SSM Sprint – Ungraded
6F on Dirt at GP
For Four-Year-Olds and Up Foaled in FL

One City and Hard To Find finished last year with a bang. Both look like they could be heading for a big effort in this their first start of 2017. But if it comes up wet, Blame Ratman could get there first. Not that he needs off-going, but he scored a 101 SRF the last time the going got muddy. And that was in a second place finish at stakes level. That was also the first he added Bute and blinkers which he will use for this effort as well.

And that’s just scratching the surface. Here’s the field:

1 One City
Owner: Kopites
Breeder: Alegria

Finished 2016 with a close second place finish in open Allowance company here at GP. Has been close in graded company, too, with a third in the SA Sprint Championship (G1) and in the Kennedy Road Stakes (G2). Looks primed for a big performance.

2 Hard To Find
Owner/Breeder: Mb Stables

In the money in all of his eight starts last year, including two wins in state-bred Optional Claimers. His first attempt at stakes company came in the Ponti at AQU two starts back where he finished second. Another one coming into this race looking strong.

3 City Grounds
Owner: Aer Stables
Breeder: Mb Stables

Only one win in eight starts in 2016, but he managed to earn $147.280 with third place finishes in the Wood Memorial (G1) and the $100.000 PRX Derby. He shortens up here, and if works are any indication, he should like this distance just fine.

4 Lizard Lick
Owner: Hambletonian Stables
Breeder: Choppy Inc

Put together a three-race winning streak last year in Allowance and Optional Claiming company. Another one looking for his first stakes win, and he just might be there at the wire.

5 Blame Ratman
Owner: Australia Wide
Breeder: Mb Stables

Only one win last year, and that came in Optional Claiming company here at GP in March. But he did finish the year with a second place finish in the Gravesend Handicap at AQU where he scored a 101 SRF in the mud. If the track comes up wet, I’d put money on him. Should be competitive regardless.

6 Mugarooni
Owner: Mo Mentum Farm
Breeder: Second Chance Farms

All of his wins and most of his money have come at a mile or better, including his win in the $51.000 Magic City Classic at FG. He has been competitive sprinting. Remains to be seen if he can compete at this distance at this level. Looks like blinkers on for this one.

7 Danzig Legend
Owner/Breeder: Hacienda Don Tito

Broke his maiden and scored a win in state-bred N1X company. Not able to hit the board last out in his only try at stakes level. Will need a top effort to win here.

8 Star Of Wonder
Owner/Breeder: Rockitpad

Won the FL Sire Stakes – Unbridled last summer here at GP, then finished the year out with a second place finish in a N2L at CD. Likes the distance and the surface. Uses Lasix for the first time here, and if that’s what’s been getting him those fast works, he could be very dangerous here.

9 Moriches Bay
Owner/Breeder: TwinTowersRacing

Just a maiden win for this colt, and that came in the mud at GG. The only other time he hit the board last year was in N1X company also in the off-going. Works have been very good lately, but he’ll need some help from Mother Nature or elsewhere to win here.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded