The Excelsior – GIII
4/4/20
AQU Race 1 1 1/8M – Dirt
Purse $150.000
Four Year Olds and Up

A group of nine older runners has been entered to take a crack at this years running of the grade three Excelsior here ag Aqueduct Racetrack. A good field has been assembled with quite a few talented runners. Let’s take a look at the field.

1. Pulpit (14-4-3-1 $194.430), trained by D J C Racing Stables

First up is a New York bred here and he did win the Say Florida Sandy in early January here at the Big A. It seems to me that he does his best running around one turn at a sprint but you got to be in the race to win it.

2. Charlemagnes Command (12-2-1-0 $199.000), trained by Serenity Stables

A graded stakes winner here who just does not seem to want to run to his full talent all that often it seems. He has been way back in his last two races but he does run with some easier company here. The talent is there he just needs to show it.

3. Dauzac (12-3-1-3 $140.060), trained by TwinTowers Racing

Another graded stakes winner here and he is coming into this race off of three consecutive losses. He was fifth in the Challenger at Tampa in his last start. Needs to come back into good form to have any chance to win in here.

4. Hollywood Latte (16-5-1-2 $1,618.300), trained by Nakamura Stables

At one time this horse won the Preakness but since that win he has only managed one other win in an optional claimer three starts back. If he comes back to his early three year old form watch out for him to take this race.

5. Delaware Warrior (12-3-3-2 $314.840), trained by Nakamura Stables

A bridesmaid in many big races this horse has been but maybe this is the race where he gets the job done. He ran bad last time but was out of his comfort zone on the lead. If he goes with his usual closing style he should be able to roll late.

6. Rainstorm (17-4-4-2 $1,046.870), trained by Fractious

In my opinion this is a horse who is right on the edge of being one of the best older horses on the game. Right when I think he is going to run huge he lays an egg. He was near favoritism in last years Breeders Cup Classic. Definitely has the talent but he needs to put all his effort into this race.

7. Banshee Star (34-7-4-4 $1,449.180), trained by RNP Stables

An old battle tested gelding here who can run on either surface and who has ran with the best of them. I think he has lost a step maybe but if he can turn back the clock and run his best he could win this race.

8. Gunpowder Choice (13-3-3-1 $197.420), trained by Night Rider Stables

A stakes winner here and he has the possibility of winning this one if he can run back to his third that he ran in the Pegasus World Cup. He was beaten a head in there and if he runs as well as he did that day he could easily handle this field.

9. Justin Credible (40-10-6-5 $486.530), trained by Maxmillion Farm

Last but not least the former claimer who is coming into this race off of two starter allowance wins in a row. He is jumping into the deep end of the pool in here and he has a tough post so the odds are stacked against him.

Summary

I do not see a standout in this field that’s for sure but I am between Rainstorm and Gunpowder Choice as my top two. Also a close third is Hollywood Latte who is a Preakness winner. Good luck to all in the field.

6-8-4-5

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES