ONT Matron Stakes – Grade III
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $150.000 Filly & Mare 3 Year Olds And Up.

1st League Of Legends Smokey Stover Moran D

The question was which three year old would beat the older horse and it should’ve been obvious it would come from the massive harem of Smokey Stovers super fillies and mares empire. She ran the perfect stalk, took the lead at the right time and had enough to hold off challengers in the final furlong for a deserved win after some very good efforts this year including a graded stakes win. A real consistent sort, like many in the yard she will continue to be a force in black type races until it is her turn to go to the shed.

2nd Terra Command Threshold Boulanger G

Had won black type over this trip in a faster time but that was against fours and up and today she had a gang of three year olds queuing up to take advantage of their weight advantage. She got back a bit which was a surprise to her owner but when she got out she ran on bravely and remains a real consistent mare who always gives her best.

3rd Dominance Nakamura Stables Crawford J

Kept on well for third but never looked like getting to the winner and one feels she may want a longer trip than this these days. She has done really well since being claimed though and i feel she has a bright future.

4th Venezia D J C Racing Stables Salles L

The stable with two runners put this one in front and the stable companion in behind but the tactics did not pay off as this one faded away and the other couldn’t find a finish. It s a mystery as to why she cannot repeat her Mother Goose win and run in the SA Derby and she may just need a longer break to give herself a fresh start as a four year old.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES