The Vagrancy Handicap – Grade 3 – $175.000

BEL – 6 ½ Furlongs – Dirt

For Fillies and Mares Four Years Old and Upward

May 14, 2023

You could make a case for almost every horse in this field. It’s time for someone to step up and it just might be Fearless Move who shortens up here. Chatta Code has been pretty successful so far this year. Texas Holdem came close to a graded win in the Sugar Swirl. Too close to call.

Here’s the field:

1 Fearless Move (Asgar)

Won the Broussard Memorial back in December at 1m70. Couldn’t get it done last out in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom last out at 1 1/16 mile. This is her first race at under a mile since September of last year when she won an allowance at AQU. The shorter distance could be right up her alley.

2 Chatta Code (Ace Racing Stable)

Has a first, second and third in five starts so far this year at different distances and different levels. Her win came at 6 furlongs in allowance company at SUN. Another one that should like this spot better than some of her more recent races.

3 Texas Holdem (D J C Racing Stables)

No win for this filly since November when she won in allowance company on a good track at 1 1/16 mile. But she did finish a close second at 6 furlongs in the Grade 3 Sugar Swirl. She did shorten up in her last start where she performed well in a losing effort. Works are strong. Don’t count her out.

4 Esprezzo (Gdp Inc)

Training well and performing well on the track at this distance with an easy win in allowance company at the FG in February. Finished third in the slop in her next start at stakes level. Last out she finished a game third in the Grade 3 Distaff Handicap. Another one to watch.

5 Longclaws Maggie (Big Jd Racing)

You’d have to go back to September for a win from this girl, but she has been close several times since then, including a third in the Hurricane Bertie two starts back. Last out, she finished up the track in the Distaff Handicap (Grade 3). She needs to bring her A game against these.

6 Nolo Contendere (Riggins Racing)

A maiden and allowance win for this filly. Finished a close third in the $60.000 Owens Distaff Stakes at TUP last out. Very consistent with just one off-the-board finish in five career starts. Working very well. Making a big step up, though. May be a little outclassed.

Picks: 2-3

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES