This past weekend we had the running of the GR1-SA Derby, GR2-BG Stakes and the GR2-Wood Mem and we mentioned last week that there may be a little bit of shuffling once these races are run. That indeed did occur. The biggest move in this week’s standing was Chili King Stables Class Edge who overcame an extremely wide trip to capture the BG Stakes at KEE. Charleys Latte moved up from his 10th position with his win in the Wood Mem and Orion Nebula cracked the top ten with his win in the SA Derby. While those changes occurred the top three in the list remain unchanged.
Now to the list:
1- Anoush Command – Fractious, Winner of the GR-1 FLA Derby. A very consistent horse that has finished no worse than third in his last five outings all in graded company. Those losses combined for a total of one length. Could have easily won all five of those starts. Always coming on strong at the end of the race, seems to be better as the distances get longer. Final time 1:48.12 earned a 95SRF for the 9f FLA Derby. Last Week ranking #1
2- Chai Morning – AER Stables, Runner up in the FLA Derby. Winner of the GR-2 FOY Stakes which was one of the most dominating TC prep race performances of the year. His run in the FLA Derby was somewhat compromised, breaking from the 12 post, he was extremely wide on the first turn (10 wide) while rushing up to take the lead. He held on gallantly until deep stretch to eventually being overtaken by the top horse. Earned a 94SRF. Last Week ranking #2
3- Brittle– AER Stables, 2019 BC Juvenile winner and Two Year Old Champ and winner of this year’s GR3 Holy Bull stays in the No 3 spot. This is based off his 3rd place finish in his last start the GR2 Rebel where he just didn’t seem to fire late like usual though it was on an off track. He earned a 96 SRF in his Holy Bull win. He’s the two year old champ and most accomplished and could arguably be placed in the top one or two position. He continues training very well with an owner/trainer that is highly confident of his abilities; next start will be the KY Derby. Last Week ranking #3
4- Class Edge– Chili King Stables, Captured the GR2- BG Stakes as a lukewarm favorite. Settled back early, advanced wide on the turn for home and was in the 10 path as the horses hit the top of stretch. Continued extremely wide to overtake the leaders late in an impressive performance. Also is the upset winner of the GR-2 Rebel Stakes defeating the 2yo champion in the process. Continues to improve with each start this year. He did catch a sloppy surface in the Rebel and has won twice on that going so he is a threat no matter the racing surface. Earned a 95SRF for the 9f BG Stakes event however the figure must be taken with a grain of salt, he was extremely wide and with an inside trip (or take into account the wide trip and ground he had to cover) that number is significantly strong. Last Week ranking #7
5- Tudor One – Mb Stables, Winner of four races which included two minor stakes under previous owner Blue Ridge Racing. Was purchased by the top stable in the game and entered into a graded event. He put in an excellent performance in the GR2 LA Derby. In that race he started from the eight post took the early lead while moving to the inside. Once settled he fell back, encountered traffic, went wide and came on to take command again in deep stretch while going very wide and basically finished almost dead even with the winner despite the trip. Horse is fit running the 1-3/16mi LA Derby distance, his final time 1:54.73 earned a 95SRF. Last Week ranking #4
6- Bound Bay– Gdp Inc, Winner of the GR-2 LA Derby. Was given a perfect ride in that race. Sat patiently inside and came on very strong in the stretch. Showed courage while digging in late. Must be respected and like Tudor One is fit as a fiddle having run in the 1-3/16 race distance, final time 1:54.72 which is the track record, earned a 95 SRF for an excellent performance. Last Week ranking #5
7- Charleys Latte – Estero Farms, Captured the 9f GR2 Wood Mem at AQU on Saturday. Starting from the 12th post was wide on the first turn. Sat patiently once settled then moved up wide mid-way through the far turn to take command in the stretch then drew clear to win easily earning a 97SRF in the process. That was his second win at the 9f distance his other previously being the GR3 Withers at AQU in February. A very talented horse sandwiched between his two wins he finished third only losing by two lengths in the 1-1/16mi GR2 FOY Stakes won by Chai Morning. Last Week ranking #10
8- Orion Nebula– John Henry, Won the GR1-SA Derby at SA. In that race he broke well, settled toward the rear, sat patiently to the far turn while on the inside. Advanced on the far turn while easing out from the rail. Was set down in the upper stretch found a gap between horses and wore down the leader late beating a strong field of runners in the process. A very good performance. It was his second win in his last three starts. He also captured the GR3 Lewis Stakes in February at SA. The win sets him up as a solid Derby contender and threat. Last Week ranking- Unranked
9- Groovy– Mb Stables, finished 2nd in the SA Derby to Orion Nebula. Took command in mid-stretch fought bravely to just miss at the wire. Has been a model of consistency and has been right there at the finish in virtually every start. Has had the bad luck of seconidus in his last three starts. He has faced tough graded company and many think may be Mb Stables best horse. Last Week ranking- Unranked
10- Immoral – Mb Stables, another strong derby contender from this highly talented stable slipped just a little in the rankings. Finished a close third in the SA Derby. He handled the increase in distance very well, though he didn’t win he sure did give a good account of himself and remains a derby threat. Previously he captured the GR-2 TAM Derby and ran a strong third in the GR3 Davis Stakes. Last Week ranking #8
Others on the cuff with a good argument from each to be in the Top Ten:
Spirited Stride, Mb Stables
Remson, AER Stables;
Personal Beliefs, LaCanada Racehorses;
Night Creature, AER Stables;
Geronimo, Nakamura Stables
Categories: TC 2015-2020
