The 17th Running of the G3 Doubledogdare Stakes
April 22, 2022
KEE Race #1 Post Time 18:25
11/16 Dirt $300.000
Fillies and Mares 4yo+ 123 Lbs
Track Record-1:41.16 (Danzig On The Rocks-2017)
Stakes Record-1:41.26 (Arts An Crafts-2012)
When the fine folks at KEE upgraded the purse of the G3 Doubledogdare Stakes to a robust $300.000 they probably imagined a 2022 renewal with a gate full of talented distaffers. Unfortunately, the price increase did not equate to more entries; however, the five talented ladies who will go 8.5 furlongs over the main track on Friday make up for the lack of quantity with an abundance of quality. Four G1-winners make up 80% of the field and they all enter this one with something to prove. Let’s meet the field for the 17th edition of the G3 Doubledogdare:
#1 Prospectress (TwinTowersRacing/E. Jaramillo): Well, the rail horse can’t be faulted for trying this. Unfortunately for her, this G3 came up as strong as any G1 in the division this spring and she gets no weight from her rivals on Friday. Lightly-raced filly will only be making her 5th career start, but she’s facing the four best horses she’s ever seen. Nothing wrong with her or her form, but will need several breaks to cash in this spot.
#2 Miss Steel Mazula (Nakamura Stables/V.R. Carrasco): Classy mare started her year with a G3 victory before narrowly missing in G1 try last out. There’s a chance that she is the controlling speed (even though she was further back in her latest) and she’s shown on multiple occasions that she can beat these types. Thinking she rolls out of there and will be primed for a top effort.
#3 Naples (Arindel/J.C. Ferrer): Reigning 3yo filly champ has gotten off to a rough start for her 4yo campaign. The last time she was coming off of a three-race losing streak, she only paired G3 wins before taking the G1 KYO. Still, 4yos sometimes struggle early in the year when the weights are level. It’s only a matter of time before she regains her form, but would have liked to have seen more fight in her last. Win or lose, expect her to be even tougher wherever she shows up for the remainder of the year.
#4 Tenrikyo (Smokey Stover/A. Cedillo): 6yo former champ started her season with an allowance win before just missing in two tries against graded company. Will be interesting to see how she pops from the gate as she has shown ability from on/close to the pace and from well off the leader. Mare faces a tough test here as she hasn’t beaten a graded field in a route race since October of 2020, so this one may be telling in deciding which division she focuses on for this season. Respect her accomplishments and her trainer is off to a monster start to 2022. Your call.
#5 Drink Me Pretty (Mb Stables/C.J. Hernandez): 5yo mare started her 2022 modestly with a 3rd in a SA allowance back in February. Looks like she will be a pace presence and what Tenrikyo decides to do leaving the gate will play a major factor in the trip she gets in here. Should be a little tighter for this and she’s lost nothing in her morning exercises. Lots to like but she will need to be bring her “A” race.
Final Analysis: This will probably be the last time we pick against Naples with any confidence whatsoever (and its not the strongest opinion this time), but this race seems to be set-up well for Miss Steel Mazula. We’ll say they finish 2-3-4 in the G3 Doubledogdare at KEE. Good luck to all of the connections!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
