The Southwest – Grade III [KYD]
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $1,000.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Losing Hazard Asgar Lopez P

Wow, when you own a horse that wins four in a row including two KYD lead up races you know you have a good one. I was especially impressed with how he coped with this wide draw here, not rushing to the lead or worrying too much about the rail he stalked the leaders after getting away well and in the end ran out a pretty convincing winner. His form line is starting to look like he is a real KYD contender after winning his maiden at lowly BTP he has now taken three stakes races in a row. The trainer bred this one which is another feather in their cap, he is out of the stable sire Sweat It Off who was a maiden in his three racecourse efforts out of a turf sprinting mare which just goes to show you how hard it is to work out this breeding game!

2nd Alydar D J C Racing Stables Hernandez R M

There must be something in the name because this home bred ran just like the horses from the stable, he is named after coming with a late run to grab second. After building a career on the turf his last two efforts will keep him on the main track as he goes in search of some more KYD points.

3rd Extreme Jet Mb Stables Moore R L

It was a sensible pace in the end and this grade one winner found an easy stalk behind the leaders which had me convinced that he would move out and take this race down the stretch. The peril of the inside though can mean traffic is a problem and he seemed to be held up a couple of times when I expected him to make his move. When clear he ran on but could only manage third in the end but I am pretty sure we will see him again in the next month.

4th Decal Williams9 Bridgmohan S X

Couldn’t get to the front early which may have been key here but when he finally made the lead he was moving well and looked full of run. He was run down in the stretch but kept on for fourth in a decent effort which will see the trainer reload and try again.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES