8/22/21
4 WO Highlander (GI)
$350.000 3yo&Up 6f Turf 3yo 119 lbs Older 123 lbs
We go north of the border on Sunday and look at the sod sprinters that will be going for a nice purse in the Highlander (GI), a six furlong dash on the WO turf course. I’m headed towards the rail for my top selections and put Cartomancist as the prime pick today. He’s done most of his damage on the SA down-hill course, but fast is fast and he certainly has shown speed. Four wins tells you he knows how to get the job done. Let’s go right next door and give Elijah G a big chance today. Last out, he was winning at SAR in the Quick Call (GIII) where he took the win in fast time and he seems to be sharp right now.
It’s a nice looking bunch and should be a great race to watch.
Here’s The Field –
|
Cartomancist | Maxmillion Farm | Jaramillo E | 123 | 4/1 |
First part of the entry and he’s been tough this year winning four of five starts, his only blimish was vs. Cal-bred stakes company. Forget about that race, his last out win on the down-hill course taking the Daytona (GIII) and even the Alw win prior to that race are the real head-turners. You have to give him a big shot in this one.
|
Elijah G | Mb Stables | Gaffalione T | 119 | 5/1 |
He certainly looked good taking the Quick Call (GIII) at The Spa prior to this, getting his second lifetime win and his first stakes score. He’s been close in a number of other graded races, so you have to consider him in this race as well. With only seven lifetime starts, he still has room to improve, and that could be big here.
|
Cobra Man | Arindel | Gutierrez Mario | 119 | 9/1 |
Shortens up after a pair of less than thrilling races where he was ninth in both the BEL Derby (GI) and the SAR Derby (GI). I’m not sure how that equates today as he really has been an off the pace type, even when he won the Pennie Ridge (GII) three races back. Can he show speed and be a factor today?
|
Charleys Glance | Maxmillion Farm | Davis D | 123 | 10/1 |
Second part of the Maxmillion Farm entry and he’s still looking for his first win of the ’21 season. He was second two back sprinting on the GP turf when second in the Silks run, but I think he has to find some magic or it could be a long day at the race track.
|
Bajan Mask | Spankys Barn | Van Dyke D | 123 | 7/2 |
Sharp rascal winning three of four ’21 stars and was second in the other start. Looked good winning over this track in the Connaught Cup Stakes (GII) so he likes the home cooking, as well. A repeat of that race, or really any of his recent starts, should make him a huge factor in this race.
|
Cold Weather Rider | Night Rider Stables | Saez L | 123 | 9/2 |
Two graded wins this season, taking the GP Turf Sprint (GIII) and the TS Turf Sprint at CD, so he certainly knows how to turn on the jets and get home on top. Closed well to be fourth in the Jaipur (GI) in his most recent, and if he keeps that form, he’s another that should be in the thick of it as they go under the wire.
|
Cassandra G | Angelos Stable | Ryan S | 118 | 8/1 |
Filly will try to take down the boys but you know I’m not a fan of that. She has three wins on the season including a nice win at SA taking the Monrovia (GII). She will need her best to get in the middle of this one.
COZMAN 1 / 2 / 5 Willie’s Green Card 2 / 1 / 6
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
