The Lewis Stakes- Grade III
SA Race 5 1 1/16M Dirt
Purse $150.000 For
Three Year Olds
1st Reach For A Latte, trained by Saratoga Stud
Was able to use a burst of speed to get a good spot just off the rail 3 lengths from the lead. Stayed there in fourth down the backstretch as Having A Blast set fast fractions through the half. Started his move halfway through the turn and got the jump on Worst Case Scenario who was dealing with traffic. Charged to the lead with one and half furlongs to go and had enough to hold off Worst Case Scenario who eventually found room.
2nd Worst Case Scenario, trained by Mb Stables
Tracked about half a length behind the winner for most of the trip. Was unable to keep pace when that one started his move due to traffic issues. When he finally found space, he had a good closing kick but came up a half-length short.
3rd Lucky Phooey, trained by LionKing Stables
Dropped right to the back from the far outside but was unable to get to the inside. Raced 5 wide the whole way around the track about 8 lengths from the front. Started picking off rivals as they came down the stretch and while never threatening the top two was able to get up for the show.
4th Wicked Orange, trained by Allinthegate
Was able to get a good spot down inside about 6 lengths from the lead. Angled out a bit on the turn and had a clear path down the stretch. Was not able to hold off Lucky Phooey who edged him for the show.
Summary
Reach For A Latte was finally able to draw a little better and got a great ride from Arroyo who was able to get him in a good spot. Was impressive that he was able to hold on considering it was a quick pace and he was not that far off of it. Worst Case Scenario seemed primed to run with him every step of the way but got caught up in some traffic and will most likely be heard from again. Lucky Phooey also ran a very impressive race has he was hung out the whole way and I look for him to get better as the races get longer. Wicked Orange ran well enough but really had no excuse not to fare better. I would look for the top 4 to continue on in pursuit of the derby but not sure the others are up to the task.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
