The 21st Running of the G1 Man o War
Saturday, May 13, 2023
BEL Race #4 $600.000
4+ 123 Lbs 11/2 (Turf)
#1 King Que Niagra (D J C Racing Stables/P. Lopez): Had his run of three straight G1 victories stopped in November after he missed the BC due to an off track. Has come back with two-length defeats in both of his starts this season. Both of the ’23 efforts were at distances that are sub-optimum for this 6yo gelding; however, he relishes this 12-furlong trip. The last two times he got to really stretch his legs; he took back-to-back G1’s. Not holding the last three against him and expect his best on Saturday.
#2 Atomic Eclipse (Spankys Barn/D. Van Dyke): 6yo gelding is off to an excellent start this season as he has a win, a runner-up, and two thirds from four starts. Unlike the rail horse, this guy’s best work has come in races going between 8-10 furlongs. This is his first 12-furlong assignment, but his style suggests that he should handle the trip. He’s been effective stalking as well as racing from trip and and he’ll need all of that versatility to help him best this strong group.
#3 Spankersville (The Sidley Stud/J.R. Velazquez): 5yo horse thrives in these marathon races, and he does so on multiple surfaces. Took a G3 and a G2 to start this season before sort of an even 3rd last out at KEE. Gets the three-back pilot returning to the saddle here, and they found the winner’s circle last time they teamed up. Has yet to duplicate tactics in his three starts this season; however, that could complicate matters when you look at who will line up in the gate with him here.
#4 Billy Joel (La Canada Racehorses/S.R. Bahen): Former divisional champ started ’23 with back-to-back 4th -placed finishes to start his campaign before finding the winner’s circle in the G2 at SA last out. 6yo gelding wasn’t able to replicate his 4yo season last year, but he’s still one of the tops in the game when he’s right. He’s always been able to put himself in the right positions to be effective in these types of races, and, when he’s really sharp, he is more than capable of replicating efforts good enough to take these type events.
#5 Winter Solstice (Mb Stables/L. Dettori): A three-time competitor in the BC Turf, 8yo gelding is still out here winning races. Took a G2 to conclude his ’22 campaign before starting this season with an open allowance score. Came back to run 4th down at GP in a G2 from a less-than-ideal post last month when he didn’t have enough punch late in the game. With only a 23% chance of rain, he’ll most likely have to best this group on firm footing; however, his chances dramatically increase if there’s even a hint of give in the ground.
#6 Mickey (South Shore Stables/L. Saez): 4yo gelding is the reigning, defending, divisional champion, and he started off this campaign with two G1 scores. Those came after starting his season with a quarter-length defeat in the year’s first G1. In fact, that runner-up performance makes him 5-4-1-0 in his last five starts at this level. He makes his own trip and is usually all business once they spring the gates. Strictly the one to beat, even in this talented group.
#7 Dark Arts (TwinTowersRacing/J. Lezcano): Late runner has struggled timing his run as he’s been a runner-up in half of his last 10 starts, and, in fact, he’s been a bride’s maid eight times compared to just two wins in his 18 starts. He did close the distance to just a length a few weeks back at KEE; however, he could use a win in one of these spots. Should get a solid pace, and he shouldn’t be bothered with the trip, but he has to find that winning mentality soon.
#8 Ptyrannical (Arindel/Mario Gutierrez): 5yo gelding beat the champ down at GP, but had the tables turned on him at SA in March. Last out he was an impressive winner of a KEE G2 where he was involved from the first jump and showed he could handle this trip. BC Mile entrant last year appears to be serious about moving up in this division and there’s nothing in his recent form, nor the work tab, to suggest he’s intimidated by anyone in here. The pick in a contentious spot.
#9 Cheveley Park (Mo Mentum Farm/M. Franco): Colt has only had five races on the lawn, but he’s got two wins, and he enters off of a sharp score in south Florida just last month. That run came from well off of the pace and he should get a decent setup for that type of move here. Gets no favors with this draw, and he’ll have to manage traffic; however, he’ll be hitting his best stride late. Pilot sticks around after that latest run, and he may have more to offer.
Final Analysis: The G1 Man o War came up especially salty this year and these guys figure to knock heads throughout the season. We’ll go 8-6-4 this round, but this figures to be one of the more contentious races of the weekend. Good luck to all involved in the G1 Man o War!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
