11/24 The Long Island Handicap – Grade III
AQU Race #4 1 3/8m In Turf Graded Stake
Purse $400.000 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 Raven Rock Team 7 Illusions Ortiz J L

This is a good purse for a late season race and whilst this filly hasnt had a bad season she has come up short every time she has been presented in similar company. She couldnt win a maiden but thanks to the non existent class system at HRP she won her first race in an allowance. That win out of grade encouraged her owner to go for the big time but she failed on both dirt and turf in the DEL Handicap and the Rodeo Drive. She ran better last time when running on to be fourth in the Dowager showing that she loves an extreme trip and prefers the grass but she is up against it in a handicap taking on her elders and she may just struggle despite a handy draw.

2 Feel The Thunder Mb Stables Colon L H

This classy daughter of Commanding has struggled as most four year olds do running some very good races in top company but not being able to overcome the three and five year olds at weight for age. Probably her best effort this year came over this trip when closing to be second to Hide N Seek Pup and she has looked overdue a win for a while now. She gets a competitive weight, a great draw and the best turf jockey in the game so as usual thing are looking good for the Mb Stables entry.

3 Sovereign Nation Paradise Stable Espinoza V

She has been knocking on the door for a long time and finally got a top win in the Dowager last time when out staying her rivals for a game half length victory. She has always looked like the extreme trip will suit her and should give a good account of herself again.

4 Hide N Seek Pup Gdp Inc Pennington F

Beat Feel The Thunder in the RGD and has had a consistent season running well in the top grades. She ran a nice third in the Beverly D the time before last and was not disgraced in the Flower Bowl last time, so with a good draw and the second best turf jockey in the game she looks a good bet although she has been shouldered with a hefty burden so would do well to confirm placings with the Mb runner.

5 Cross Culture Mb Stables Alvarado J

This one was claimed as a sprinter and then claimed again as a sprinter this year and then Mb Stables got hold of her and won a grade three handicap over 11 furlongs, such is HRP land to the mortals. She ran badly in the Flower Bowl last time looking much more like the claimer she used to be but her works suggest there is better to come and i guess we wont know until after she runs here. 120Lbs may be too much and she may just be scarifced as a pace maker.

6 Smoothie Team 7 Illusions Gutierrez Mario

The stable sends another three year old into thsi race but atleast this one has bottom weight which may help her cause. She hasnt really performed at this level so far but was pretty gritty over the turf mile last time out and has been working pretty strongly, I am not sure she can win but she isnt without a chance.

7 Chai Mission Maxmillion Farm Saez L

Inconsistent or a wet tracker, take your pick but this filly won the Waya by eleven lengths but has been beaten a total of 12 lengths in her two races since. Being a three year old with 120Lbs will make it hard for her but if the ground comes up soft who knows.

8 Pip Kadabra Chili King Stables Talamo J

The winner of over a thousand dollars and second ina grade one last time out suggests she has got everything to win this except for a decent draw. She was fifth beaten a couple of lengths in the RGD so i think thats about as close as she may get today.

SUMMARY

For me this is between Hide N Seek Pup and Feel The Thunder with the second mentioned getting the nod thanks to jockey, draw and handicap weight.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES