04/13 The OP Handicap – Grade II
1 1/8 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $750.000 Open 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Dastardly Havoc Maxmillion Farm Bejarano R

I must admit i didnt see this one coming on his form lines but if you take a look at his works this year it becomes reasonable to expect this type of win. Stalking the leader he hit the front into the stretch and kept on strongly to just hold on at the post. This was a career best effort which he deserved and now all he has to do is do it again to confirm himself as a chance for the November championships.

2nd Compress Mb Stables Gaffalione T

Well Mb Stables has always said this horse was a dirt horse and he was very nearly proven right in spectacular fashion as the six year old closed hard to the line and only just failed to catch the winner. It mustnt be forgotten that this horse was working 1.36 flat with bottom weight so he ran pretty much how he should’ve and it will be interesting to see him at level weights against non handicappers as the season wears on.

3rd Minutes Hand Mb Stables Beschizza A

Set a fairly strong pace for his stable mate considering the conditions and kept battling well to the line for third. Considering his handicap mark he ran a very respectable race especially as he isnt a natural front runner.

4th Wolfmoon Bay Night Rider Stables Maragh Ro

This eight year old ran an incredible race considering how close he got to these seasoned graded stakes horses. Flying home for fourth this claimer proved that he can still get among them at this level.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES