Bewitch – Grade III

KEE 1 1/2m Turf
Graded Stake
Purse $150.000  For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.

1 Duracell, trained by TwinTowersRacing
An improving four year old he took the step from Allowance level to black type as a three year old running a close second in The Pebbles before taking the grade two Mrs Revere. She reappeared with a pretty average effort with top weight in the La Prevoyante but ra much better in the Santa Ana Stakes last time running on strongly for a close fourth. She looks like she is building up for a big effort today and with strong works and a decent draw there is no reason she wont be a strong hope.

2 Cant Touch This, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Like many of the horses in the stable she hasnt been afraid to take on top grade races. A little inconsistent in her running style she looks best from off the pace and that may be where she has to be to get this trip today. She is working much better than her recent form and must come into calculations.

3 Plucky Amelie, trained by Barcelona Farms
Has been pretty lightly raced and this is her first start since December last year so this marathon trip may be a big ask. She looked good winning the Boiling Springs Stakes last summer but i will need to see how she goes today rather than her being a winning proposition.

4 Maistro Power, trained by Nakamura Stables
Ran some nice races last year particularly over a long trip in the Glen Falls Handicap where she ran out a game half length winner. She reappeared this year with a smooth success in a GG open Allowance and is working very nicely for an inform stable. Certain to enjoy the trip she could be a good choice in a tricky race.

5 Much Too Bad, trained by Aer Stables
Another proven over this trip she took the Long Island Handicap at the end of last year by a pretty easy three lengths. She is dangerous from the stalk and if she can cosy up just behind the leaders she will be tough to beat.

6 Shadow Of A Doubt, trained by Axeman
Would’ve been an obvious choice a few years ago but she is reaching the veteran stage now and is less of a force these days. Having said that her works are still strong and she proved in the Astra Stakes in January that her old legs can still compete in black type. She will relish this trip and it would be great to see the old champ capture another graded stakes race.

7 Swarley Kapai, trained by Our Athletes
Won the Sands Point and the Lake Placid on her way to a decent seventh in the BC Fillies and Mares but then found herself at auction where she was snapped up for a good price. Two good runs at grade 3 level resulted in two early season seconds but her last start in The Orchid was pretty average so it is tough to weigh her up for this race. Her works are strong and her best form would just about win this so she is another piece in a very tough puzzle.

8 Howl, trained by Crocker Ggs
There’s always one entry in every stakes race that has upset stamped all over it and this one is it. Average works, an outside draw and just two minor wins in overnight company look enough to rule this one straight out but do that at your peril. Her winning time in that GG Allowance last time was as good as any stakes race and she has won twice now over marathon trips.

SUMMARY
I want to say Howl here because it is just the sort of crazy result i have come to expect but i just cant allow myself to do it. Instead i am going for Maistro Power to get the job done with old Shadow Of A Doubt chasing her home.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES