The 18th Running of the G2 Secretariat Stakes
Saturday, August 13, 2022
CD Race #2 $300.000
3Yos 122 Lbs 1-Mile (T)
Track Record-1:32.47 (Bluegrass Cat-2022)
Stakes Record-1:32.69 (Bold Express/Kings Poker-2020/2021)
After 17-consecutive runnings at the now-defunct AP, the 18th edition of the G2 Secretariat Stakes will be held on the new turf course at CD for the first time on Saturday. Carded as the 2nd race, the G2 Secretariat drew a field of seven sophomore turf milers. Pride In The Ride looks to duplicate his success in the G2 PEN Mile as he stretches back out to the mile for the first time since that June score. The Asgar-trainee is the only graded winner in the field; however, four others have scored listed victories. It’s not the deepest group, but there is some definite quality in here so let’s take a look at the field:
#1 One Twenty Five (TwinTowersRacing/A. Cedillo): Broke the maiden but hasn’t beaten winners in two tries since. Draws the rail for his toughest assignment to date, but he’ll need to get out of the gate better than he has in his last two to have any kind of chance here. Lone win came when making all of the running on the dirt, but latest 6f drill says he’s getting better as he tries the grass for just the 2nd time.
#2 Cascade King (Nakamura Stables/M. Murrill): Colt will be making his 6th consecutive start against stakes’ foes, but only has the $75.000 Alcatraz to show for his efforts. Looks to be one that will drop back and save all the ground before producing his best stride. Graded foes have proven difficult to solve, but definitely feel like he is on his preferred surface and going his favorite trip.
#3 Penal Hockey Party (Maxmillion Farm/E. Jaramillo): Big-money purchase didn’t do a whole lot of running in debut for this outfit; however, conditioner took most of the blame for that one. Like the confidence he shows in sending this guy right back to the graded level and gelding has shown the ability to compete at this level. If he’s six lengths back at any point this time, he’ll need the vet ambulance to bring him back to the barn.
#4 Distant Volcano (Team 7 Illusions/D. Davis): G2-placed turf sprinter stretched-out nicely in $100.000 Manila score and takes the logical step up here. No matter the distance he’s shown an ability to produce his run in the latter stages and have to like the fact that the pilot sticks. Don’t think the company will bother him here, but he’ll need to find a path around that keeps him less than three-wide the whole way.
#5 Pride In The Ride (Asgar/L.J. Luzzi): Most accomplished horse in the field has proven his quality at shorter distances repeatedly, and gets the chance to do the same for this eight-furlong trip. Gelding probably doesn’t want any storm clouds in the Louisville area, but he looks to sit an excellent trip from this draw and should have every chance to validate the PEN performance.
#6 Grayte Lion (Gdp Inc/E. Maldonado): Colt broke his maiden on the lawn but was unsuccessful in two cracks against winners on the grass. Did clear his first condition on the main track before an excellent, runner-up effort in G3 Affirmed. Options are limited from this draw considering the expected tactics inside, but his trip shouldn’t be what gets him beat here.
#7 Declassified Eros (Invicta Group Llc/V. Espinoza): Gelding has proven to be a useful $12.500 claim as he’s taken two of three for the new outfit. Enters off of a front-running score in opening day feature at DMR, but did not when the draw here. Has shown he can sit just off of a target and there’s a chance that may work here, and keeping Espinoza in the saddle is a good sign of confidence. Wouldn’t dismiss his chances, even from out here.
Final Analysis: 3-5-7 in a bit of an upset is how we see the G2 Secretariat Stakes. Good luck to all of the connections! If you have a strong opinion on this one (different from ours), leave a comment and maybe I’ll give away a voucher if someone hits the tri cold.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
