Secretariat Stakes – Grade II
1 Mile Turf Stake Purse $500.000 Open 3 Year Olds.

1st Virtual Handyman Riggins Racing Alvarado F T

It was the 1.34- and 3-mile work that gave this performance away remembering that a month ago he was finishing sixth of ten in a LAD one win allowance. The difference today was of course the grass under his feet although the last time he raced on this surface he was third of five, so it wasn’t exactly an easy choice based on that one turf work. But here at HRP when they click, they really click and whatever they have done before can be easily ignored. Bought for just $20.000 from Wood Duck after a good maiden win, it has taken the stable a while to get a handle on him but if anyone can work a horse out it is this trainer, and they looked to have really found the key. Traveling in behind the speed he accelerated willingly and won handily by a length in a good mile time, now the only question that remains is how far the stable can take him.

2nd Damushi Red Fox Farms Lopez P

Consistent at mid-level allowance level he took a big step forward today running through from the back for second. This was a big effort from the horse who looks to have found a good partnership with P Lopez after that jockey won on him last time out. Consistency at every level is an important trait to have and he seems to have that in spades.

3rd Bronze Crown TwinTowersRacing Gaffalione T

Was right on speed but like in the Manilla he was found wanting down the stretch. This was a sound effort to run third and with this being only his sixth start there is clearly ability there for the future.

4th Mayan Quest Nakamura Stables Gallardo A A

Stalked the leaders but faded away but let’s not forget that just a few months ago he was competing in fair level allowances, so this was a decent result for this improved turfer.

Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES