Natalma Stakes – Grade I [BC]
1 Mile Turf Stake Purse $500.000 Filly 2 Year Olds.

1st Influence Seeker Mb Stables Velazquez J R

Well, she took a while to break her maiden but since being switched to turf routes has made it two from two with a game nose win today. She sat in the stalk off a fast pace which was probably the winning of the race because if she had got into a speed duel, I doubt she would have had the fight left at the end. Bought at auction for just $29.010 she has been super consistent and just seems to be one of those fillies that always gives her best no matter the trip or surface. Having said that, she loves the mile, and she will go into the BC with every chance.

2nd Shot Of Summer Diablo Diablo Ortiz I Jr

I know I keep saying it, but the timing of these closers is so hard to get right and once again today I watched a late closer win the race a stride after the line. The wide gates can be a blessing or a curse as very often they go too far back to find the holy grail of the rail and very often that also means they arrive too late at the other end of the race. She was flying at the end but came up short today but will get another chance in the BC where a fast pace like this will give her every chance.

3rd Patronize D J C Racing Stables Curtis B

Settled in mid pack which is a rare thing to see from a car park draw but the work she had to do just took the gloss off her finish and she ended up a very close third just a neck off the win. I think these three will meet in the BC and it is anyone guess what the finishing order will be then.

4th Grand Concourse TwinTowersRacing Franco M

Less than a length behind these races gets ever closer. Considering her huge effort just two weeks ago in the KY Juvenile this was a great run to make the top four and you have to wonder whether a week or two more rest would’ve seen her even closer.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES