Battaglia Memorial Stakes

1/16th on Dirt Purse $175.000 For Three Year Olds

Turfway Park, Florence KY

Mayor Of Win City from Mo Mentum Farm has never been around two turns and has only been on dirt twice, both sprints in his first two career appearance’s. However, he also has a third-place finish in a Breeder’s Cup race showing in his past performances. Had no trouble when racing off the sod in Canada, so guessing he will show his best stuff Saturday. Win, lose or draw, he is the horse to beat for the prize, albeit with question marks. Terrible Tudor hails from the sport’s biggest barn, Mb Stables and has already been two turning on dirt with enough success to stamp him as the main rival if the top choice fails to make the necessary adjustments to two turning on dirt. Byte City from DJC Racing Stables ran well enough in The Withers to signal being a fit here. He also could prove as one of the best claims in some time if he continues to go forward. Royal Confidant from La Canada Racehorses improved drastically in his December to January form. Certainly, wasn’t facing the best stalk, but the improvement has to be looked at as a positive sign, as does the barns placement here.

Of the rest:

Cruising Continental from Nakamura Stables has tactical speed and is drawn on the rail. Just not sold he really wants this distance, especially at crunch time.

Record Machine from Acber Farm should not be overlooked here as a solid value play. He will be a price, will get the distance and is improving. Was also gelded after his last start so to say that the barn is all in would be an understatement.

Ripple Effect from Family Racing was purchased for $150,000 after his first two starts. Still a maiden but looks to have ability. Tough draw to overcome, so best to watch this one in all likelihood.

Fire Eyes also from Mb Stables was a pop and stop in his only two turn race. He would appear to be entered to ensure the pace and looking at his past performance lines, he would be a shocker to go all the way.

Hades from Panionios Racing has run well in all of his starts but looks to be in deep waters class wise here.

Attacks from Night Rider Stables turned in a number in his last start that offers hope here. Would still need to improve for a barn looking to score big off a lunch money claim.

Never A Doubt another starter from DJC Racing Stables is small and still growing. He was in decent enough position during his Breeder’s Cup race before he stopped to offer some hope here. I just believe he might be limited on the distance side.

Soho Danze from Ashwood Farms is physically more mature than several of his foes here, but unless this race goes down poorly, he will still need improvement to score.

-Trackman

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded