Plenty of Question Marks in Greenwood Cup at PRX

The 14th Running of the G3 Greenwood Cup

September 25, 2021 14:45

PRX Race #9 $200.000 11/2 Dirt 

3YO 118 Lbs 4YO+ 122 Lbs (Plus Penalties)

Track Record-2:28.39 (Brilliant One-2014)

Stakes Record-2:28.48 (Space Commander-2020)

Saturday at PRX will mark the 14th running of the G3 Greenwood Cup.  The G3 Greenwood is a 11/2 marathon on the dirt for three year-olds and up and the purse is $200.000.  Barcelona Farms (2011, 2016) and Mb Stables (2013, 2014) have each taken three cups home in this event and jockey A.S. Arroyo leads the colony with two victories.  Here is the field for the 2021 edition of the G3 Greenwood Cup at PRX:

#1 A Born Dancer (Maxmillion Farm/S.R. Bahen 122): 5yo was on the losing end of a headbob in the G2 Suburban at this distance, but has not fired in two subsequent races.  Veteran has never beaten stakes horses, but he is at home in races at this trip.  Conditioner loves these marathons and have to think he’ll have this guy ready to fire from this advantageous post.

#2 Bring The Pain (M.b.o. Racing Stable/K. Carmouche 122): 7yo will be making the 40th start of his career on Saturday and it’s nice to see him get another crack at 12-furlongs.  One look through his PP’s show he has several big performances at this trip.  Now, majority of those were on turf, but there is some dirt form here too. Not out of the realm of possibilities.

#3 Pink N Bold (Iolaus Racing/S. Ryan 119): Lone filly in the race will get three pounds from the other runners in here.  Last seen finishing 2nd in the G2 FDL Handicap at CD.  This will be her first run against males, but she usually brings her race with her when she gets in the gate.  Distance is a question, but, with her ability and this post, she should have every opportunity to compete here.

#4 Sofa King Rich (Night Rider Stables/J.A. Vargas Jr 122): G3 Westchester winner has spent a lot of his career running in middle-distance stakes and allowance ranks so this assignment is his longest by a considerable amount.  Nothing wrong with his form and appears that he will take them as far as he is able.

#5 Market Value (Nakamura Stables/Ru. Silvera 122): 5yo comes to PRX looking for his first win in 361 days, but that win was in a G3 going this trip on the dirt.  Last seen in the G1 Pacific Classic where he was 7th, beaten four lengths.  While he may not be the selection for the top prize, he can grab a slice if he’s having one of his good days.

#6 Dauzac (TwinTowersRacing/J.R. Velazquez 122): 5yo has not run very well since March and comes back for a second-helping in this as he was 6th last year.  One thing is certain, he has done a lot of prepping on the farm as his last published work was on August 12.  Will be interesting to see what the tactics are as his running lines don’t seem to have a preferred trip.  Tough to endorse based on the information available to the public.

#7 Spirited Stride (Mb Stables/E. Jaramillo 122): Last year’s runner-up in this event comes back for another try.  4yo had a tremendous juvenile season, but hasn’t really lived-up to those expectations the last two seasons.  Started his year with a win in March, but the 2nd place effort in the $120.000 Birdstone is his best effort in five races since.  He has races in his past that are good enough to take this, but going to let him prove it.

Final Analysis: 3-1/1-3 looks like a good exacta however you prefer it in a race that has plenty of questions that have to be answered.  Good luck to everyone involved in the $200.000 G3 Greenwood Cup at PRX!



Categories: STAKES ARTICLES