The Palm Beach Stakes-Grade III
GP Race 3 1 1/16M Turf
Purse $100.000 For
Three Year Olds
While most of the top three-year olds battle it out to try and get to the Derby there are still those that prefer to run on the soft stuff. Since there are limited options for stakes races on the grass at this time of year we have drawn a good field so let’s look at the contestants.
1 Calm Havoc, trained by Mb Stables
Leading trainer only sends one in this race, but it is a strong one. Comes out of the Dania Beach, as do several others in here, where he ran a fast closing fourth. He did not have the best post that day and it was a soft course, so he should improve here. His resume also includes a 2nd in the Grade 2 Summer and a 4th in the BC Juvenile Turf so must give him a big chance.
2 Throne Drone, trained by Aer Stables
Also comes out of the Dania Beach where he was sent to the lead and faded badly. He has shown that the soft turf is not to his liking so perhaps we can excuse that effort, but a recent mile work is cause for concern given his less than ideal conform. His two races over a firm turf, including a very game 2nd in the BC Juvenile Turf, are the best in the field so if he is still at his best will be a major player.
3 Running Your Mouth, trained by Pan Farms
Trainer has been talking up this runner in a big way in the chat practically guaranteeing a victory. He has been extremely impressive in all his turf starts winning two and finishing 2nd in the other. His victory in the DeMille generated the best speed rating in the field and he also shows a very impressive sub 1.35 work. Looks to have a big chance if he can avoid getting caught up in a speed duel.
4 Troubling Times, trained by Wolfs Den
Only victory came at the free track and has been unable to hit the board in his four races since. Last work was slow and speed ratings are a notch below the rest of the field. Even with Irad on board I cannot see this one being close at the end.
5 Point Of Royalty, trained by D J C Racing Stables
The third entrant coming out of the Dania Beach where he was making his turf debut. That did not go well as he was a well beaten 11th but the trainer is chalking that up to the off going. Was considered one of the top contenders in the BC Juvenile after winning three races in a row including the Grade 3 Futurity but finished a disappointing 10th. Seems to prefer sprinting and I am not sure he has taken the steps forward that others have.
6 Lone Shadow, trained by Blushing Meadows
Has only raced twice both times in state bred maiden claimers. Was claimed for $35 in his last outing which was contested at 1 1/8 and where he just got up on the last jump. While the works seem to be ok I will need to see him face this caliber of competition before recommending.
7 Try Hollywood, trained by Witeout Stables
Makes his turf debut here and has only a 5-furlong breeze so hard to determine if he will take to it. Is still looking to earn his first dollar as his only win came at the free track. Hard to imagine this one making any kind of impact in this spot.
8 Glacier Express, trained by Smokey Stover
Has yet to find the winner’s circle in 4 career attempts on the turf but does have two seconds and a third. Has been favored in his last three attempts, all in allowance races, so we know he has a lot of supporters. Put in a very fast mile work a couple of weeks ago and picks up Bejarano but I am going to have to see it in the afternoon before investing my money.
9 Rifleman, trained by EasyMoney Stables
Our final entrant comes into this race off a victory in the Dania Beach where he beat many of today’s rivals. Has finished first or second in all six of his career turf starts earning over $150. Must carry an extra two pounds thanks to his last victory and will be hard pressed to get as good a trip starting from the far outside. There is no way to count him out but think post and weight may be a little too much to overcome.
Summary
There seems to be a sizable number of horses that prefer to race on or near the lead, so I envision a lively pace. The jockey that can read that situation correctly and keep his mount 3-4 lengths from the front may hold the key to victory. Since Running Your Mouth has a nice post and good tactical speed I believe Gallardo will be the jockey who can pull that off. Calm Havoc will need to avoid traffic as I imagine he will drop to the back of the pack early and be closing late. I think Throne Drone’s conform is catching up to him and Rifleman will have too much working against him.
3-1-8-2
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
