The PID Masters Stakes – Grade II
PID Race #2 6 1/2f Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $400.000 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.
1 Lea, trained by Mb Stables
Sold by DJC Racing Stable after failing in the Victory Ride at grade 3, she of course went to Mb Stables, and promptly won a grade one in The Test. Handling the muddy track the best, she won by a length with a bit in hand and looks nicely set for a follow up today. The two pound pull the three year olds get isn’t as much as it has been, but her works suggest it may be enough.
2 T S Devil, trained by Triple K
Has won five from six this year with a super third in The Vinery Madison in her only defeat. Not the best worker in the field, but she has a good motor and is in the form of her life. My fear for her is that Lea has won in quicker times and is working quicker and of course gets a two pound weight pull, so she will have to be in top fettle to get in a fight with the filly inside her.
3 Earthly Gran, trained by Drabfantasy
The four year olds have been up against it this year, but she took advantage of handicap conditions last time out to win the Yellow Ribbon Handicap. Lightly raced, she has grade one form but may find this trip a little sharp and may have to settle for a minor placing.
4 Millyon Mama, trained by Pumpkin Racing
Looked to be coming to a peak when taking the Bed O Roses Handicap, but disappointed in The Ballerina last time never really getting into the race. She definitely has the ability, but can be a bit hit or miss and won’t be amongst my favourites for this race.
5 Stump The Skeleton, trained by John Henry
Behind Lea in The Test but ahead of her in The Victory Road, she is entitled to get close to the Mb Stables charge again today. Like the other three year olds, she has as good if not better works than the older horses, so she may only have the other three year olds to beat.
6 Enticing, trained by Heavens Own
Took the Winning Colors before disappointing in The Test after getting too far back, she isnt without a chance with a better draw here, but does look a few tenths off the other three year olds.
7 Prundent Diademe, trained by Drabfantasy
Lightly raced, she has some good form in smaller races, but doesnt look up to this grade. Her best run came in the Bouwerie in the mud and those conditions may see her with the best chance of getting anything out of this race.
8 Queen Of Broadway, trained by Aer Stables
Looked good when winning the Eight Belles and came back from a sale and a break to run an eye catching fifth in The Ballerina. Running on late, she will be fitter for that effort and I am pretty keen on her chances in this despite another awkward draw.
9 Fidele Fille, trained by Gdp Inc
Took her fourth win of the season when taking The Seaway Stakes last time out. Early in the season she looked an Oaks prospect after winning The Ashland, but failed in the KYO and has slowly come back in trip. She has doubtless ability and her trainer is in great form, so she must have a lively chance once again.
10 Sweep Clean, trained by Manco Segundo
Again at a disadvantage at weight for age, her two graded stakes wins this year have come in handicaps, and she may struggle along with all the older horses to give the youngsters any weight today. An honest sort, she should give a good account of herself, but has a poor draw in the minus column too, so I have to pass her over.
11 Cozzene Scandal, trained by Night Rider Stables
A close fifth in The Vinery Madison and the Humana Distaff, she is certainly a good sort, but a car park draw and giving weight to three year olds may be a bridge too far for her.
SUMMARY
I hate to repeat myself, but as usual this race WILL be between the three year olds. The obvious choice is, Lea but I dont trust that win in the mud last time and I am more inclined towards Queen Of Broadway or Fidele Fille to lead them home.
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
