The Paradise Creek – $150.000

BEL – 7 Furlongs – Turf

For Three Year Olds

May 20, 2023

You could make a case for almost all of these six entrants. If weather becomes a factor, which is pretty likely, look for Sarah Parker In Snow or Island Drumbeat to have a big day. Let’s get right to it. Here’s the field:

1 Sweet Fartz (Arindel)

Second in the Shear Mile Stakes last out after an eighth-place finish in N1X company. The connections stuck with this gelding after an impressive maiden win and were rewarded with that close finish last out. They’ll try again here with a little bit more rest than last out. Could make all the difference.

2 Sick House (Spankys Barn)

Scored a triple-digit SRF finishing fourth in the Shakertown (Grade 2) last out. Another one with a poor performance sandwiched between good ones. He should like this level better and could get his first stakes win here.

3 Qtr Tank Of Gas (Riggins Racing)

Respectable third in the SF Mile (Grade 3) at a mile last out in his first start since being purchased from Jormav for $75.000. He showed his worth with a four-length maiden win and a nice allowance win after that. Shortens up here and should like that just fine. Another one who should like the softer spot and could come away with a stakes win.

4 Island Drumbeat (Fractious)

Not to be left out, this gelding comes in riding a two-race win streak, including a two-length allowance win last out for his new connections. This is the farthest he’s been asked to go in his short career, but he broke his maiden at 6 ½ lengths, so it shouldn’t be a problem. Another strong contender.

5 Sarah Parker In Snow (Rock Creek)

Only worse than second once in his career, and that came in his debut on dirt. Since switching to turf, he’s done everything right. Finished a strong second in the Baffle Stakes, then followed that up with a second by just a head in the Cutler Bay. Another one doing everything right. Another one with a chance at a win here.

6 Apache Ascent (High Voltage)

Just a maiden win for this colt. Fourth last out in optional claiming company after finishing a distant eighth in the Baffle before that. This is a tough spot to be trying stakes company again.

Picks: 5-4-3

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded