Grade 2 for Three Year Olds & Up
1 Mile Dirt
Post: 10/8/2016 14:15 at BEL

There’s plenty of talent in the Kelso at BEL, but Milestone stands out from the crowd. But Phelps and Sqawilther won’t make it easy on him.

1 Asset Class
Owner: Sccj Stables
Breeder: Team 7 Illusions

Last win for this 3yo came in the Coolmore Lexington (G3) at KEE in April. He has been in the money in three of his seven starts this year. Second place finishes in the WV Derby (G2) and Super Derby (G3) in last two under F Prat who gets the mount today. Likes to be close to the action. Wouldn’t count him out if he gets a good start.

2 Impending Decision
Owner: Night Rider Stables
Breeder: Barcelona Farms

No slowing down for this 7yo gelding. In fact, he has already surpassed his record last year nearly four times over with a record of 8-2-2-1 $410.000. Very close second in the  Hasn’t faired so well at BEL this year, but the third try could be the charm.

3 Milestone
Owner: Mcl Stables
Breeder: Team 7 Illusions

This 7yo horse looked like an absolute powerhouse earlier this year with back-to-back wins in graded company and back-to-back triple digit SRF figures at BEL over the same distance as this race. Tried the turf at DMR after winning the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) but didn’t like it. Next was an uncharacteristic poor performance in the OBrien (G2) last out. With his favorite jockey, CP DeCarlo, in the irons, I like his chances here.

4 In Control
Owner/Breeder: Mb Stables

Four-year-old son of Chai Latte trying stakes company again after two starts in optional claiming. His only win this year came two starts back in $80.000 Optional Claiming level, but he closed impressively to take 3rd by a length in the LS Handicap (G3). Will benefit from the weight allowance.

5 Phelps
Owner: Mb Stables
Breeder: Rouge River Stables

His numbers aren’t as impressive as some in this field, but is coming in off three very impressive performances. Last out in the OBrien (G2) he finished a strong 2nd, , missing the win by a nose and beating Milestone by nearly 3 lengths. Before that, he finished second in the BEL Sprint Championship (G3) well ahead of Impending Decision. Both of those efforts were at 7 furlongs, but this five-year-old gelding is very capable of going a mile. Could be a factor.

6 Sqawilther
Owner: John Henry
Breeder: Ekli Stables

Routinely scores triple digit SRF figures and just as routinely finishes in the money.. Going strong this year with a record of 7-2-1-2 $494.800, the son of Pink Panther just changed hands and is making his first start for Australia Wide. Always competitive, and this race should be no different.

7 Secret King
Owner: Kopites
Breeder: Riggins Racing

Another one making his first start for a new stable, Secret King has three wins so far this year, but none were in stakes company. His best graded stakes effort this year came two starts back when he finished third in the Suburban Handicap (G2) at 1 1/4 mile right here at BEL.

8 Mazula Ruler
Owner: D J C Racing Stables
Breeder: Riggins Racing

This 4yo colt doesn’t have the most impressive record at graded stakes level. In fact, his best performance came two years ago in the BEL Futurity (G2) where fhe finished third. Last out in the Forego (G1) at SAR, he finished dead last in a full field of 14. Might be a bit outclassed here.

9 West Northwest
Owner: Grimley
Breeder: Barcelona Farms

Faired better than Mazula Ruler last out in the Forego (G1), finishing sixth. After carrying the highest weight to a 2nd place finish in the Donn in February, he had to drop to optional claiming to score his only win this year, and that was on turf. Has something to prove here.

10 Here Comes Love
Owner: Kopites
Breeder: Mb Stables

Also starting for a new owner, this filly takes on the boys in just the third graded start of her career. Faced small fields in those efforts and came in second both times. A go at the boys might be a bit of a stretch for this four-year-old. Her SRF figures aren’t as good as most in this field. The weight allowance might help her, but I think she will need more than that to compete with these.

Categories: Grade II