Menard Memorial Stakes
5 1/2 Furlongs Turf Stake Purse $100.000 Filly & Mare 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Great Beneficiary Smokey Stover Cohen D

It was no surprise to see the horses all end up in a bit f a heap at the end as this new race engine certainly makes for closer racing with no poor starts and less of a penalty for a wide gate. I think this is going to be the preferred position, not too far off the pace and finding that space as you hit the stretch and that is exactly what this filly did catching a big enough break to readily hold the closers.

2nd La Chica Gris Angelos Stable Loveberry J

The racing may be closer and the spreading better meaning that gaps are more regular but closers still seem to close under a sort of duress and whilst this one ran on well she never looked like picking up the winner. Another good effort though by a really consistent four year old and i am sure she will be winning plenty more races.

3rd Delorean Wolf Ridge Stables Hebert T J

My money was down on this one and i thought she had a good enough position but just couldn’t pick up the winner coming out third in the line up of horses that crossed the line for the minor places.
 
4th Cross Creek Blazin D Hernandez B J Jr

Another that had the position but just couldn’t find the turn of foot when it mattered she kept on with the ruck of horses behind the winner and managed a share of fourth.

4th Frenzy TwinTowersRacing A Beschizza

Outpaced early she ran on well in the end to share fourth but you do get the feeling that at this level she may need a furlong or two more.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded