Gene Chandler Looks at Home in Jones Stakes

Jones Stakes – Grade III
PRX   Race #2   1 1/16m   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $300.000  For Three Year Olds.

1  Pass Me By    Mb Stables    Mena M

When he took te Winkfield early in the year it prompted his trainer to go the TC route but after a good effort but a poor placing in the LA Derby he gave way to others in the stable. An all the way win in the Winn told us that he was pretty good but a lack lustre performance in the IND Derby posed a few questions about his depth of talent. His works continue to be strong and a small field and good draw will give him every chance in this race to make amends.

2  Gene Chandler    John Henry   Desormeaux K J

A great win in the FL Derby put him right in the KYD picture but a horrible draw and stalking a crazy pace put paid to his chances and he was beaten a long way. He bounced back in the BEL Derby after a break to run home strongly for fifth and was even better last time out when brought back to the dirt when a closing fourth beaten less than a length in the WV Derby. I think this one has a lot to like about him and with an ideal draw he should be the winner.

3  Delta Storm    D J C Racing Stables   Arce J

A pretty consistent sort he failed when last tried in graded company and whilst he shows up well on the gallops his form on paper doesnt look good enough.

4  Halted                  Sanny Village    Esquivel

He has struggled in black type company and whilst he isnt working badly he looks held by the top two.

5  Reach For A Latte   Saratoga Stud   Espinoza V

Won the Lewis Stakes back in February but has been largely disappointing since. He ran pretty well in the Winn last time but was beaten a couple of lenghs by Pass Me By and i see no reason he can turn the tables today.

6  Wild Fame    Estero Farms    Roman E A

Bought from Jive Inc for a pretty expensive looking $325.000 he hasnt really lived up to that price tag in his three efforts since. His best effort came last time out when running on the pace and ending up third in the Dwyer but a wide draw today may mean he sets it up for the top two and may be battling for third.

SUMMARY

A pretty clear trifecta with Gene Chandler beating Pass Me By with Wild Fame in third.



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