HOU 6 Connally BC Turf (GIII)
$200.000 4yo&Up 1 1/2m Turf 123lbs +penalties
We get a nice looking group of nine headed to the gate for the extended distance of a mile and a half on the HOU turf course and this shapes up to be a heck of a fight for the Connally BC Turf (GIII).
It didn’t take me long to look towards the outside post for my top pick. Techfluence has been a marathon monster for quite a while, was third on BC Day, had three graded wins in ’19 and won this race last season. You know I hate the outside post but I think he overcomes everything today, including this field. I’ll put Early Retirement in the second spot despite that stinker in the BC Turf (GI). He’s better than that and should be in the
thick of it.
Here’s the Field –
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The Ego Has Landed |
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TwinTowersRacing |
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Hernandez R M |
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123 |
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15/1 |
Took the Pan Am (GII) back in Mar and was second in a graded stakes in may… since then it’s been tough afternoons for this fellow. He will get up and win a big one, so maybe he finds some old fire here today, but I’ll have to see it to believe it.
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Arkenstone |
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Mb Stables |
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Gaffalione T |
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123 |
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7/1 |
Led the way in the BC Mile (GI) only to end up fifth by a length. He had three wins in ’19, including the Transylvania (GIII) at KEE and just as many seconds while pocketing some serious cash. His last three leave a bit to be desired but you know this barn doesn’t enter for looks.
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Controlled Power |
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Spankys Barn |
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Diego I V |
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123 |
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10/1 |
He was 0-for the season with a pair of placings in the Fourstardave (GI) and the Smith (GIII), so he has the ability to be a threat, but I’m not sure about getting his picture taken. Put him on the bottom of your trifectas as he should be a value.
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Early Retirement |
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Mb Stables |
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Bejarano R |
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123 |
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6/1 |
Never found his stride in the BC Turf (GI) but he had a pair of graded wins in ’19, so you have to give him a look. A repeat of that San Luis Rey (GII) would probably make him a hand-full in this one, but can he find that old form?
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Maybe Tonight |
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Alydar Stables |
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Contreras L |
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123 |
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12/1 |
Solid season with a pair of wins, placings and shows from his nine starts, but he was facing softer than what he sees today and has never been the marathon distance. He tired after setting the pace at a mile last out and won going five furlongs prior to that. This is asking a bit, I think.
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Steel Home |
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Nakamura Stables |
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Luzzi L J |
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123 |
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10/1 |
His last six months have been interesting – he changed hands, was gelded as a 4yo then ran fourth after a four month layoff, then got another two month break coming into today. He was fourth n the McKnight (III) at GP going this distance last season, but he was not a factor there and will have to improve off of the break to be part of this one.
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Blue Eight |
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T Boy Racing |
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Van Dyke D |
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123 |
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8/1 |
He’s been on the step up since being claimed for $25.000 back in June and has a pair of seconds in stakes company, one of those was a graded race. Was dull in the CC Emerald finishing ninth that afternoon after being relegated to the rear throughout. He will need to bounce back.
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Bold Glitter |
Luz International |
Ortiz I Jr |
123 |
8/1 |
Claimed two back for $32.000 and was third beaten a half length last out v. Alw horses at GP. He seems like a horse that wants a route of ground but has just never really put it all together. Can he find it today?
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Techfluence |
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The Sidley Stud |
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Velazquez J R |
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123 |
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4/5 |
Looks pretty solid to me, except for the post. Was third in the BC Turf (GI), closing well to be two back of the winner and had three seasonal wins, along with fourteen lifetime wins for this 7yo. He’s been on vacation since Nov and looks to kick off this season with a victory.
COZMAN Picks 9 / 4 / 2 Willie’s Green Card 9 / 3 / 4 Scotty 2 / 9
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
