The 17th Running of the G2 Fayette
October 30, 2021 15:05
KEE Race #7 $300.000 11/8 Dirt
3YOs 121 Lbs 4yo+ 124 Lbs
Track Record-1:47.36 (Guided By Angels-2011)
Stakes Record-1:47.74 (German Sausage-2011)
The $300.000 G2 Fayette will take place at KEE for the 17th time on Saturday. A field of nine has signed-on to compete in the 11/8 dirt contest for 3yos and up that goes as the closing-day feature. Australia Wide (2005, 2007, 2008) leads all HRP trainers with three Fayette victories while jockey R.J. Albarado (2006, 2012, 2015) will be going for his fourth victory in this race. There’s a nice mix of sophomores and elders in this year’s G2 Fayette field, so let’s meet them:
#1 Toothpaste (Night Rider Stables/R.J. Albarado 121): 3yo draws the rail and looks to conquer KEE after taking the $275.000 Bourbon Trail last month at CD. This guy had a chance to face NY-breds for the same purse at the same trip, but instead chose to go in here. All three of his wins have come from on/near the lead so should expect to see him involved throughout from the inner-most draw.
#2 Combat Wombat (Maxmillion Farm/M. Murrill 124): Three years and $3,322.150 in earnings after being purchased for a second time prior to his debut, this guy keeps showing-up in big spots. Multiple G1 winner hasn’t had a monster 6yo season; however, still think he has graded efforts in him. Favorably-drawn and will be involved for all 9-furlongs. Respect.
#3 Mad King (Mb Stables/R. Bejarano 124): 4yo has two G3 MTH Cups to his credit, but hasn’t fared as well in his five other graded starts. He’s been close at this G2 level though and is well-drawn to show his best here. With speed to his inside, may be able to secure a rail-trip within striking range, but he will need to fire the best shot of his career at a track not on the Jersey shore to take the top prize.
#4 Cherokee Twins (TwinTowersRacing/B.J. Hernandez Jr 124): Colt has yet to win in eight starts as a 4yo, but he has been keeping good company. Looks to be a bit further back than the three to his inside and only has one route win in his career. Could see him grabbing a minor prize, but can’t reccommend with too much confidence.
#5 Cp Good Moon (Asgar/F. Arrieta 121): Sophomore will make his graded debut 14-days after an eighth place showing in a N1X allowance locally. Barn has had a very good 2021, but this looks like a stretch. Pass.
#6 Bring The Pain (Luz International/F. Prat 124): Recently purchased 7yo has put a lot of miles on the tires since his last win back in February of 2020. Have to go back to June of 2019 to find his lone graded win, but he didn’t duck anyone when he was sprinting on the dirt and routing on the turf. Seems to be on a slightly better run of form and could grab a slice of this from well off of the pace, but others look better.
#7 Rockin Rodeo (Nakamura Stables/J.S. Rocco Jr 121): 3yo had a productive summer north of the border with restricted stakes victories sandwiching a near-miss in the $1,000.000 Queens Plate. Yet another runner that looks to be involved from the start, this one could fall into a dream trip. If that happens, there is ample evidence he is good enough to get the job done. Don’t dismiss.
#8 Sweetly Chai (Greyfriars Stable/J.L. Castanon 121): Facing elders for the first time, this guy has two straight G3 near-misses leading into this one. If you throw-out the FG effort back in February this would look like another pace factor; however, there is enough pace in here that this one could revert to those very same tactics. Only making the sixth start of his season and could put a serious scare into this group if he finds a bit more desire than he has previously shown.
#9 Puget Sound (Angelos Stable/C.J. Hernandez 124): 5yo gelding will be making the 11th start of his season and the first graded dirt start of his career. Plenty such tries on the lawn where he won the G1 United Nations as a sophomore. Different game here and until he shows more on this surface can’t see him making too large of an impact on Saturday.
Final Analysis: 7-2-1 in Saturday’s $300.000 G2 Fayette at KEE. Good luck to everyone involved.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
