The Pilgrim – Grade II
BEL Race #4 1 1/16m Turf Stake
Purse $200.000 For Two Year Olds.

1st     High Time        Oquinn Farm           Velazquez J R

Well any doubt that the easy win in the Kittens Joy last time was down to this one being an off track specialist were securely put to bed here as the home bred scooted home for a comfortable one length win. It is great to see a home bred from one of the stables that doesn’t get the limelight as often win a race like this and with a stunning record of 4 wins from 5 starts he must go to the BC a very real winning chance. With Commanding on one side of the pedigree and Engine Failure on the other this one will only get better with time and distance and i wish the trainer the very best of luck in the BC.

2nd      Oh Brother          Rampage Stable        Rosario J

If the winner was impressive then this one went into the notebooks after a torrid run which saw it back in tenth with a half mile to run. it is very hard to make up ground in the game these days so it has to be noted that this one ran past all but one in the last 4 furlongs and after his impressive maiden win really does look a good prospect going forward. At the moment he is firmly in the BC and i wouldn’t be writing off his chances of turning this result around with a better run.

3rd     Search Engine         Hippyheart            Albarado R J

Another that overcame a lot to get into third, he too will be in the BC and you have to say also represents a great chance. Four lengths behind the winner in the Kittens Joy he got a lot closer today on a better track and also had to come from a long way back. You would have to give him a definite chance in the BC.

4th         Dolomites        Smokey Stover         Bridgmohan S X

The maiden stayed on nicely for fourth despite being a much better worker than the ones that finished in front of it and i do wonder whether with an extra run and maybe a maiden win he would’ve been much closer to winning. Never far back he kept on well without quickening and looks a promising sort and a black booker for a maiden win next time.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES