8/25/2023

  7  CT    CT Classic (GII)           

$1,000.000    3yo&Up   1 1/8m Dirt    3yo 118lbs  Older 123lbs

I can still hear the late, great Costy Caras welcoming everyone, asking everyone to stand for the National Anthem, them reading off the changes for the race card; like it was yesterday.  The thought of a million-dollar race at the bullring, back in those days, would have been crazy thinking, but… this is the 13th installment of the big race, and we have a nice field of nine set to go the three-turn mile and an eighth over the six-furlong oval, here in the eastern panhandle. 

Since Willie’s Green Card was invented here, those picks will be what we go with in this one… 1973 was a long long time ago.  Quality Art gets a big number on the Green Card and so he’s going to be the top choice in this one.  The big barn always is a threat, but this one really does give his best in ever race.  He’s going to get the nod.  Anna Da Artist is the second choice, and if he runs back to that last-out win, he may be tough to get past again. 

Here’s The Field –

Three seasonal wins, all graded, including the Hooper (GIII) and GP Mile (GII), both in SoFla, then again, this summer in the Met Mile (GI).  Bounced a big when showing a tiring sixth in the Foster (GI) but that was a wet track and forgiveness must be given for that one.  Watch him. 

Two wins this season, including the Razor Back (GIII) and Alysheba (GII) and throw in a slew of up-close finishes, he just never seems to run a bad race.  Look for more of that here and if he gets in front, look out… they may not catch him. 

Back-to-back wins including the PCH (GIII) at PRM but hit the ground hard last out when last of fourteen in the Whitney (GI) at the Spa.  Obviously, he has to turn it around fast from that dull effort if he wants any parts of these. 

Back-to-back wins coming into this one, but he’s been face far softer than this.  Opt Alw wins at PIM and SAR, on the grass, is a far cry from what this one will be about.  Could he surprise?  Sure, but he will do it without my $2. 

Was nabbed out of a $80.000 claimer and paid immediate dividends winning the Seagram Cup (GII) at WO over a wet main track.  He beat a few others in that race, so you have to decide… was it the wet track or did the barn get him at a steal? 

Was third in the fore-mentioned Seagram Cup (GII) and has three wins this season, along with a second and a third from only six starts… he’s consistent, in good form and could be a tough cookie… give him a serious look. 

Three wins from six starts, taking the General George (GIII) at LRL, an Alw race at PIM and won the MTH Cup (GIII) last out.  He’s another that deserves serious consideration when you head to the windows to place those wagers. 

He was seventh in this race last year and has only missed a check once since then.  His only seasonal win came at the Alw level but has a slew of on-the-board stakes races.  He could be around for part of this one, as well. 

No wins this year and had been struggling until that last out runner-up effort in the Lure at SAR.  Still, he’s going to need his very best if he wants to be part of this one. 

COZMAN     2 / 7                     Willie’s Green Card     2 / 7                 

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES