Jones Stakes – Grade III
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $300.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

There was as far between first and second as there was between second and all the other runners which tells you just how dominant a win this was. Once again the TC form failed to prove superior but that may have had as much to do with the draw as anything. Here is how they finished:

1st Heretowinthisfight Night Mare Racing Davis D

A quick check through this ones form tells the story as he made it four wins in a row. His only bad draw this year and his only bad race came in the Fountain Of Youth which pretty much put a knife in his TC challenge but that may have ended up to be a godsend. Ever since then he has had good draws and has made the most of it gradually stepping up with each performance. Today he sat back and didn’t make his move until after half way but when he did the race was pretty much over. Coming home two lengths clear he joins a few three year olds that missed the TC chase and are coming on strong so if he can get into a BC race he will be very competitive.

This colt was home bred by Night Mare Racing who used a stallion and mare that he bought cheaply from Mb Stables.

2nd Chai Morning Aer Stables Court J K

The Preakness winner was always going to find the gate tough and it was made tougher as he went to the back of the pack and had to negotiate round most of the field to mount a challenge. Previously he had gone to the front when drawn wide but today he was taken back, in fact further back than he has ever been ina competitive race. It was all over by the time he got going but this was a better performance than the records will show and i am sure with a kinder draw he will get back to winning ways.

3rd Mexican Swagger John Henry Chirinos R

It was good to see this one show a better run today as he stayed on into the ruck of horses and ended up third. He hasn’t won since October last year but is clearly able just as soon as he can find a race to suit.

4th Telladifferentstory Nakamura Stables Ryan S

Close enough if good enough was my thoughts as they turned for home but he found little under the drive and ended up fourth. I wonder where he will go next as he seemed a little flat today, maybe an outing on the grass will be in his future.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES