The 17th Running of the G2 King Edward BC Stakes
Sunday, August 21, 2022
WO Race #4 $200.000
3+ 119/123 Lbs (plus penalties) 1-Mile (T)
Track Record-1:31.72 (Cleveland Browns-2012)
Stakes Record-1:32.00 (Trading Punches-2010)
#1 Great Bonkers (Aer Stables/Ru. Silvera 123): Looking like a very sharp $18.000 claim after that blistering one-mile drill a week ago. He was tagged out of a winning effort and draws as well as possible for the new barn’s first spin. Will have to shorten-up considerably off of the latest few efforts, but that work tab screams look out.
#2 Gran Man (Gdp Inc/L. Saez 123): Colt won at this trip two back and has been a productive earner this season. Figures to have company on the front end in here, but he’s shown that he doesn’t mind a battle. Numbers are on the uptick and he’s drawn well for this assignment.
#3 Sly Prayers (Dawson Farms/M. Franco 119): The lone sophomore in the field will enjoy a four-pound allowance on the scale for his first time facing elders. Colt has yet to run poorly in six starts this season as he was only beaten two lengths when 8th the last time we saw him. Think he appreciates the cutback and the weight allowance here and gives his best effort.
#4 Commanding Officer (Winning Link Stables/J.R. Velazquez 123): 5yo gelding can be excused for leading a rain dance at the barn as he’s 5-5 ITM on the off-going. Took a G3 over a soft course back in April but hasn’t found the WC since. May get a chance to sit behind a target or two here and that could be a better fit than being on the front end.
#5 Fearisque (Maxmillion Farm/R.M. Hernandez 123): 4yo hasn’t bested a graded field yet, but he’s been right there a couple of times. Has put up some really strong times in the allowance/overnight ranks this season. Conditioner probably giving him a chance to race his way into BC consideration and this spot seems well thought out.
#6 Wingman (Angelos Stable/P. Husbands 123): 5yo seems to be hitting some of his best form as he’s posted back-to-back strong efforts at this trip. The two poor efforts prior can be forgiven as he may just want more ground than those offered him. Has some versatility to his game, so he could be anywhere other than in front early and it wouldn’t be too surprising.
#7 The Mad King (Simmer Down Stable/G. Boulanger 123): 4yo has been solid this year minus the G3 at BEL. That one seems to be an outlier though and definitely not indicative of the form he’s currently in. Could be the horse to keep an eye on early as his decision could impact several in here depending on whether he challenges on the front end or settles just behind.
#8 Hollywood Capo (Nakamura Stables/E.J. Wilson 123): Veteran has been running too good to lose since a couple of dull efforts to start his season. Still hasn’t found the WC, but it feels like he is right on the cusp of getting the job done. Gets caught in the widest stall for this assignment, but don’t think that completely rules out this versatile sort.
Final Analysis: We’ll give the sophomore the nod and say they finish 3-1-5 in the G2 King Edward BC. Good luck to everyone!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
