Valedictory Stakes – Grade III
1 1/2 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $125.000 Open 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st Kaunakakai The Sidley Stud Campbell J M

The improvement this horse has made this year is pretty amazing and seems like it was all brought about with the decision to return to long distance racing and find the extreme version. This one who was formerly a nobody at the cheap tracks has now managed two stakes wins and a fourth in the BC Marathon in his last three races since being stretched out over 12 furlongs. Its amazing to think he was recording an 87 speed figure in a 5 buck optional claimer at FP just 5 months ago and now with 4 extra furlongs is hitting the high 90’s in graded stakes. Such is the beauty of HRP and i am sure Sidley Stud will be looking forward to those big staying races next year,

2nd California Chrome Aer Stables Husbands P

A part of me expected to see ‘deactivated’ next to this ones name after this race but he ran well enough to steer clear of Aer’s busy gun for a little while longer. I think this trip was a little far for him but there was a point when he looked like he was going to kick on and win so it mat be within his scope as a four year old.

3rd Loon Lake D J C Racing Stables Ryan S

Made a brave attempt to make all but faded out of it in the end much as he did in the BC Marathon last time. A nice effort but things will only get tougher for this one as he turns four.


4th Lionking Invader Estero Farms Boulanger G

He got going far too late again and he really has become one of the enigma’s of the season. Clearly laden with ability he just seems the temperamental type that always finds a good excuse to lose. Maybe a rest and a four year old campaign will see his mind find its groove.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES