The Forward Gal Stakes- Grade III
GP Race 7 7F Dirt
Purse $200.000 For Fillies
Three Years Old
A stellar field of 10 try to earn some points for the Oaks on the Holy Bull undercard. We have numerous graded stakes winners, the 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the BC Juvenile Filly and a filly that is an impressive 4 for 4. Let’s see if we can try to figure out how this race may unravel and who can come out on top.
1 Yesterbae, trained by Mb Stables
First of three from our leading trainer she was purchased for 127.770 after her initial 5-furlong breeze last year on February 1st. She has started to provide a return on that investment by winning her last three including the Glitter Woman last out. Speed ratings have improved with every race and if she is able to keep that progression should have a chance in here.
2 Manifest, trained by Mb Stables
The second entry from Mb is this lightly raced filly who broke her maiden in a stakes race last out. In that race she was able to establish a clear lead early and was never threatened in wiring the small field. She has been working well and while I do not expect her to get an easy lead she should be a factor on the front end and could make her way to the winner’s circle.
3 Quiver Pond, trained by Estero Farms
The first of our graded stakes winners in the field she took the Grade 1 Natalma on the turf back in September. She followed that up with a solid 3rd in the BC Juvenile Filly Turf and the ran an impressive 4th in the Starlet where she was wide most of the way. Most of her works are strong and her speed ratings are among the best in the field so should be a strong contender from a better post than she has had lately.
4 Bora Bora, trained by Smokey Stover
Super consistent filly has been in the money 8 of 9 times largely in stakes races. Was a strong second in the BC Juvenile Filly but then disappointed as the favorite in her next two efforts. Has left herself a little two much to do in the most recent races so trainer may opt to try and keep her a bit closer. Today’s slightly shorter distance may be a plus and she is certainly one to contend with.
5 Adjourned, trained by Team 7 Illusions
Broke her maiden 17 days ago in a FL state bred race at Tampa. Has not faced this level of competition and her speed ratings are well below most in here. Would be a major surprise if she is able to hit the board.
6 British Chai, trained by Mo Mentum Farm
Trainer has picked an ambitious spot to try and get this one to break her maiden. Was purchased for $70.000 and ran 3rd in a maiden for her new owner but earned an ordinary 85 speed rating. One thing jockey and horse have in common is that neither has won a race this year and even though works are comparable to others in here would be a huge shock if she finished in the top half of the field.
7 Fear The Greatness, trained by First Class Stable
Purchased for the bargain price of $25.770 as a yearling she ripped off three wins in a row including the Grade 2 Pocahontas making her a popular pick in the BC Juvenile Filly. She ran a respectable 3rd there from a wide draw and followed that up with another wide draw in the Starlet where she faded to 5th after setting the pace. Seems to prefer racing on or near the lead so could be part of a lively pace. Her works seem to have taken a slight dip so while she would be no surprise I am going in a different direction.
8 Beat To The Punch, trained by Mb Stables
The third entry from Mb is certainly the most recognizable. Has finished 1st or 2nd in 6 of 7 starts including a dominating win in the Grade 1 Chandelier. Her only poor effort was in the BC Juvenile Filly where from a wide draw she dropped to the back of the pack and found herself behind a wall of horses. If she is able to come out sharp from her 3-month layoff she will be the one to beat.
9 Diplomatic Chaos, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Undefeated filly has gone 4 for 4 and has not really been threatened in any of them. She does seem to do her best running on or near the lead which when coupled with her outside post may put her in front early. Works seem to be a bit slower than some others in here but the trainer is crafty and since you cannot argue with her perfect record you have to give her a shot.
10 Line Drive, trained by Our Athletes
Our last entrant is another graded winner having taken the grade 3 Matron back in October. That win qualified her for the BC Juvenile Filly where she ran a non-threatening 5th. Has never won past 6 furlongs and does not show much in the way of recent works. With her having the far outside I think others make more sense.
Summary
I would expect to see a fairly lively pace here with the 2,7 and 9 all near the front. This should allow some of the more accomplished closers an opportunity to take home the prize, but I do not think you want to leave yourself too much to do. I think if Bora Bora can stay a bit closer early she can get the job done with Beat To The Punch needing a race.
4-8-3-1
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
