The Swale Stakes – Grade II
GP   Race #9   7f   Dirt   Graded Stake
Purse $200.000  For Three Year Olds.

1 The Right Stuff, trained by Mb Stables
This is a typical sort from this leading stable, just the two runs for a win and a placing and a first attempt at stakes company. He was hugely impressive in winning his maiden by three lengths and has clocked good enough work times to put him right in this race. A son of Commanding whose progeny are flying at the moment he will be a popular pick.

2 Sir Plucky Lucky, trained by Blushing Meadows
He was highly tried after taking a decent maiden race and didnt do too badly in top company. He is fit from a recent win in overnight grade but may have something to prove at this level.

3 Road To Glory, trained by Simmer Down Stable
Fourth in the Stanford and the winner of the grade three Futurity he was sold at auction for $120.000 and did well enough in The Lost Fog stakes to suggest he is fit and well. He is working strongly and if you can get over the fact that Mb Stables rarely sells a good one then he has a good chance.

4 Money En Fuego, trained by Axeman
Was building up a good two year old campaign when taking an ungraded stakes and running second in the DMR Futurity at grade one but the wheels fell off a bit after that and he may have a bit to prove here today. He is working well and his form certainly suggests a big effort.

5 For Too Long, trained by Wolfs Den
A real find when claimed for $8.000 when winning his maiden he has since run two thirds in stakes company. His last start just a month ago when beaten a half length by Playboy Ray in The Hutcheson Stakes was a decent effort and he looks like this extra furlong will benefit. His works are a bit off the best though and he only has an outside chance.

6 Playboy Ray, trained by Angelos Stable
Bought for just a dollar from Mb Stables he has built a decent record winning three from five. His all the way win in the Hutcheson Stakes was pretty gutsy last time out and he would be a real rags to riches story if he won today which isnt too much of a reach.

7 Rough Ryder, trained by Kopites
One paced behind Playboy Ray last time out when sixth he wasnt beaten that far and still has hopes of reversing that result. Speed will be the key here as there looks tons of it so he may be a little inconvenienced by the widish draw.

8 Living Hollywood, trained by Mb Stables
Ditto really for the horse in the one box although he was even more impressive in winning his maiden. May have to go back to have a chance from the wide gate and if he does that and the speed horses burn out he could be in with a good chance.

SUMMARY
Well you have to respect any runner from Mb Stables in these races and both his runners look to have great chances. This is a tight contest though and a lot will depend on the early pace and who contends it.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES