The General George Stakes- Grade III
LRL Race 15 7F Dirt
Purse $250.000 For Four Year
Olds and Upward
1st Silver Dancer, trained by Night Rider Stables
Rushed up to take the lead and moved over to the rail in the first quarter mile. Took back as Vegas Host and Jesse The Bandit moved up to set the pace. Hugged the rail around the turn saving ground the whole trip. Angled out as they entered the stretch and was able to wear Vegas Host down as they approached the wire.
2nd Vegas Host, trained by Nakamura Stables
Broke well and battled with Silver Dancer in the first quarter mile for the lead. Was able to take command but stayed in the middle of the track half way through the turn while losing valuable ground. Finally made his way to the rail just before they entered the stretch after setting a fast pace. Fought gamely through the stretch but was unable to hold off Silver Dancer.
3rd Mandy Mo, trained by Angelos Stable
Settled in to the 2 path about 3 lengths from the lead as they raced down the backstretch. Was pushed out to the 3 path as they made their way around the turn. Had a clear path down the stretch but was unable to keep pace with Silver Dancer and won the bob for the show.
4 De Fuego, trained by Defoe
Raced 3 wide down the backstretch about a half length in front of Mandy Mo. Was pushed out wider as they entered the turn. Had a clear run down the stretch and battle with Mandy Mo ultimately getting nosed for the show.
Summary
The old warrior Silver Dancer got a great ride by his owner/trainer/jockey and showed that he still has something in the tank. It seems like he does his best work at a mile or under, so I look for him to stay sprinting. Vegas Host got a bit of strange trip as it seems like he could have gotten to the rail sooner and the extra distance traveled probably cost him the race. Mandy Mo may want to try her own sex again; Midwestern Slang may want to go back to turf and Jesse The Bandit could return to routing.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
