This event has produced back to back winners three times in its history of this affair. Pan Farms stole the show in 2011/12, Mb Stables was successful in 2016/17, and Estero Farms captured the title in 2018/19. All ten trainers entered this weekend are looking for their first ever Swale victory.
- The Swale Stakes- Purse $150.000
- Gulfstream Park- For Three Year olds
- Seven Furlongs in Distance- Main track
- February 1st, 2020
Ten staunch competitors will go to the gate here at GP on Saturday afternoon, all will be equal when it comes to the weight category, all carrying 121 pounds. As far as equipment changes, two trainers have decided to re-add Lasix to the regiment here. While Masons Day has been finishing strongly in his recent efforts against stakes company, trainer Gdp Inc has made the switch back. As has TwinTowersRacing with his entry Bob Mueller who is coming off back to back wins in his past two. So did these two talented trainer find some answers in the past two month with morning works? We will have to wait until the wire to see if that’s the case.
1.Iguacu Falls– D J C Racing Stables…This will be his first start from the rail but has a couple of top three finishes from the two hole. First stakes start for this bay colt and he is one of three with the crown designation. Fine runner, only strike would be the absents of any 90+ SRF figures to-date. Rail should definitely be to his liking, just hopefully not boxed out late.
2.Last Scout– John Henry…Went the mile distance here at GP less then a month ago when competing in the Mucho Macho Man where he placed third with a very nice closing effort. It would earn him his first 92 SRF number and if he is positions slightly closer to the front end here, could impress at the end.
3.Masons Day– Gdp Inc…has had some brilliant finishes in his past two stakes starts with one being the Gr.III Hope Stakes where he missed by a mere nose at capturing that title in a photo. Both efforts produced 90+ SRF figures with a 94 coming in his most recent. Will have guns a blazing turning for home.
Scratch #4
5.Grandstand Jockey– Night Rider Stables…Not sure if this horse’s name was for his owner or not, but the gray has been making a lucrative career while racing on the turf and now makes his second career start back on the dirt. Has tried a front running style in a few of his most recent starts and has four 90+ SRF to his record. His only other dirt effort came at six panels at this oval and he was caught late at the wire. Can he have the staying power necessary today?
6.Shattered Pieces– Rampage Stables…Trainer made a major jump in earnings last season and already has a stakes win last weekend in the Jazil. This bay gelding played the spoiled last year in the Buffalo Man with his late racing effort and will more then likely be trying the same tactic in this race. He will have company down the stretch, he just needs to find the right hole to bust through.
7.Tyrian– Mo Mentum Farm…Had just one start as a juvenile late in the season where he looked poised to steal it, but closers left him a neck shy in the photo. Has one start this season that was a beauty as he earned his first career win by three over a SUN in a slightly lesser MdSpWt. affair. Trainer has the confidence in him to bring him back in 28 days and a much higher level as well. Maidens were surprising last season, but he may be in tough here.
8.General Obvious– Arindel…Ended up finishing one length behind another runner in here in the Buffalo Man. Opener of the season was a disaster in the Jerome where KYD points were on the line as he finished tenth. Maybe slightly closer with this shorter distance over his last start, and has been regularly challenging stakes company. Will need his best today.
9.Unsuited Command- Tiratzo…Trainer found the winners circle last season with his single Graded victory in the Gallant Bob and now hopes this sophomore will start his year off with a bang. After going under the knife last season he went to the winners enclosure twice before the end of the season. This is his first start back and while there are no stakes races as of yet, his speed is impressive and he will definitely be one to watch.
Scratch #10 and #11
12.Bob Mueller– TwinTowersRacing…Since his purchase back in late June, he has been hanging around the top three positions, taking his last two starts to victories. It may have taken him five starts to finally break his maiden, but with the spring right back in an allowance affair in the follow up, that is a plus in my book. Still in the high 80’s as far as SRF figures go, but he is definitely on the right path with this trainer.
13.What Moon– Supremebeast...Second season for this up and coming trainer. Had one stakes win last season taking home the Chocolate Town Sprint affair at PEN, a bitter sweet victory ( couldn’t resist ). Came close two starts ago in the Sunny Slope Stakes, then in his most recent Gr. III Hope Stakes from the twelve hole, he used early speed to get to the rail, then tired late to finish last. The gate Gods have not shone on him here, as he once again goes from the outside. Hopefully Bridgmohan will have him a little more restrained early on.
Duffer
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
