Grade 1 for Fillies Three Years Old
1 1/8 Mile on dirt at CD
$1,000.000 Purse

Snow Peak may be the star of this show, but this is a loaded field. Her major competition may come from stablemate Guest of Honor who beat her in the GP Oaks. Cobra Kai was right there with them, proving she can compete at the highest level of the game. And don’t forget about Devils Future, winner of the SA Oaks who is the only filly in the field to score a triple-digit SRF. Queenwood is coming in riding a three-race winning streak that includes two graded stakes. This could be a real thriller.

Here’s the field:

1 K T D
Owner/Breeder: Aer Stables

Has yet to win a stakes race. Her best effort at this level came last year on turf when she finished third in the Natalma (G1). More recently, she finished a close second in the $150.000 Busher. Will need a top effort to compete here.

2 Blackberry
Owner/Breeder: Our Athletes

Won the Demoiselle (G2) in November. Hasn’t been back to the winner’s circle in two subsequent starts, also at graded level.

3 French Connection
Owner/Breeder: D J C Racing Stables

Coming in off a string of in-the-money performances in ungraded stakes company. Last out she won the FG Oats (G2) in front running style. Look for her up front early, and she may still be there at the wire.

4 First Time
Owner: Smokey Stover
Breeder: La Canada Racehorses

No stranger to the winner’s circle, this filly has three ungraded wins and finished second last out in the Gazelle (G2).

5 Queenwood
Owner: Smokey Stover
Breeder: Marcus White

Second entry for Smokey Stover looks like she is primed and ready for a big performance. Riding a three-race winning streak that includes the Honeybee (G3) and the Fantasy (G3). I like her chances.

6 Snow Peak
Owner/Breeder: Mb Stables

In the limelight earlier this year for a very impressive string of five consecutive wins beginning with a maiden win first time out at LAD,  and included four Grade 1’s including the BC Juvenile Fillies. That ended with a second place finish in the Holy Bull (G2) that was almost as impressive as her domination against the girls. But after a fourth place in the Fountain of Youth (G2), she left the TC trail and zeroed in on the KYO with a second place finish in the GP Oaks (G2). Should be the favorite and is definitely the one to beat.

7 Musical Treat
Owner/Breeder: Mb Stables

Mb’s second entry hasn’t been worse than third in six career starts, including a win last out in the $200.000 SUN Oaks. Makes her graded debut here.

8 Guest Of Honor
Owner/Breeder: Mb Stables

Mb’s third entry is almost as impressive as Snow Peak, with four wins in seven starts. Won back-to-back Grade 2s with a victory in the Davona Dale and the GP Oaks, edging out her accomplished stablemate by a nose. Can she do it again?

9 Viking Libra
Owner/Breeder: Delta Farms

Won the Golden Rod (G2) here at CD in November and earned a 96 SRF in the process. Last out finished third behind Queenwood in the Fantasy (G3).

10 Mortality
Owner: John Henry
Breeder: Pan Farms

Won the Grade 2 Alexandra Stakes at FG earlier this year, then finished second in the Ashland (G1) last out. Earned 98 SRF for both. May be coming into her own at just the right time.

11 Cobra Kai
Owner/Breeder: Aer Stables

Aer’s second entry finished second behind Guest Of Honor in the Davona Dale (G2) and a close third behind Snow Peak and Guest Of Honor in the GP Oaks (G2), proving she can hold her own against the best.

12 Eastern Sky
Owner: Maxmillion Farm
Breeder: Mcl Stables

Winner of the Santa Ysabel Stakes (G3) and fourth in the SA Oaks (G1). Will need a top effort to get a win here.

13 Devils Future
Owner/Breeder: Allinthegate

The only contender in the field with a triple-digit SRF to her credit. She earned it last out when she won the SA Oaks (G1). Working very well. Will be tough.

14 Pip Knows Skeleton
Owner/Breeder: Chili King Stables

Second in the Bourbonette Oaks (G3) last out in her only graded start. Another one that will need to step it up to compete here.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES