020 that could make him competitive here. The rail draw will help his cause; however, others are more appealing here based on current form.
#2 Ricki Tikki Tavi (La Canada Racehorses/D. Davis 119 lbs): Neck-winner of the G3 Marine Stakes gets a five pound weight break vs elders today. Looking to take his third straight dirt stake (2nd consecutive graded) and appears to be in the best form of his career. Has to prove he can get the full nine furlongs against some quality foes, but can’t fault anyone who makes this their top selection.
#3 Boardwalk (Nakamura Stables/V.R. Carrasco 124 lbs): Was purchased for $100.00 back in February and immediately recouped some of that investment with an ALW score at PIM. Tried G1 foes last time in the one mile Metropolitan Handicap at BEL where Carrasco brought him home with a good 4th-place finish. Another who has to answer the nine furlong question and his best races appear to be when he has things his own way out front. Your call.
#4 Delaware Warrior (Nakamura Stables/T.J. Pereira 124 lbs): Elder statesman of this field as the only 5yo, comes here after taking the G3 Salvator Mile over one mile at MTH. Prior to that, showed that today’s distance shouldn’t be too concerning as he took the $100.000 13/8 Flat Out Stakes at BEL so he should come in to this one full of confidence. Definitely can’t be left off of any exotic tickets.
#5 Contradiction (Aer Stables/S.X. Bridgmohan 119 lbs): Another sophomore looking to take advantage of the five pound weight break, this guy comes here after a mixed bag running against his crop. Hasn’t won since October, but he has danced every dance during the lead-up to the G1 KYD as well as all three legs of the TC series. Definitely better than that effort in the G1 BEL, but has never beaten graded stakes foes either. Leaving him out, but wouldn’t be surprised if he fired huge here for a big-race trainer.
#6 Midnight Lightning (Night Rider Stables/J.C. Ferrer 124 lbs): Comes here following a career-best effort in the G3 Sexton Mile down at LS. That being said, he only managed to grab the place money in that one and has yet to beat these types. Has been competitive against NY-bred stakes runners and listed types, but this is a tough spot to grab his first graded score.
#7 Remson (John Henry/T. Gaffalione 124 lbs): Took down the $100.000 Great Lakes at WO last out, but that was his first win since March of 2020. Did win the 2020 G3 SUN Derby over today’s distance, so he should handle the trip. Hard to question anything this conditioner does, but others are more appealing in here.
#8 Mad King (Mb Stables/E. Jaramillo 124 lbs): Last year’s winner returns to defend his crown in this one. Was last seen taking a CD ALW, but prior to that win he couldn’t best open ALW foes at GG and SA. The fact that “house jock” Jaramillo comes here to ride does give reason for optimism, but taking a stand against last year’s winner in this one.
#9 Home Spirit (Night Rider Stables/R. Bejarano 124 lbs): Winner of the G2 Californian was unsuccessful against G1 foes in the Gold Cup at SA. Was never really involved in that one before showing some mild interest late in the race. Expect a much improved effort today and that G2 performance in April would be enough to get the job done in this one. If the G1 try is a throw-out, this guy should have a major say in the outcome; up to you.
Final Analysis: 2-4-9-5 in a very competitive renewal of the $300.000 G3 MTH Cup. Good luck to all of the connections!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
