CC Jewel

CD           Race #10                     1 1/8m                          Dirt                      Stake

Purse $200.00  For Three Year Olds And Upward. Additional Requirements: Have started for a claiming price of $35.00 or less since 1/1/2025.

1            Knight Forgotten          The Sidley Stud            Velazquez J R                126                      —  

Lumps a penalty but then has been placed at graded stakes level recently so probabloy deserves the impost. The inside gate will help make that weight feel a little easier to carry and some BC style recent works say the two pounds may not be enough to stop him. The reason this trainer has so many entries in this series is because they are one of the best finders of gems in the claiming ranks in the game and this is another with a big winning chance.                        

2            Want Rum                       Luz International         Hernandez B J Jr         124                      —   

He has found consistency as a five year but has been seen over shorter trips than this recently. That fact only matters in real life though and means nothing much at HRP so a good look at his fast works and consistent form at a strong level is what really matters.   The draw will help him see out the trip and I expect a big effort from him.                          

3            Freaky Obra Party       The Sidley Stud            Bridgmohan S X          124                      —   

Another example of how good this trainer is at spotting talent he too has placed at stakes level albeit not at the level of his stable mate. A consistent plodder he is drawn well enough to be right in this when they turn for home.                  

4            The Stone Pony            Maletto                       Felix J E                            126                      —   

Second beaten a head in the grade one Whitney, fifth in the BC Dirt Mile, there is no doubting this ones ability and class and he gets in here without a penalty which is remarkable when you look at that type of form. The works are just good, sort of decent overnight level but I wouldn’t take much notice of that at HRP these days. A big winning chance.                 

5            Hard Hitter                     The Sidley Stud            Hernandez R M           124                      —   

Funnily enough the most average looking on the form side of the stables three runners at yet a better worker and the best in the field everywhere but race day. Bought at auction for next to nothing I think this may be the best of the stable runners if he is fit enough after a long time away.                

6            Good Man                       Locked And Loaded  Esquivel E                      126                      —   

We haven’t seen much of this trainer but they have a shot at the big time here with this recent claim. The penalty will be tough to carry for a horse that is up against some nice sorts but his works are strong and what a great story it would be if the trainer can take home the chocolates.                    

7            Indian River King          Night Rider Stables    Beschizza A                   124                      —   

The ten race winning seven year old is as tough as they come and proved that last time out in a competitive race at BEL. He may be long in the tooth but his heart is big and he will give his best for a long time here.                  

8            Time To Flip                    Temulac Farm               Saez L                     124                      —   

The winner of four from his last six there is certainly a lot to like about this in form four year old. His works are strong but a tough draw and tough opposition and he will have to improve further to win.                

9            Scorpius Run                Alydar Stables              Corrales G                     124                      —   

Looks to have gone off the boil at the wrong time for this race but at his best would be part of the rush at the end.                           

10          Gill Murray               Mojica Racing               Ortiz J L                            124                      — 

The free track has been rich pickings for a few trainers and this multiple winner for Spinetingling was nearly another big winner in his first pay race after claiming when just missing in the ALB Handicap. I expect him to use the wide gate speed push here and lead and he may be just too good if he can build on that last effort.

Race Summary:

Well you have to like Gill Murray as the leader here and I think he may be very hard to beat if he gets an easy lead. If he has to go too hard to find the front then there are plenty of chances not least the class horses in the race in the form of  Knight Forgotten, Freaky Obra Party and The Stone Pony. I have a little itch here though and I think if Hard Hitter is fit enough he may be a big chance to win at decent odds. 

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded