Triple Bend Stakes – Grade III
SA Race #2 7f Dirt Graded Stake
Purse $200.000 For Three Year Olds And Upward.

1 Valance Maxmillion Farm Frey K 124 —

Bought from Wood Duck Stables for $100.000, the new trainer managed to find a nice work when they got the gelding home, and I wonder whether this horse will find a bit of something extra with the experienced veteran. A significant drop in trip from 12 and 10 furlongs back to 7 may be the key.

2 Cherokee Revolution Royalty Stables Hernandez J J 121 —

The trainer took this one hunting for a KYD spot but came up short after a good third in the Lecomte in January. Back in trip may be OK as he won a little stakes race over this trip before embarking on his TC attempt. As a three-year-old, he only gets three pounds from the older horses today and I see that as a tough ask as the threes are taking their time to catch up the older horses. A decent draw, a nice type but this may be a little tough for the three-year-old who is another bought from Wood Duck Stables.

3 Adjudication Saratoga Stud Maldonado E 124 —

Another that was recently acquired, this time from Riggins Racing for only $20.000, he ran a cracker in his first start for Saratoga Stud when third in the Fool Handicap. Last time out he came up against a slushy track and he has shown a dislike for the wet, so it was no surprise to see him trail the field that day. I think if the track is dry, we will see a much better effort today and he could even win.

4 If I Ruled The World Spb Racing Castellanos A 124 —

I do like a five-year-old that has found some form, and this one has been really consistent this year winning two and finishing second in the others. A strong worker he will need to get up on pace to have his best chance and he is sure to be in it for a long way, maybe even all the way.

5 Deviations TwinTowersRacing Rispoli U 124 —

A good sort who won nicely at overnight level last time out, he is a tough sprinting five-year-old who isn’t out of place in this field. He will need to step up on his runs so far, but this trainer knows how to get them right for the big day.

6 Morethan Meetsthe Is Night Rider Stables Kimura K 124 —

Another good sprinting five-year-old, he hasn’t been in this grade for a while but has put together some nice efforts in overnights and as we all know, an allowance at KEE is pretty much as good as a Stakes race. A good worker, I feel he may be the dark horse in this race and may be at rewarding odds.

7 Mamba D J C Racing Stables Valdivia J Jr 124 —

If it comes up wet, then this may be the best choice at longer odds. He ran well in the St Mathews last time closing hard over the six furlongs and with similar conditions he may be the surprise package here.

8 Red Vino The Sidley Stud Berrios H I 124 —

This one needs a dry track as demonstrated last time out. Not an obvious pick from a wide gate at this level but the stable has been in fine form this year and I wouldn’t be writing him off.

SUMMARY

Not the best field of sprinters ever assembled, so it does open it up for a horse to get some BC points. If it’s wet we have Valance and Mamba, if it’s dry then Morethan Meetsthe Is, If I Ruled The World and Adjudication should be considered. It is hard to land on one, but I think I will try the odds around If I Ruled The World.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES