The Davis Stakes [KYD]

1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $250.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st        Southwind       Acber Farms   Ortiz J L              1/2        1:41.67

In a race with only three lengths first to last it is hard to say anything stands out here for the KYD, but it was Southwind who got the chocolates today and, in the end, it is that that matters. With fitness on his side after a seasonal debut third in the San Vicente, he made full use of that and the extra furlong here with a strong half length win. Traveling in a perfect spot in mid pack he found the run and took it perfectly and whilst he won’t emerge as a leading contender, yet I did like the way he took this out and with a little more improvement could well develop into a KYD contender.           

2nd       Up To No Good             Riggins Racing              Geroux F   nk   1:41.81

Well, once again his running style beat him today as he came from a mile back to grab second in yet another eye-catching effort. When you look at his results it is amazing to think he only has a one in ten-win record, but closing like he does on this engine is the toughest way to win. I wonder whether the trainer has tried the gaming buttons to get him a little closer to the early speed although in looking at his sprinting in his early career I do wonder whether he is a true router and needs to be held up when taking on longer trips. He is the type that of he gets it right could win a race like the KYD, but he has got to qualify first.          

3rd        Starbright         TwinTowersRacing      Bridgmohan S X   no   1:41.87

Well, I am sure the trainer is breathing a sigh of relief after this effort as he cost them a few dollars to buy and was terrible in his first start for the new owner. Today though he was much better running a good few seconds quicker than he did over the same trip in optional claimer company last time. Like the runner up he came from a mile behind so if he can get a better draw next time, we may see him going for a qualifier again.          

4th        Hulk     D J C Racing Stables Hernandez R M             no          1:41.89             

You don’t post public works like this one of you don’t have ability but once again this gelding was just a little bit flat at the end in finishing fourth. With only 21 days between races this may have come a bit quick for him, but his race was very similar to his CAC Derby effort, and I wonder if he is the type that will get better over the extreme trips. Built like he will stay forever he may just be a shade one paced over this trip and could well develop into one for later in the season over ten and twelve furlongs.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded