Head honcho of the SimRacingForm Mike LaRosa, and his underling and boy Friday “D” from Paradise Stables will be trying to have bragging rights around the office cooler here at Santa Anita if either of their entries capture this seasons Gr. III Affirmed.

• Affirmed ( Grade III ) – Purse $100.000
• Santa Anita Park – For Three year olds
• Mile and a sixteenth – Main Track
• June 16th. 2019

I guess it would be nice to see Paradise Stables grab the win here on Sunday, after all he just celebrated his sixteenth season anniversary with HRP this past Thursday. LaRosa Stables has just six Graded company wins to his career, compared to 110 for Paradise, so some may be rooting for Mike as he is the underdog in victories. Either way, these two ” gentlemen” have such respect for one another that no matter the outcome, the thrill of racing is all that matters. As for the other three competitors on the card, make them work for it. Its only fair.

So sending out his second best active runner from his barn, LaRosa Stables is hoping that Reacher ( Gr. g ) will take advantage of his rail position to help with his efforts. He did win the Grade III Ruby Stakes with his previous owners, and now his new interests are hoping to build off that race. Will need to have him placed in a stocking position a little closer to the front end to be productive down the lane. Instructions are the key.

Starting directly to the outside of Reacher will be Paradise Stable’s Courageous Tantra ( Ch.c. ) who has three starts this season, all coming at a mile and a sixteenth. Was able to claim victory in an OpClm40 affair for non winners of two, but has struggled in his two stakes tries this season. Finished fourth as the post time favorite in his most recent CA Derby, and he will also need to be a bit closer to be effective late.

From the middle of this grouping will be Mb Stables Made Out Of Glass ( Ch. g. ) who just missed last time out in the Gr. III Barrera, placing second just a half length shy. That was coming off a victory in the $200.000 Eddie Stakes the race previously. Has raced at this distance twice at Oaklawn Park in Graded company, but sat back a little too far to find his efforts late rewardable. Has the talent to win it all here.

From the number four gate is John Henry’s Charlemagnes Command ( B. g. ) who after coming over to this stable, produced two fading efforts against Graded runners early this season. Went under the knife in March, and on his return in April, he made up some ground against OpClm62.5 company. Has been away for 45 plus days for this event, and was hoping his mile works were a little sharper. May need just a little more time.

The final runner will be D J C Racing Stables’ Malibu Moon ( B. c. ) who has been concentrating his efforts this season against Allowance company runners. Most recently he won an Alw31 (N1X ) at Golden Gate going a mile. That was his first victory in five starts since taking home his maiden win. Both his wins have come over that track, so will be interesting how he adjust to the move across state. Works are decent enough to earn respect.

Duffers Picks – ( 3-1-2 ) Ill be sending a voucher to the SRF team member who loses to the other.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES