While early May is the focus for three year old fillies to set their eyes on the KY Oaks, and November the focus moves to the BC Ladies Classic, midway between falls the Gr. I Test race at seven eighth of a mile. Not surprising is the fact that many who have won this title, go on to compete in the BC Fillies & Mares Sprint event instead.
- The Test Grade I Purse $500.000
- Saratoga Race Course – For Fillies Three years old
- One Mile and an Eighth- Main Track
- August 3rd, 2019
Weight- 122 pounds
Changes– None
While this event holds No “Win and your In” implications for any Breeders Cup races, maybe one day it will. Having always been a good measuring event for sophomore fillies and their futures, The Test is just that! Who can take a victory here and turn it into a prosperous future. Comes at the Right time to determine who should start focusing on the Breeders and whether to go longer or shorter. Twelve have come here to the Spa in hopes of doing just that, so lets take a look at this years field;
1 Lead You To Water ( Fractious ) In the Irons- Van Dyke D – Has two wins in twelve career starts, with her most recent victory coming at the start of the season against Alw14.5 company at TUP. Has been dabbling against non graded company of late with her best effort coming in the Franklin Square at Aqueduct finishing second. Will need to protect the rail to avoid being sealed inside. Has her work cut out for her.
2 Sweet Catomine ( John Henry ) In the Irons – Talamo J – a recent addition to this stable after being purchased for a song in early July. Her new interests look to get her right back to work with some graded company, as the muddy conditions in the Gr. II Eight Belles was not a good marker to judge her talents at this level. Who knows, maybe after this affair the people in the clubhouse will all be sing ” Oh Oh Oh Oh, Sweet Catomine ” ( Guns and Roses reference in case anyone was wondering ).
3 First Impression ( Mb Stables ) In the Irons- Sanchez M J – Trainer has shorten up his turn around time for this event, coming back in under thirty days. Her past three events the separation was (37,47,49) days, but recent works show she is ready to take on this event. If she doesn’t press the issue up front early and leaves just a little more in the tank, should be close in the finish.
4 Dream Whisperer ( Mb Stables ) In the Irons– Bejarano R – Winner of this seasons Gr. II FG Oaks, she tried to stay ahead of the muddy conditions in the KY Oaks, but the footing tired her to eventually place her eleventh, six shy. Has struggled in her past two Graded company races, both with fifth place finishes. The cut back in distance should be a welcoming relief and she may very well dictate the pace up front.
5 Summertime ( D J C Racing Stables ) In the Irons- Contreras L. – Captured the Silverbulletday Stakes at the start of the season, and has been shutout ever since. Pace has to be the main consideration for this bay, as she seems to do well with a slower early fraction. There will definitely be some speed in this event, and that may very well leave her fading in the stretch if she tries to match that pace. All depends on instructions here.
6 Realize ( Gdp Inc. ) In the Irons- Wilson E J – Has been getting some considerable respect at the betting windows going post time favorite three of her last five starts. Two starts ago attempted the use of Lasix in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes, but the trainer was quick to remove. Her most recent was at today’s distance against OpClm25 company, and she walked away with a half length victory at Parx. Girl on girl may spark some interest.
7 Queen Commander ( TwinTowersRacing ) In the Irons – Centeno D E – Competed in two restricted events over at Santa Anita, and being made the post time favorite for both races, she didn’t disappoint by bringing home both victories. Now she is stepping up to the penthouse for this event after winning three of four this season. Was only a minor five dollar purchase at the close of last year, and while the addition of Lasix has been a factor, can she handle this tougher crowd?
8 You Just Have 2 Wait ( Estero Farms ) In the Irons – Velazquez J R. – After a fourth place finish in the SA Oaks where she went from seven back to close to within a length, she took on the KY Oaks with a close, finishing a length shy in third. Her most recent was a wash as she would maintain her distance, but would be passed to finish tenth. Being the closer that she is, it will be interesting to see how she likes this shorter affair. Has won two sprint events, so can adjust. Could factor here.
9 Firekeepers ( Team 7 Illusions ) In the Irons – Garcia Alan – You cant turn around these days and not see Team 7 have a Cherokee Sunset foal hunting down a stakes title. The Ontario bred sophomore has been at Woodbine in three restricted affairs, coming away with wins in the Fury Stakes and the Lady Angela Stakes, both seven furlong races. Definitely likes the distance and she should be making her feelings known in this event. Garcia was aboard for one of those victories.
10 Maggie McGee ( D J C Racing Stables ) In the Irons – Franco M- Second entry for this trainer for today’s race. Competed in four sprint events before stretching it out for her two most recent affair. Had a win in the NYSS- Park Avenue race, while finishing third in the other three starts. Tried to go longer, but trainer has realized that the shorter events are the key. Should be just off the pace, then look for room down the lane.
11 Sharp Suit ( Rampage Stables ) In the Irons- Rosario J – While this jockey is a 10 percenter, he is 0-9 when it comes to racing in outside post positions, so would have liked to have seen a better fit. Yes the trainer has used him in five of his last six starts, and yes he took him to victory in the mud capturing the Gr. II Eight Belles, but post position is key here. Has yet to race this wide and that could make it tough. Specialist needed.
12 Tommy Frazier ( Joshua Stables ) In the Irons – Smith M E – Was purchased in late June of this year and in first asking for this trainer she was able to steal the Gr. III Victory Ride after starting tenth some six lengths back in the opening quarter. That came from the eleventh post position, and Smith was also in the irons for that event, so watch for a similar outcome in this race. Sprinting is definitely this fillies thing, and could make many backers happy this weekend. Like her style.
Duffer
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
