1 Donegal Dreamer (Santan Stables)
Interesting five-year-old. Seems very ordinary, maybe a little below average, then he goes and wins the Harris Stakes at FNO in CA-bred company, then finished eighth in the Ft Bliss last out. He won a N1X at HOU but couldn’t move up from there. Not sure what to think of this one.
2 Factual Cause (Pan Farms)
Five-year-old horse with just seven races to his credit. Broke his maiden two starts back, then finished eighth of nine in N1X company last out. Did have a string of second place finishes before breaking his maiden, but this one is another big question mark.
3 Mojave Rattler (Spankys Barn)
Seven-year-old gelding making his 45th start here. Still has something in the tank, as he proved last out by finishing second in allowance company at SA. Most of his wins came on turf, but he has had recent success on dirt. He should be close to the pace and just might still be there at the wire.
4 Championship Rounds (Mb Stables)
Came close to a win in the Eddie Stakes a year ago, finishing second, his best performance in stakes company. Last win came at allowance level at SAR in July. Second by a nose last out at SA. Solid allowance colt trying to make the step up to stakes winner and he just might do it here.
5 Party Control West (Simmer Down Stable)
Multiple stakes winner, including the CAC Sprint two starts back in CA-bred company and the Mills Stakes at TUP in November. Could have a say in this one.
6 Caught Up In You (TwinTowersRacing)
Won an allowance at AQU in September but hasn’t done much since in stakes company. Didn’t hit the board in his one start this year. Works have been strong, but he just may not have what it takes to win here.
7 Blueberry Yum Yum (Rampage Stable)
Second in the Ft Bliss last out, a race in which Donegal Dreamer finished 8th. Second in the Harris by a nose to Donegal Dreamer. early but again and may finish like they did the last time, but maybe not in that order.
8 Dellas Boy (Alydar Stables)
Third last out in the $100.000 Pelican Stakes last out. Won the $100.000 Elgin Stakes in August. Looking to add another stakes win to his resume here. Recent races are a mixed bag. Probably won’t be up front early but could come running at the end.
9 Sunsweet Bay (Smokey Stover)
Three-year-old taking on older early. Won in optional claiming company at GP last out. Before that he finished 3rd in the $100.000 Limehouse. One of the least experienced entrants. I don’t see him prevailing over older.
10 Tuco Salamanca (Night Rider Stables)
Another three-year-old taking on older. Two wins to his credit, including a maiden and a $25.000 claimer last out when he changed hands. Again, I don’t see a three-year-old winning against older this early in the year.
11 Wilson (Hawaiian Shirt Guy)
If there is a three-year-old in this field that can compete with the older horses, it might be this one. Has tried stakes and graded level several times, including a third in the DMR Futurity (Grade 1) last year and a second in the Cup and Saucer Stakes against Canada-breds. I stand by the axiom that three-year-olds can’t run with older horses this early, but I have most definitely been wrong before.
12 Dutty John Crow (Maxmillion Farm)
After a less than successful 2022, this five-year-old gelding changed hands in October for $40.000 and won an allowance at SUN for his new connections even after a four-month layoff. With over 1,000.000 in earnings, he has to be taken seriously, but his more recent performances make me wonder.
Picks: 7-1-5
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded
