RGD (GIII)
1 3/8th Mile on Turf ($150 Purse)
3+ Fillies and Mares
July 10th 2021 at DEL
Fillies and Mares will take the gates on Saturday at DEL in search of a graded stakes win. Maggie Greene and Too Scared To Party highlight the quality field in search of scoring the lion’s share of the $150 purse.
In a long route, position and pace will play a vital factor in the outcome. It’ll be interesting to see if Ginger Shamanism bolts to the front, or if perhaps one of the outside speedsters claims the role.
THE FIELD:
#1 – Ginger Shamanism (Greyfriars Stable)
Wire to wire winner of the Santa Barbara Stakes, a long route similar to here, Greyfriars adds distance once again after a poor outing at a mile and an eighth. Tactics should be interesting, whether to pressure for the lead against the outside speedsters, or to settle in behind the lead. The connections will be looking for their second graded stakes win with Ginger Shamanism when they break from the gates Saturday.
#2 – Maggie Greene (The Sidley Stud)
This 6 year old mare is a veteran of 42 races, tallying 14 wins in those efforts. She goes back to a longer route which seems to be her preference and the 1:34.2 (T) indicates she’s ready to run. She’s one to keep an eye on here.
#3 – Too Scared To Party (Smokey Stover)
A four year old filly for Smokey Stover, she’s finished second in her last two efforts- a Grade 1 and a Grade 2. Going back to Nov. 2020 she won at this distance and surface against older, posting a 97 speed fig. She’s also the 2020 RGD winner and seeking a repeat on that status. She’s been the odds on betting favorite in 5 of her last 6 races and I expect this to be the case in the RGD.
#4 – Loihi (MartyParty)
Winning by 2 lengths at this distance on the turf last time out at GG, this three year filly moves out of mid level allowance company and right into graded stakes class. Her winning time is about a second shy of being competitive against these but with improvement she could surprise the field.
#5 – Built For Speed (First Flight Stable)
A lightly races 7 year old mare who comes well off the pace, from the clouds, in most all her finishes. A multiple graded stakes winner, this one looks to get back into the winner’s circle after two lackluster performances. Built for Speed is a big time bounce back candidate in the RGD.
#6 – High Ended (John Henry)
Sold for $200 by Fractious in Oct. of 2020, this mare had a string of bad 5th place finishes. It seems more recently though, this mare has found her footing again for John Henry- undoubtedly, liking the added turf distance. High Ended might not have favorable odds on the tote board, but she’s one to keep an eye on.
#7 – Taco Impact (Maxmillion Farm)
Purchased from Lindeman Prairie for $300 in late 2020, this filly hasn’t lived up to the billing. Max switched her to turf this April and she seems to responding despite the inability to find a firm track. With a turf guru trainer, Taco Impact hopes to gain some momentum in the RGD against what at least appears to be on paper, classier horses.
Jive’s Prediction:
Ginger Shamanism and Taco Impact go out together and set a nice pace. Too Scared To Party and Maggie Greene settle in comfortably just off them.
Coming home, Maggie Greene digs deep enough to fight off the pressure from second place finisher Too Scared To Party, earning herself the win.
Built For Speed will come from well back to close for third, as Ginger Shamanism fades back for fourth.
Jive’s Pick – 3-2-5-1
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
