The National Museum of Racing – Grade II
SAR   Race #5   1 1/16m   InTurf   Graded Stake
Purse $200.000  For Three Year Olds.

1  Lucky Phooey    Estero Farms    Bravo J
He raced all of his juvenile campaign on dirt and went the KYD route after finishing hard for third in the Lewis Stakes back in February. unfortunately he fell short in both his attempts to get into the KYD but after that all fell through his trainer took him to the turf to try and find a few extra lengths with him. A couple of good runs in ungraded company convinced Estero Farms that the grass was for him and he confirmed that with a great run from a wide draw when a very close second in the King Edward BC Stakes last time out. I expect this trip to be right up his alley and hs work times suggest there is plenty more to come from him on this surface.

2  Creepy Time    D J C Racing Stables   Leparoux J R
I have a lot of time for this son of Mr Creepy who is a real turf specialist. Untested so far he has looked like a race of this type is within his scope for some time and i am glad he gets his chance today. A confidence boosting allowance win last time will help him for this and an ideal draw will give him every chance of a win.

3  K T Warrior    Maxmillion Farm    Alvarado J
The trainer is a real turf specialist but this one is certainly one of his lesser lights so far. With just the one maiden win from eight attempts so far it is hard to make a case for him but you can never write a Maxmillion runner off when running on the turf.

4  Balsamic Moon    John Henry    Ortiz I Jr
Claimed for just $25.000 at the start of the year he has been gradually improving through the season and reached new heights when an easy all the way winner of the American Derby last time out. I still feel he has to improve some more to win this but he has every chance of collecting some place money.

5  Chipotle                  Mb Stables    Saez L
He has failed to live up to his very good work times so far this year but if he races to them and not his race form he must have a chance. His turf form isnt the best but anything from Mb Stables must be respected.

6  Nitemare    D J C Racing Stables   Velazquez J R
He will probably start favourite for this race despite the outside draw and as long as the race engine doesnt fool with his chances he looks a good bet to take this out. The easy winner of the MTH Stakes he ran a cracker in the BEL Derby last time to be fourth beaten just a length. I think this is the right trip for him and he will take all the beating.

SUMMARY
Nitemare looks home and hosed here but if the wide gate messes with his chances then Creepy Time and Lucky Phooey may take advantage.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES