Natalma Stakes – Grade I [BC]
1 Mile Turf Stake Purse $500.000 Filly 2 Year Olds.

1st Creepy Runner Party Mb Stables Velazquez J R

Made it three in a row with a smooth half length win after the perfect ride from Valazquez. This filly bred by Martyparty and bought at auction has improved with each run and looks to be heading to the BC as a real winning chance if that improvement continues. The works were a big clue as to just how good she was getting and though the winning margin was only a half-length I feel she had more in hand than that.

2nd Puzzlement Maxmillion Farm Jimenez A

Bought 6 days ago and second in a grade one within the same week it is clear this one didn’t suffer from sitting around at the auctions or the ride to Maxmillions Stable as she immediately paid back her purchase price and probably put himself into the BC as well. Such is the gap between real life and the immediate gratification of HRP but congratulations must be given to the trainer who worked her as she left the sales ring and was rewarded by a lightening turf work which convinced them to go for this.

3rd Houseofidentity Noblepark Buick W T

I speak often of the difficulties the closers have on this new engine and that was again evident as this one ran the last two furlongs faster than either of the first two but still could only manage third. She should’ve picked up enough points in her last two to make the BC and then it will all be down to the AI as to whether it can launch her challenge a bit sooner, on what we have seen so far it could happen.

4th Ruths House TwinTowersRacing Bridgmohan S X

Went to the front and was going well with 2 to run but was run down in the end. Beaten less than a length this was a brave effort, but the wide gate speed set her up to get caught.

Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES