The 9th Running of The Kellys Landing

Saturday, July 1, 2023

CD Race #8 $225.000

3+  119/124 Lbs (plus penalties) 6.5 Furlongs

#1 Brutal Panther (Fractious/A. Beschizza 124): 0-4 as a 4yo even though the gelding’s running some of his best figs.  Seems to still be a work-in-progress after the $17.000 auction purchase back in December: however, he’s not that far off with more than a couple near-misses.  Draws the rail for this, and only needs to get some pace to run at to factor here.

#2 Disciplinary (Nakamura Stables/J. Loveberry 124): Colt enters this fresh off of a N4X win here a month ago, so he should be brimming with confidence.  That was his first win from five starts, but he needed some confidence after some decent efforts against four consecutive black-type groups.  Steps back up to that company today and should have enough early foot to stay in contact with the leaders.

#3 Catchy Bay (Gdp Inc/L. Saez 124): He’s only run three times in 2023, and he was offered-up for a tag in two of those.  Still looking for his first score as a 4yo, and he’s taking a rather large step-up as he searches for it.  The two times he’s been able to rate off of the pace, he’s come with nice runs to make some money so expect him to try for a similar trip here as he tries to pick up the pieces late.

#4 Crimson Sun (Riggins Racing/J.R. Velazquez 124): Made four straight starts at the G3 level to start his 6yo campaign, and he does own a couple of runner-up efforts against that company.  He tried a very similar level here four weeks ago where he was, again, 2nd best.  Just needs to find that final bit of reserve to get himself across the wire first and should rate a big chance here.

#5 Z Dancing Party (Night Rider Stables/F. Geroux 124): Gelding was claimed for $14.000 in his 4yo seasonal bow and then duplicated that winning effort against starter allowance foes at TAM.  He’s been on the shelf since that March tally, so he should be plenty fresh for this try.  Obviously in deeper waters here, but the conditioner has a knack of turning someone else’s “trash” into black-type runners.

#6 Surprise Authority (Spankys Barn/T. Gaffalione 124): Kind of like a lot of these in here, this guy has yet to run poorly in three starts this season, but he’s still looking for his first score of 2023.  Didn’t start until a $75.000 claimer in April, but he’s run fairly well in his two subsequent starts against stakes’ runners.  Was only beaten by two lengths versus G2 foes last out and needs only slight improvement here.

#7 First Fleet (High Voltage/P. Lopez 124): Closing sort has put together three consecutive quality starts as he’s stepped-up the class ladder.  Still looking for the first win of 2023; however, he’s made strong rallies in all three starts.  Has to shorten-up to 6.5 here, but he’s shown an ability to make up ground.  Needs to time it right, but he’s not out of this by any means.

#8 Tormented (Whitewater Stables/L. Detorri 126): 5yo gelding started his ’23 in April with a $75.000 SRP stake win before falling just short in a G3 at PIM on PRK day.  He’s set up to run well here in his third start off of the bench, and he has the speed to put himself in contention from the jump.  Has to spot his rivals two pounds, but he’s running well enough to overcome that if he keeps his current form.

#9 Strong Kommand (Maxmillion Farm/J.K. Court 124): 6yo gelding contested the early pace in G1 Met Mile before faltering late.  His two runs against non-graded company have been good, but his two graded efforts have been less-than-stellar.  From this gate he’ll probably be part of the pace, so he’ll need help before getting to the turn; however, he may find this 6.5 trip right up his alley and keep right on going.

Final Analysis: This is a competitive group with no clear-cut favorite.  We’ll call it 4-8-9 in the 9th running of The Kellys Landing at CD.  Good luck to all involved!

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES