Grade 3 for Three-Year-Olds
1 1/16 Mile Dirt
Post: 6/26/2016 14:40 at SA
You could make a case for several three-year-olds in this field. It took Quadplex six starts to break his maiden, and he followed that up with a second in the Sir Barton. Larry L. Lavender is coming in off a win in high-level optional claiming company for his only win on dirt since he broke his maiden at 2 furlongs. Southern Cal had a terrible trip in the PRX Derby two starts back. When he finally got in the clear, he made a good run at it, only to come up short by a head.
Here’s the field:
1 Quadplex
Owner: Luz International
Breeder: Team 7 Illusions
This gelding was competing in graded stakes before he broke his maiden, which he did two starts back in front running style. In the $100.000 Sir Barton last out, he held the lead throughout only to lose by a length at the wire. Both of his attempts at this distance have been losses but by short margins. Wouldn’t count him out.
2 Larry L. Lavender
Owner: Heavens Own
Breeder: Spinetingling
Coming in off a win at $80.000 Optional Claiming level at WO. His only other attempt at stakes competition was in the $75.000 Cutler Bay where he finished 3rd. That was on turf. We’ll see if he can duplicate that last performance on dirt.
3 Lucky Chief
Owner: Wolfs Den
Breeder: Scorpion Stables
Also coming in off a $80.000 Optional Claiming win. Has never raced beyond a mile on dirt and has never tried stakes level before. Will need to step it up to compete here.
4 Angle Springs
Owner/Breeder: Barcelona Farms
Won a $25.000 Optional Claimer in his last start. Before that you’d have to go back to February for another win, this one at PM in N2L company. Tried graded level last October as a two-year-old but finished 5th.
5 Clovis Ali
Owner: Night Rider Stables
Breeder: Miata Farm
This gelding has more graded stakes experience than any of the other entrant, but is yet to hit thee board at this level. He does have a stakes win to his credit though, the $140.000 Eddy County Stakes for NM-bred. Needs a top effort to win here.
6 Southern Cal
Owner/Breeder: Alydar Stables
In-the-money three times in at ungraded stakes level. Is yet to win at that level though. In-the-money six of eight starts at a mile or longer. Working very well coming up to this race. If he can stay out of traffic, he will be tough to beat.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
