6/20/21

  5   SA    American Stakes (GIII)

$10.000    3yo&Up              1m   Turf        3yo 121   Older 124 +penalties

It’s a flat mile on the SA turf course as nine and we look at the field for the American Stakes (GIII).  I’m headed to the outside post and put Big Aspirations on top today.  He has tactical speed, is very consistent and I think the flat mile distance is exactly what he is looking for.  He’s been tough as nails since changing barns, so he’s my choice.  Let’s put Spiral in the middle of things as well, with his late closing turn of foot being a big contrast to the top selection.  Mb Stables is always tough, so you know this one will be ready to give a top effort.   

Here’s The Field –

Was rolling along then tired badly last out at CD when last of eleven in the Douglas Park.  Prior to that one, he was fairly consistent and has two placings from three starts.  Was that just a bounce and he comes back to be tough today or is this just a big tougher type than he wants to see.

He’s struggled against graded foes since changing hands last season, but with only a single sprinting start, it tough to know exactly where this one is right now.  Closed to be third going five furlongs on the GG turf, and gets back to a distance that probably is more in his wheel-house.  Can he upset?

Three wins last season, putting a big of cash in the bank, and won (DH) last out when sprinting at CD.  That was a fast, closing effort and he looks like he may be ready to stretch back out and keep this form going.  He was ninth in the BC Mile (GI) last year, so you know he has some class.

You always have to watch this barn and this is a horse that has won some big stakes but went on a streak that was unlike him.  He was fourth in the BC Mile (GI) so there is not doubt that he needs to be watched here and could be a major factor when they turn for home.

Kicked off the ’21 campaign with a third in a graded race at HOU where he closed quick to get a decent check, but the last trio of races seem to be wanting, including a last place finish on the PIM lawn last out, and that was vs. Alw race.  He’s going to have to turn it around in a big way.

Three solid starts this season although he hasn’t found the winner’s circle in ’21.  Closed well vs Alw horses last out and that is his game, coming from off of the pace, so he will need some pace and a clear path if he uses his usual weapon.  His best would certainly make him formidable.

Two season win including a big win vs. stakes horses at BEL where he got it done at 65/1 odds.  It’s kind of shocking how he is often dismissed at long odds but always seems to bring home a check… talk about no respect.  I’d give him a big look here. 

Two wins from three ’21 starts but never fired last out when he beat two vs graded horses over this track.  Can he get back on form and show his speed to be a factor?  When he gets to the front, he hard to get past.

Sold after his first ’21 start and has just kept on going.  Two wins and a second for the new connections and he was only a length away from a 3-for-3.  He certainly likes to be out on the lead and I’d expect more of the same… speed, and a good finish. 

Early scratch

COZMAN     9 / 4       Willie’s Green Card   8 / 9 / 4

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES