The 15th Running of the Queens County Handicap
December 19, 2021 12:40
AQU Race #2 $125.000 11/8 Dirt
3YO+ Handicap Weights
Track Record-1:46.83 (Expressly-2013)
Stakes Record-1:47.19 (Cymbol-2012)
Sunday’s $125.000 Queens County Handicap drew seven horses carrying handicap weights while going a mile and an eighth on the main track. This will be the 15th running of the Queens County, but only the fourth that will be run on the main AQU course at 9-furlongs. Being a handicap, the weights may play a large role in determining the winner; here’s the Queens County Handicap field:
#1 Downward Roll (Big Jd Racing/D. Davis 118): 8yo is showing no signs of slowing down with nine in-the-money finishes in ten starts this season, including three wins. Drawn well, in great form, and is a major threat for top honors.
#2 Crimson Rioja (Mo Mentum Farm/E. Cancel 118): First of four 3yos in the field gets in at the same impost as the rail horse. Form shows he can hold his own in this class, but the weight could play an important factor in whether he bests these.
#3 Sinissippi Cherokee (Arindel/M. Franco 118): Sophomore colt only has a maiden win to his credit, but he has talent. Another carrying the same/more weight than a few older runners. Been called stubborn before, but don’t like the weight scenario.
#4 Crimson Dragon (TwinTowersRacing/D. Van Dyke 117): Last-out GG win came from well back and that appears to be his M.O. on the main track. Going further than he’s ever been and doesn’t get much of an allowance on the scales. Pass.
#5 Booster (Nakamura Stables/J.R. Velazquez 119): 3yo has been competitive at the graded level, but has to give all but one of these 1-2 lbs. Does have good early foot and may prove the one to catch and is capable of stealing this.
#6 He Needsa Manzillian (Jediminds Stable/J.A. Vargas Jr 117): 5yo horse gets weight from all but one runner and is a confirmed dirt router. Does have to answer the class question, but if not now, when?
#7 Psychotic Ruler (Night Rider Stables/J. Lezcano 121): 6yo is the deserved highweight off of his big score at BEL and 2nd in the G3 last month. Giving away 2-4 pounds, but he’s really sharp right now. Don’t like the outside post, but he’s the one to beat.
Final Analysis: 1-7-5 in a wide-open Queens County Handicap at AQU. Good luck to all involved.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
