With no real stand outs in this field of seven ( surprised late scratch of Seminole ( ), it will be an interesting affair to say the least. We do have a few of the regular trainers doing battle once again, but are their entries ready?
- Dixie Stakes- Grade II Purse $250.000
- `Pimlico Racetrack – For Three Year olds and Upward
- Mile and a sixteenth – Turf Course
- May 18th, 2019
Gone are the days when we would see combatants return time and time again to try to repeat to maintain the prestige, respect and achievement of owning a title. It wasn’t long ago we would see a horse by the name of Seven Years ( Alydar Stables ) capture this event in both 2014/15, then come back the next two seasons and go runner-up as well. Todays group, while talented, have not achieved that type of presence as of yet, but maybe with time and maturity, they may become a household name.
Here’s a look at the field for the opening act to the Grade I PRK;
1. Oh Awesome One ( TwinTowersRacing ) Jockey- Bejarano R. – Is winless in four starts this season, and definitely didn’t appreciate the soft footing last time over at KEE in the Gr. II Elkhorn. Should get some firm turf on Saturday, and does have a couple of sharp shorter works in prep for this affair. Needs to perform his best in this event, or he may be heading off to the barn for good. Outsider.
2. Jakes Delight ( Nolespan Racing ) Jockey- Gutierrez Mario – Attempted twice this season to break his maiden over the dirt, but made the switch to the sod in his most recent Md40 event at SA, and took to the surface and the winners circle in fine fashion with a four length victory. Trainer has been keeping his works close to the chest of late, and other recent Maiden winners have gone on to stakes victories. Longshot but has potential.
3. Never Met Me ( Mb Stables ) Jockey- Colon L H – First of two sophomores taking on older for this event. Does have two victories in his last four starts on the turf, both coming on the west coast. Took home the $100 Zuma Beach last year, and most recently captured an OpClm62.5 at GG. Was at his lowest weight in that affair, and no three year old has won this event. Works are sharp and trainer is keen, but it will be a challenge.
5. Mean Street ( Nakamura Stables ) Jockey- Saez L – Up until his very last start in the Gr. II Muniz Memorial Hdcp. at the Fairgrounds, he has been consistently in the top two finishers for his five previous. Took home the Gr. III Thunder Road at SA going a mile on the turf, and that was in sub 1:33 time, so he deserves some respect for this event. Has twelve wins in 42 starts on the grass, so he should be in the Hunt.
6. Bold Glitter ( Estero Farms ) Jockey – Pennington F – Has just six career starts under his belt, is the second sophomore in this field. Has attacked the grass in his past four starts with his best effort coming third, a head shy in last years $100 Atlantic Beach. Both this seasons starts have earned him sub 90 SRF figures, and he faded in last years Gr. III Bourbon in first asking on the sod. Pass.
7. Lets Do It Big Boy ( RNP Stables ) Jockey – Hernandez B J Jr. – Has been winless since he captured last seasons Gr. II Fort Lauderdale Stakes. It hasn’t been because he hasn’t been trying, he has been competing in top notch events, but has found four of his last five races coming over off turf tracks. Should be nice an firm for him today, and will be putting in a late charge to bring home a much needed purse. Factor.
8. Green Rush ( Pennville Farm ) Jockey – Centeno D E – Up until his most recent event, this five year old grey has been in the money in his seven previous races. Has just missed in two of those by less then a neck, and won the Gr. III Red Bank last September. Earned a 100 SRF number two starts ago in the Gr. III Canadian Turf, and that should place him well for this event. Top three finisher.
Duffer
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
