Maple Leaf Stakes – Grade III
WO Race #2 1 1/4m Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $135.00 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 Raise The Banner Rock Creek Crawford J 120 —

Claimed after being beaten in a tiny fair track claimer, she then went straight to a GP allowance and won with ease, a great pick up for the new owner. She lost her way in a couple of stakes races after that but came back to win at allowance level again at PID last time. If she hadn’t already run in stakes races, I would be enthusiastic about her chances, but those two prior efforts may mean she doesn’t either have the class gene or she is still developing into a stakes horse and that is a concern. She has chances but for me still has something to prove.

2 Acknowledge Mo Mentum Farm Moran D 123 —

Just got home in a fair track allowance back in March but has since placed three times in stakes company with probably her best effort in the Groupie Doll over the mile. A winner over this trip at SA she will have no problems with the trip and has a great draw so she must go down as a real good win chance.

3 Active Will Williams9 Husbands P 120 —

Ran home really strongly last time after being taken far too far back in the Beldame and ended up fourth. That was a big effort and came after a solid run in the CT Oaks and a good win in the Trillium Stakes. The trainer has been busy with the gaming buttons in her last few races, but I would say she is best as a closer although of course that leads to problems with this engine so it can be a gamble. Certainly good enough if things play her way.

4 Mainstream SamIam Kimura K 120 —

A good second in the Pine Stakes last time it looks like this ten furlongs with pose no problems for her and she is sure to run a race for her owner. A fairly adaptable racing style will help from this awkward draw and whilst she wouldn’t be a number one choice I can see her finding a place in the top four.

5 Golden Angel Rock Creek Salles L 123 —

She had been pretty poor in the early part of this season but the trainer persevered and she was better last time when a close fourth at overnight level. There must still be improvement to get her into contention for this, but I liked her effort last time and this trip may work for her.

6 Saluting Greatness The Sidley Stud Pinto M 123 —

The BC winning trainer took this one to lowly HST last time for a big win after winning a stakes race at MTH in the start before. Capable both on turf or dirt she will be closing hard down the stretch and who can deny the trainer of the moment another win.

7 Conoshi Mo Mentum Farm Stein J 123 —

A solid and consistent four-year-old who is certainly good enough to win at this level. She made all at PRX last time for an easy win so comes here in good form.

8 Balius Threshold Wilson E J 123 —

She has been running in good races for a couple of seasons now and usually runs well so she is a must for all the exacta’s and trifectas despite a rotten draw.

SUMMARY

The three-year-olds have a strong hand here with Active Will looking a good thing from a decent draw. Balius and Saluting Greatness will make the youngsters work though.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES