The Brooklyn – Grade II
BEL   Race #2   1 1/2m   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $400.000  For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Skeleton Balle, trained by Oval Express Farms
The winner of last years BC Marathon he is clearly the sort that loves this trip and running from the ace draw today must be a major player. He did very well from an impossible draw in the CT Classic so is in top form despite having failed to make the first three in both of his starts this year.

2 Bo Jangles, trained by John Henry
Looked all sorts of good when taking the Travers last year but has really struggled since and its hard to see the reason behind it. This may be a last chance for the four year old to shine for John Henry who hasnt got much of the $350.000 that they spent to secure him from Australia Wide.

3 Zombie Tomb Raider, trained by Night Rider Stables
Despite the terrible name this has become one of the finds of the season after being claimed for just $25.000 at the end of last season. Now on a four timer he has looked unbeatable over longer trips and his easy win in the Tokyo City Cup last time was mighty impressive. Can he take another step up the class ladder or has he gone as far as he can go?

4 Locked Down, trained by Serenity Stables
He has had more sales and moves than runs recently and is a great advert for Horse Selling Park. In between his sales activity he has run some decent races most notably when second in the OP Handicap. He is working well enough to be a factor but i am not sure he can win.

5 Copper Conduit, trained by Threshold
Bought cheaply he has been out of action for almost a year before his second on seasonal debut. Now with a new owner he has been working well and does have the odd snippet of form suggesting he may just be a dark horse in this race.

6 Techfluence, trained by The Sidley Stud
Second to Skeleton Balle in the BC Marathon last year he is always a factor in these sorts of races and is probably the most consistent horse in the field. Behind Zombie Tomb Raider in the Tokyo City Cup he has a bit to find with those two runners but is an honest sort and is sure to be in the race at the end.

7 Yes Its True, trained by D J C Racing Stables
Whilst his form isnt much to look at he is probably the best worker in the field  and that makes him dangerous to his more established rivals. The trip is a mystery but if this marathon distance turns out to be his thing he may be one for long odds.

8 High Pride, trained by Mb Stables
The wide draw will be tough to overcome but he has stakes winning form and is working well enough to get some of this.  The wide draw he got in the Excelsior last time out saw him follow the HRP script in leading and weakening but if anyone can work out how to beat the draw it is MB Stables so i wouldnt be writing him off just yet.

SUMMARY
An interesting race but with the draw and the form it looks like Skeleton Balle may be the one to beat. There are a few dark horses but Zombie Tomb Raider and Techfluence look set to chase him home but if you really fancy a gamble try Copper Conduit and Yes Its True in an exacta, it wont be the worst bet you have all day.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES