The 19th Running of the G2 Seabiscuit Handicap
Saturday, November 26, 2022
DMR Race #5 $250.000
3+ Handicap Weights 11/16 (Turf)
Course Record-1:38.95 (Cinnamon Strike-2021)
Stakes Record-1:37.98 (Bold Pretender-2012)
#1 Jakarta (Nakamura Stables/V. Espinoza 120): Winless in all six starts at the G1/G2 levels this season, but he has a couple of really good efforts. A repeat of his runner-up G1 Shoemaker Mile try makes him a major player here from the rail.
#2 Free Blast (Fractious/U. Rispoli 118): Claimed for $47.500 back in May and has been competitive at this level. Gets in at low weight and figures to sit a good trip, but he’ll need to prove he can handle the distance.
#3 Devil Made Me Do It (Maxmillion Farm/R.A. Vazquez 119): 0-5 this year going much longer and much shorter than the 8.5-furlongs he faces here. Maybe this is “little bear’s soup” and just right for him.
#4 Phar Lap (Threshold/E. Maldonado 121): G2 winner gets assigned top weight as he tries to end his 7yo campaign on a high note. Did win a $47.500 WO claimer at this trip, but he is sort of an all-or-nothing type.
#5 Wingman (Angelos Stable/P. Lopez 120): 5yo put forth a big effort in SA G2 back on October 1, so it was probably wise to give him a bit of extra time. Probably sits off and tries to run them down, but he’s shown speed before as well.
#6 Riverside Avenue (Rock Creek/Ru. Silvera 119): Been a five-time bridesmaid in seven starts this year; however, he enters with back-to-back wins in tow. Gets a stiff test for class, but have to like the way he is trending.
#7 Xavier Breath (Maxmillion Farm/F. Prat 118): Purchased for $25.000 back in July, he’ll make his first start for this outfit carrying low weight. Barn likes these types that can show some speed and have the ability to carry it through. Layoff is a concern, but expect a good effort.
#8 Owens (Nakamura Stables/D. Van Dyke 118): Claimed for $45.000 back in August, he tried the dirt in his barn debut. Turf stats are much more appealing and one of the game’s best probably has a better handle on him now.
#9 Zensational (Smokey Stover/Ru. Gonzalez 119): Speedball draws outer post and gets a class test in here. 4yo should make it interesting on the front end, but he’ll have to find that finishing punch to hold these guys off.
Final Analysis: 1-7-2 is how we see the G2 Seabiscuit Handicap. Good luck to everyone at DMR!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
