The 19th Running of the G3 Dinner Party Stakes
Saturday, May 20, 2023
PIM Race #14 $200.000
3+ 119/124 Lbs (plus penalties) 1 1/8 (Turf)
#1 Cascade King (Nakamura Stables/D.E. Centeno 124): Winless since October, 4yo colt is reunited with the rider from the G2 score that day at AQU. He’s tried longer/shorter trips, but we know he likes this 9-furlong trip. Should be able to save ground from this rail draw but have to worry he’ll leave himself too much to do late.
#2 Banshee Star (Calia Stable/I. Ortiz Jr 126): The March G3 score brings a two-pound penalty for this 9yo gelding, but BC Mile participant has run well under similar circumstances in his l-o-n-g career. Gives his best from close up, so he should find a forward position while sticking to the rail in here.
#3 Grand Opening (Riggins Racing/J.R. Velazquez 124): Hasn’t lost since being tagged for $10.500 back in August despite running for three different barns. The first couple of wins during the streak were against conditioned claimers; however, he has handled the last three steps up the class ladder, and he enters off of a $60.000 listed score last out. Has a bit of diversity in his game but expect him to be forward.
#4 Tokugawa (D J C Racing Stables/P. Lopez 124): Colt has tried different tactics, trips, and tracks in four starts for this outfit, but the winner’s circle continues to elude him. Despite the lack of pictures on the wall, he usually competes wherever he’s placed, and maybe he’s ready to reward the barn’s faith in this one.
#5 Universal Drive (Maxmillion Farm/F. Boyce 124): Makes the third start for the barn since being tagged for $50.000 at the end of ’22. He’s been close in both starts for this outfit but hasn’t found the wire first either time. Bit of a tricky post, but 5yo gelding may be ready for a peak performance in his biggest test this season.
#6 Specialize (Night Rider Stables/F.T. Alvarado 124): 7yo gelding was taken for $20.000 in a private exchange back in March before contesting KEE G1 in the barn debut. Gets caught wide here after running evenly last time, but the barn sees something here to give him another crack at graded foes.
Final Analysis: As a few of these appear a bit camera shy, we’ll side with the horse that actually likes winning. Give us 3-2-6 in Saturday’s G3 Dinner Party Stakes. Good luck to all involved in this weekend’s racing!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
