05/20 Eclipse Stakes – Grade II
1 1/16m Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $175.000 For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Nice Distorted Laff Night Rider Stables Bahen S R

The older horses get their chance here with a four and up condition and off the inside draw here this one is a consistent sort who should be very competitive. He rarely runs a bad race these days and has been improving as he gets older. His three starts this year have all been strong running second in the Mineshaft Handicap and then a close fifth in the Ali the big plus here will be that he likes to lead and if he gets a start off this gate and a soft lead he could just sneak away from them.

2 Reach For A Latte Saratoga Stud Contreras L

This gelding was a TC hope early last year but couldnt get into the races despite winning the Lewis Stakes early on. He took a while to get over those efforts but has come back stronger this year and ran very well from a bad draw in the GP Mile last time suggesting he is back to his best. The perfect draw will help and he should be right in the mix.

3 Just Moving Along Gdp Inc Lermyte J

He is three from three this year at a lower level but he did well enough in the Harlan last year to suggest he has the class gene required at this level. He won over this course and distance with this rider last time which will be a great help and he could be the improver in the field.

4 The Judge Mb Stables Hernandez R M

A six race winner he made all to win the Caribbean Classic at the end of last year and looked set for a good year when runner up in the Hooper on seasonal debut. He hasnt built on that performance in two starts since disappointing in the Ali last time and he has a bit to prove today. His works say he can win and he has the form so he may well start favourite for the champion trainer.

5 French Eclipse D J C Racing Stables Wilson E J

He has kept under the radar but has 8 race wins under his belt and showed last time in the Commonwealth that he has the ability to win races at this level. A consistent sort he comes into this with a good chance if he can get a decent position from this draw.

6 Graceful Nakamura Stables Garcia Alan

The Preakness winning trainer bought this one for $32.000 from Mb Stables and turned him into a stakes winner when he just lasted home to win the Ali last time. That race is a strong form race for this and i doubt there will be much between him and the other two that come out of that race but he has the edge coming in if he can handle the widish gate.

7 Dogs Noah Maxmillion Farm Campbell J M

Fairly consistent but doesnt win too often. He has stakes form and his trainer has the golden touch at the moment so you cant write him off but it will take a little bit of luck to get this one home today.

SUMMARY

As usual this is a close race and its not easy to settle on a winner. I think Reach For A latte may just have the edge from Graceful and The Judge but i doubt there will be much between them at the end and luck in running will play a huge part.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES