The Phoenix – GII [BC]
10/2/20
KEE Race 4 6F – Dirt
Purse $200.000
Three Year Olds and Up

A field of twelve sprinters has been entered up for this years running of the grade two Phoenix here at Keeneland to try and get a free berth into the Breeders Cup Sprint. A big competitive field so lets take a look at the runners.

1. Play Along (6-2-0-1 $120.500), trained by Royalty Stables

First up is a lightly raced three year old here and he is coming into this race off of three straight losses against graded stakes company. He has not been beaten badly though so he could have an outside chance at winning.

2. Mojave Rattler (23-6-2-3 $2090.360), trained by John Henry

Next up here is a graded stakes winner on the year and he won the grade three Vigil up at Woodbine. He will have to run a big race to have a shot here but I think he has a chance.

3. Midnight Special (11-3-1-2 $194.440), trained by Allinthegate

Next up another three year old field in the field and he is cutting back to a sprint for the first time in a couple races. He is going to have to run a big race to have a chance at winning this one.

4. Tallmadge Star (15-6-5-2 $576.300), trained by Oquinn Farm

A pretty talented sprinter here and he has a graded stakes win on the year and was just beaten a nose in the grade one Forego. I think he stands a big shot in here if he runs his race once again.

5. Angelsinheaven (16-3-3-3 $883.000), trained by Angelos Stable

Next up a grade one winner just two races ago when he won the Jerkens Memorial at Saratoga. He ran a big race that day and another effort like that could give him a very good shot at winning this race.

6. Tugela Force (6-4-0-1 $99.600), trained by Allinthegate

Second for this barn in the race and he was on a nice little win streak until his last start in the Kellys Landing. He needs to run a career best to have any shot at winning this race.

7. Stark (15-2-2-1 $365.000), trained by D J C Racing Stables

Next up here and this horse needs to have a complete turn around to have a shot at running this race here. He last win was sprinting but he’ll have to run huge to get a piece of it.

8. Peculiar Sensation (27-10-5-3 $1114.880), trained by Mb Stables

Another grade one winner on the year here and he win the CD at Churchill on Derby weekend. He stands a very big shot in this race if he brings his best effort here.

9. Di Bug (25-6-4-4 $1246.000), trained by John Henry

Next up in the field here and this horse has been hard knocking over the course of this year and comes into this race off of a good effort. He’ll have to run a big race to win here though.

10. Bodemister (13-3-2-0 $212.600), trained by D J C Racing Stables

And a second runner for this barn in the race and this horse has not raced since the end of August. He’ll have to run a career best race to stand a chance in this one.

11. Expert Eye (19-6-3-2 $299.510), trained by TwinTowers Racing

An up and coming runner here who is on a three race win streak including the Smile Sprint Handicap in his last start. He is really climbing the ladder as of late and could probably have a good shot if he works out a trip from this post.

12. Gettysburg (12-2-3-2 $182.400), trained by Night Rider Stables

Last runner in the field here and he is also coming out of the Smile Sprint Handicap where he finished. I think this post will force him up near the lead early so bot sure how much of a chance he’ll have from out here.

Summary

A pretty good field here with some nice runners all going for the Breeders Cup Sprint spot. I think the horse to beat is Peculiar Sensation in this race. Good luck to all in the field.

8-11-5-4

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES