BC Turf
Grade 1 – $1,000.000
KEE – 1 ½ Mile – Turf
For Three Year Olds and Upward
November 5, 2022
More than half the field for the BC Turf came from the also eligible list, which may make this the most wide-open contest on the card.
Here’s the field:
#1 Aerialist (Mb Stables) KY Turf Cup (Grade 2) winner. Earned a 101 SRF in the $135.000 Johns Call before that, winning by daylight. Couldn’t get it done in Grade 1 company last out, finishing 10th in the Hirsch Turf Classic. Remains to be seen if he can step up here.
#2 Nevada Silver (Nakamura Stables) No worse than third in his last six starts, all in graded company. Won the Grade 2 Henry Championship last out. Look for him on or close to the lead, and he might still be there at the wire.
#3 Afterburner (Arindel) Recent credits include wins in the Sycamore (Grade 3) at the same track and distance as this contest and the Bowling Green (Grade 2). Not as consistent as some in this field but looks like a real contender.
#4 Keeper Of Time (Smokey Stover) You’d have to look back to June for this gelding’s last win. That came in the $200.000 Audubon, although he has had several second place finishes in graded company. May be outclassed here.
#5 Boardwalk Empire (Smokey Stover) Three-year-old colt has a Grade 1 win in the SAR Derby. Took on older in the Hirsch Turf Classic and finished third. Will need a big effort.
#7 Last Way To The Beac (Maxmillion Farm) Won the AP Million (Grade 1) and the Manhattan (Grade 1), but faltered in his last start, the WO Mile (Grade 1). Looks primed for a big performance.
#8 Certified Yank (Mb Stables) Has been doing well against three-year-olds, but couldn’t hit the board against older in his last start which makes him questionable. Has the speed to get to the front early but may not have the ability to stay there.
#11 Billy Joel (La Canada Racehorses) Won the Louisville (Grade 3) and the San Juan Capistrano (Grade 3), then finished second in the Bowling Green and Sword Dancer. A lot to like about this one. If you’re looking for a longshot, this could be your horse.
#12 Key Biscayne (TwinTowersRacing) Scored a win in the BEL Gold Cup (Grade 2) in June, but hasn’t done much since then. Don’t like his chances in this one.
#14 Mickey (South Shore Stables) Won the BEL Derby (Grade 1) in July and finished second by a nose in the Shadwell Turf Mile (Grade 1) last out. Doesn’t seem to have the credentials to compete here.
#15 Americas Hope (Nakamura Stables) Has only finished off the board once this year, but most of his seven starts this year came in allowance company. Still, he wired the field in the JC Derby (Grade 3) last start. Untested against older, which makes him a big question mark in this one.
#16 Letters By The Bay (Wood Duck Stables) Not much to recommend this one. Won the Kent State (Grade 3) back in July, but his recent performances have been a little lacking. Seems a bit outclassed here.
#17 Simply Magic (Winning Link Stables) Just a maiden win for this one. He did finish second last out in the Hill Prince (Grade 2) but this one looks like he lacks experience to compete here.
#18 Trouville (Royalty Stables) Finished second in the DMR Handicap (Grade 2). His last win came in allowance company at PRX. Another one that seems a bit outclassed.
Picks: 15-2-11
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
