The 19th Running of The Flower Bowl-G1
September 4, 2021 16:30
SAR Race #11 $600.000 13/8 Turf
4YO+ Filles and Mares 123 Lbs
Track Record-2:10.95 (Mean Street-2016)
Stakes Record-N/A 1st Running at 13/8
The 19th running of The Flower Bowl-G1 takes place Saturday at SAR with a $600.000 purse and an automatic birth in the G1 BC F&M Turf on the line. This year’s edition drew a field of nine fillies and mares as they try to add their name to the HRP history books. Three trainers have taken two editions each (Team 7 Illusions-2006, 2018; Phyl Farms-2007, 2008; Dynark Stables-2010, 2012) and jockey J. Leparoux is the only three-time winning pilot. The first 18 editions were ran at the distance of 11/4 so this will be the first time the turf distaffers will have the opportunity for a true “dress rehersal” for the G1 BC F&M Turf before November. Let’s meet the field for the 2021 edition of The Flower Bowl-G1:
#1 Forever Phooey Party (Night Rider Stables/F. Prat):Multiple G2-winner on dirt begins the second turf start of her illustrious career on the rail. Last visit to the lawn came during her juvenile campaign and well-before she turned in to the runner she is now. Have to respect her on class alone and have a feeling that she will make her presence felt at some point in this G1 contest.
#2 Fashionable (Mb Stables/S. Ryan): Like the rail-horse, the two pony is another lass that has taken multiple graded races on the dirt; however, she has visited the lawn more frequently and was able to break her maiden on the grass. Last race was in the 11/2 G2 Glenns Falls on the grass where she only managed to run sixth. Big barn always commands respect and could see this one trying to take them as far as she can like her 10-furlong wins on the dirt. Your call.
#3 Zalinda (Threshold/J. Lezcano): Hard to find a fault in the horse breaking from post three; last five races on the lawn have resulted in four wins and a runner-up, including the G2 Yellow Ribbon score last out. If there is a fault, it may be the lack of experience past 11/16, but there is no questioning the 5yo’s form. Has always been close to the pace for this outfit and, if she handles the distance, there’s nothing that suggests she can’t have a major say in this.
#4 Forbidden Blush (Smokey Stover/Mario Gutierrez): Perfectly-drawn lass has had her way with the fairer sex since December. No shame in that seventh-place finish against males in the G1 Mister D in her latest as she was much further back than she likes and still made-up ground throughout to only be defeated by three lengths. G2 wire-to-wire winner the last time she went this trip and if the last was indeed just a bad day, this girl could be posing in the winner’s circle when all is said and done.
#5 Envy (Mo Mentum Farm/A. Cedillo): 4yo breaks from the middle of the gate and fresh off of a determined score at ELP less than four weeks ago. That KD Preview Ladies Turf win was the first in over a year and she only had to beat three others, but she has beaten graded horses on the turf in her career. If she can get back to her sophomore form, she can definitely be a player, but understand if anyone wants to see another improved performance from her before jumping on the bandwagon.
#6 Charming Moon (Night Rider Stables/J.R. Velazquez): Barn’s second entrant starts from post six and appears a cut below her stablemate. Has one win from two turf starts and has a legitimate excuse for the loss as she may not have cared for the soft going that day. That being said, this is a big leap in company and she’ll need a career-best performance to be a factor.
#7 Lillehammer (Invicta Group Llc/J. Alvarado): Conditioner couldn’t have been too pleased with that effort against the boys two weeks ago and sends her right back. That race was against the boys, so it’s easy to dismiss her performance. That race continues a trend for this 4yo where it appears that the break makes her race: break well and she’s involved for every step, break poorly and you can turn off the computer. Good news is you should know fairly quickly whether you’ve made a good decision to back her.
#8 Intanga Rose (D J C Racing Stables/E. Jaramillo):4yo hasn’t had her picture taken since December, but she’s danced every dance this season. That December win was against G1 fillies from her generation, so their is class here. Conditioner may be watching the weather as anything less than “Good” ground appears to spell doom for her, but if she gets firm footing and can find that will to compete, she can at least contend for a minor award.
#9 Folsom Tradition (Hippyheart/R. Bejarano): G3 Modesty winner in her latest has proven to be a wise purchase as she has been in the trifecta for the new barn in all four starts. 5yo loves these long-distance turf events, but have to worry about breaking from the far outside against this group. Form says she should be able to work out a trip from just about anywhere though, so if Bejarano gets it right she could be right in the thick of it coming down the lane.
Final Analysis: Good luck to all of the contestants in the $600.000 G1 The Flower Bowl as this “win and you’re in” lives up to its billing. Tough nut to crack, but they’ll cross the wire 4-3-1. Be on the lookout for The Flower Bowl-G1 “In Their Own Words” in Friday’s SRF!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
