ET Mint Julep Handicap – Grade III
CD Race #5 1 1/16m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $125.000 For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.
1 Anahola Threshold Ortiz J L
When this filly won the Pebbles last year it looked like she was on her way but since then she has struggled a little to make her mark. A good draw, a decent handicap mark and we may see some of that early promise shine but she may need a stable change to really fulfill her promise.
2 Xtra Hot John Henry Velazquez J R
She had been sprinting well for her previous owner winning at stakes level but after a fairly average first start for her new owner she finds herself over a trip that she has never won at. That in itself is not a negative because trip seems to mean very little at HRP and she does get the perfect draw to try and win her first route.
3 Onomatopoeia Diablo Diablo Graham J
The winner of ten from nineteen she has been a marvel at the free track racking up the wins at will. She went to the pay track in her last start to win an allowance at CD so clearly is far better than a free track runner but this is another step up. She gets the draw and the handicap mark and with little or no class structure she may just be the surprise package.
4 Code Lavender Nakamura Stables Beschizza A
She has the huge help of the Nak Factor on her side so despite just average form you have to give her a chance on that alone. If she can save something for the end she will be right there.
5 Broomstick Hero Axeman Saez G
Won three in a row including two nice allowances at SA this year but it has to be said she was a little disappointing in the Gallorette last time so does have a bit to prove today as far as the class gene goes.
6 Too Much Wisdom Mb Stables Court J K
Another that won a couple of allowances before running in a stakes race this year. That run was in the Santa Margarita where she kept on pretty well to be fourth without really looking like the winner. As a four year old she was twice a graded stakes winner and finished second in the grade one La Troienne and gets in here with a crazy low weight giving her a winning chance.
7 Dalitierri Girl Our Athletes Hernandez B J Jr
She has been running in this class or better for a long time running such good races as a second in the Goldikova and a third in the Endeavor over this trip. She gets a fair handicap mark and should go well but hasn’t won for a while now.
8 Easier Said Mb Stables Garcia Mar
Winner of the grade one Beverly D last year in a season that saw three graded stakes wins she has struggled a little this year but has still been running well and its impossible to leave her out of calculations.
9 Holualoa Smokey Stover Bejarano R
The trainer is never afraid of top weight in these races and this is certainly a filly in form even if she has a sticky draw. A game winner of the grade three Beaugay last time over this trip she has been pretty consistent in her 13 race career but looks tested in this.
10 Bewitching Winning Link Stables Gaffalione T
Fourth in the Beaugay last time in her first run over ground for a long while. A fast sprinter she will have to go back from this draw to get the trip and if she gets a dream run she may just cause a surprise.
11 Smart Watch EasyMoney Stables Geroux F
Gets the car park draw which is bad luck as she is an improving filly who might just be ready for this grade. The winner of the ONT Colleen last year she has been slumming it at TUP this season but has mopped up three lower graded races and looks in good shape. Luck will have to be on her side but if it is she has a good chance.
SUMMARY
Mb Stables always seems to sneak one under the radar in these handicaps and i think he may have done it again with Too Much Wisdom. There are plenty of other chances though and i wouldn’t take long odds on any of them winning.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
