The 17th Running of the G3 LA Stakes
Saturday, January 21, 2023
FG Race #7 $150.000
4+ 123 Lbs (plus penalties) 11/16
Course Record-1:39.97 (Phuneios-2013)
Stakes Record-1:40.52 (Copious Notes-2012)
#1 Anna Da Artist (Smokey Stover/D. Cohen 123): Gelding went 7 for 10 as a sophomore but runs on the new engine for the first time in here. Rail draws have been a contentious issue in certain corners so it will be informative to see the trip that this one gets. Perryville effort two-back tells you all you need to know as far as talent.
#2 Learned Jake (First Flight Stable/T. Gaffalione 123): Colt did some good work sprinting last year and he’ll try to stretch his speed in only the second route of his career. The only two times he was off of the board last season he faced less-than-fast/firm surfaces, so those can be excused. Form has to transfer, and he has to show he wants to go this far.
#3 Brave Freedom (Nakamura Stables/S. Elliott 123): Gelding should appreciate the brief freshening he’s gotten since the two runs in November to complete an 11-race season. He won five of those with two other ITM finishes for a very productive sophomore campaign. How he reacts to the race engine seems to be the only question mark.
#4 Angel Dust (Arindel/E. Jaramillo 123): Gelding had an up-and-down sophomore campaign with two wins from nine starts and four ITM finishes. His biggest win was the Curlin at SAR, but he couldn’t duplicate the effort in his last four tries. The new engine may work to his benefit as he was a bit of a suspect breaker and he’s another that should give some clues as to how this engine will play out.
#5 Crack Dab (Gdp Inc/L. Saez 123): War horse is back for a 7yo campaign after taking the Blame Stakes and placing in the G2 Foster. Those were his best efforts from nine starts last season; however, he was beaten only a length twice at the G1 level. Old dog has to learn a new trick with the race engine, but his fastball is still pretty strong.
#6 Burnin Red Hooves (TwinTowersRacing/J.R. Velazquez 123): Had three wins in the CLM/ALW levels before just missing in seasonal finale G3 at WO. 5yo thrived in the breaking aspect of racing on the old engine, but we’re still waiting to see how that trait will crossover to this new engine.
#7 The Good Dinosaur (Angelos Stable/T.J. Hebert 123): Consistent runner has been ITM 13 times in 16 races. Took six of his 10 starts last year by using his ample tactical speed and pouncing at the right times. Jock is winless in 44-starts, but this could be a live runner if he can transfer the old engine form.
#8 Schmidt (Nakamura Stables/D.E. Centeno 123): Texas Derby was the best of his two wins as a sophomore, but he ran 3rd twice at this same level as well. Wasn’t always the best breaker but that could play into his favor with the new engine. Jan 8 work was excellent so he could mean business here.
#9 No More Rattle (Bigchief Stables/F. Geroux 123): Gelding came off the KYD trail to score in G3 Lang at PIM before having to wait until December to visit the WC again. That seasonal finale came in a DMR ALW going this same trip so we know he’s fast, he’s got the class, and we know he can get the trip. Now, can he transfer it over to this engine?
#10 Lion Lake (Night Rider Stables/A. Beschizza 123): ITM in six of his eight starts, with the All American victory being his best effort. Demonstrated some versatility on the old engine as he was able to stalk-and-pounce as well as come from a bit further back. How that versatility translates to this iteration of the RE is anyone’s guess, but he’s talented enough to compete on paper.
#11 Stolen (D J C Racing Stables/P. Lopez 123): Only had one win from 11 starts last season; however, the win was a G2 and he earned over $500.000. Outside post isn’t as big of a draw back as it was last season, and he’s already showed us different dimensions to his game. He’s an intact 6yo horse, so a win on this new engine could be a very big deal for him.
Final Analysis: This early in the season, 4yos sometimes struggle with their weight scenario so we’ll lean heavily on the older runners here. Give us 10-11-5 in what should be a very informative edition of the G3 LA Stakes. Good luck to all involved!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
