The Canadian Turf – Grade III
GP   Race #10   1m   InTurf   Graded Stake
Purse $150.000  For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Valiant Charge, trained by Threshold
This one has been promising plenty but is fairly inconsistent in his efforts and seems to save his best efforts for defeat. A good draw and a change of tactics today may see him finally fulfilling the promise.

2 Not My Idea, trained by D J C Racing Stable
Though not as accomplished as many of these we learned a long time ago that stakes form means diddly squat at HRP and this lightly raced gelding is working as good as any of these. His demolition at FG last time in overnight company was made all the better by a sub 1.33 mile time and it really wouldnt surprise me to see him record a first black type win today.

3 Spanish Showboat, trained by Mb Stables
This evergreen seven year old proved he was none the worse for his advancing years when a competitive third in The Arcadia Stakes on seasonal debut. Mb Stables has a knack of keeping these older horses fresh and the multiple stakes winner could easily see his earnings surpass the $3,000.000 mark today.

4 Sir Tom, trained by Brave
The 2015 BC Mile winner has been fairly lightly raced since then but having won this race last year we know he can turn it on at any given time. Two triple digit speed figures so fat this year and two close finishes in graded company tell us he is still in good order at age 6 and another bold show would not surprise.

5 Red Zebell, trained by Nj Vets
In a stacked field it would be easy to write this one off but with a $300.000 price tag last season and a sub 1.10 work this year he looks ready for a successful year.

6 Never Heard That, trained by Kopites
About the only thing this one has going for it is the fact that he is a dirt sprinter trying to win a turf route for the first time. HRP does something strange to some horses when that sort of thing happens and he could easily win for that reason alone. On known form he may struggle.

7 New Bedford, trained by RNP Stables
A sticky draw may rule out his chances but he is an honest and consistent sort who will try his best.

8 Missing In Action, trained by John Henry
Better known as a sprinter he ran well in last seasons BC Sprint. The mile is right on the outside of his stamina and the wide gate may force him forward so for that reason i am struggling to see him win.

9 Brumeii Bachelor, trained by Eastern Equine
The winner of the BC Sprint last year he has proved he can get this trip with 4 route wins on his record. The wide draw doesnt help but he is a class act and will be giving a good account of himself.

10 Bubba Kush, trained by Keikowin Racing
A very easy winner of the SSM Turf on his seasonal debut that was only against two rivals and the wide draw and limited form may hinder his chances.

SUMMARY
An interesting race with a couple of decent sprinters and couple of good long routers and a BC Mile champion. I feel the trip may be too sharp for Spanish Showboat and too long with a strong pace for Brumeii Bachelor so it should play into the hands of Sir Tom. If there are any chinks in their armour Not My Idea or Valiant Charge may take advantage in an intriguing race.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES