KD Juvenile Sprint
KD Race #2 6 1/2f Turf Stake
Purse $1,000.000 for Two-Year-Olds.

1 Down To Earth – Riggins Racing – Husbands P – 122 Experience can be key in these races, and this is the gelding’s fifth start, with a stakes win already on the record. That alone makes him a serious contender. This trip should suit, as evidenced by strong works on the surface, and with a two-year-old specialist in the saddle and the ace draw, he could be a top pick before we even look at the others.

2 Jinxed Star – Mb Stables – Cedillo A – 122 Bought for $110,000 after finishing fifth in a bottom-level optional claimer, it’s likely his turf potential—not his three racetrack efforts—that convinced the trainer to dip into the wallet. His works since have confirmed that promise, and he gets a great draw to try and repay the investment.

3 Mayor Of Win City – Mo Mentum Farm – Hernandez R M – 122 A little disappointing in the Tyro Stakes last time, but he’s worked well since, so perhaps that effort was more about the wide draw than his ability. He gets a much better gate today, so we should see his true potential.

4 Kynsli – Royalty Stables – Beschizza A – 122 You don’t win on debut at SAR unless you have serious ability, and the 1:10.1 work he put in since suggests he may have improved even further. He’s the excitement in this race and could emerge as a BC favorite if he wins.

5 Batcave – Maletto – Garcia Mar – 122 Won on debut, then did well to be third in the Tremont, but struggled in the Sanford—so questions remain as he faces similar class today. He’s shown early speed so far but may be ridden with more restraint. While he clearly has talent, it’s unclear if he’s up to this level.

6 Greenhouse Grapes – Riggins Racing – Gallardo A A – 122 Looked like a miler in the making last time and may find this step back in trip challenging. Certainly, good enough if the pace is fast and he gets a chance to close late—one of many who could run well.

7 A Great Deal – Luz International – Luzzi L J – 122 Gelded after a disappointing effort last time. We’ll have to wait and see if that has improved him enough to win this race. His recent work suggests it might have, so he’s one to watch.

8 Indistinguishzzaire – Maxmillion Farm – Gutierrez Mario – 122 If HRP had a commentator, they’d struggle with this name—but there’s a strong chance they’ll be calling it down the stretch. His recent work suggests he may be invigorated by the turf. A bit weak last time, he still has something to prove at this level, but the signs are promising.

9 Gaelic Commander – Barcelona Farms – Rodriguez Jam – 122 Ran on strongly in the Tyro last time to finish fourth in his first turf effort. I strongly suspect the stable will have him ready for this race today.

10 Hagrid – Delta Farms – Pennington F – 122 Didn’t need Harry Potter’s help to win on debut at PRX, but it’s been a long time since he’s seen a track, and he may be lacking fitness. He has ability but is likely to drop back from the draw and could struggle to catch the fast types down the stretch. That said, he’s unbeaten—and it’s not a stretch to imagine that record improving.

11 Littleton – Mb Stables – Saez L – 122 Made all to win an SAR maiden last time and will likely try the same from this wide gate today. Clearly has the ability, but his works have been inconsistent. I have some reservations, though I can’t quite pinpoint why.

12 Kid Zion – La Canada Racehorses – Corrales G – 122 After three second-place finishes, finally broke through with a win last time at SAR. All his runs have been at state-bred level, so he needs to step up—but the works suggest he’s ready. The wide draw will make it tough to find a stalking position, so he may go for the lead, which could trigger a speed battle early. Good enough if things go his way.

13 Index – Team 7 Illusions – Cabrera D – 122 Still a maiden but looks like a winner in waiting. This is a tough spot to break through, but his pre-race work suggests he’s well above average and could be the surprise package.

14 Reciprocal Rubber – Maxmillion Farm – Moreno O – 122 Three of the four wide gates here like to be on speed, so the first two furlongs will be intense. After winning a CD maiden, he led them up in the SAR Special last time and nearly lasted home, finishing second in a race every bit as hot as this one. A winning chance on a surface that may suit him even better.

Summary Reciprocal Rubber has the right form to win this, but the likely speed battle is a concern—and there are several very good horses in the mix. Kynsli could be anything; the promise in his debut win was undeniable, and he may be the one to run over them late. If you’re looking for an outsider, Index could be the dark horse.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded