2/5/22

  1   OP   The Bayokoa (GIII)

       $250.000       4yo&Up F&M         1 1/16m  Dirt       122lbs

Down to Arkansas and we look at a lucky field of seven set to go a mile and a sixteenth in The Bayokoa (GIII) here at OP.  I see this as a three horse race and will not be surprised and any combo of that trifecta… I put Lady Narloff on top coming into this off of that GI win at SA in the la Brea (GI).  Could distance be an issue?  I doubt it, I think she’s tough at any distance.  Last Lady is another in fine form, just winning over that same SA main track in the La Canada (GIII).  Go right next door and Baptisted By Fire who was second in that same La Canada… both can run and have been in very tough company.

Here’s The Field –          

A very consistent mare that knows how to bring home a check  She hasn’t been without a check since May of last year, six races in a row, and won last out taking the Wayward Lass at TAM.  She was fourth in the Shuvee (GIII) last summer, so she can run with this type and may come with some odds.

Comes into this off of a win in (GI) company taking the La Brea (GI) and doesn’t even get a penalty for that.  She won the Pumpkin Pie at BEL prior to that SA win, so she’s certainly in fine form right now and should be the one to get past. 

Another that comes into this one off of a win, she’s very consistent and the barn is hot right now.  Her stable-mate may have a bit better chance, but she is always there when they hand out checks.  It will be interesting to see how she stacks up vs. these.

Second half of the hot stables entry and she’s been running with some class gals.  She won the IA Oaks (GIII) back in July, and it’s been a mostly-fruitless chase since, but when she’s right, she can be a handful.

Her only ’21 win came vs. soft Alw foes at LAD but she was close in a sprint stakes at BEL.  Still, I don’t think the distance or the spot fits her well and she will be a surprise to me if she gets part of this one. 

Four wins from ten starts last year and she won her first ’22 start taking the La Canada (GIII) at SA, going today’s distance.  She also won the Pines Stakes (GIII) at DMR and just missed in the Spinster (GI) at KEE. 

Just missed to the six horse in the La Canada (GIII) and had five wins plus three runner-up efforts in her ten ’21 races.  She has a ton of ability and seems to be ignored at the windows, so user her in all of your exotics.   

COZMAN    2 / 6 / 7            Willies Green Card    7 / 2 / 6   

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES