Bluebonnet Stakes

6 1/2 Furlongs Dirt Stake Purse $75.00 Filly & Mare 3 Year Olds And Up Foaled In TX.

1st        Gerri G               Luz International         Fuentes M T Jr             1:15.62

Well, I must admit I was smiling when this eight-year-old was revealed as the winner in a photo finish. Not just because this admirable old warrior had won her sixteenth race or that this was the third time, she was trying to win the Bluebonnet after placing in 2023 and 2024 but because she led home a 1.2.3 for the trainer that has made TX racing their own.

The early pace was hotter today and Fuentes sensibly took her off the pace battle and it was ultimately that decision that won the race, albeit only just. She will no doubt continue being a force in these state bred races this year and who knows the way she is going we could see her back as a nine year old defending her title.

2nd       Kinfolk                       Luz International         Eramia R E       1:15.63

It was predictable that she went to the front but as she had to go pretty quick to hold that advantage it was less predictable how long she would last on the speed. Maybe it was the stronger jockey today, but she just refused to lay down, and it was only a tight photo that revealed she had been beaten.

3rd        Unfinished Symphony             Luz International         Wethey Jr F      1:16.00

Well, if I said a grade one winner was third in an ungraded state bred stakes race you could be forgiven for thinking that was a poor effort. However, this three-year-old in my opinion ran the race of the day to finish third just a length off the winner on pretty much level weights. At this time of year, the threes can get up to eight pounds from older horses and still struggle to beat them so this was a top effort and one that says she may still have a big win in her.

4th        Jersey Delight                Night Rider Stables    Elliott S                  1:16.23

This filly certainly seems to have lost her zest for racing as once again she had every chance but failed to really get involved in the finish. She clearly has had the sort of ability needed to win races like this, but it has been a while now since she really looked competitive and I wonder whether the trainer will need to put her in the paddock and try and work out what is missing.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded