RGD – Grade III
DEL Race #1 1 3/8m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $200.000 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.
1 Wild Weather, trained by Chili King Stables
Took the Sheepshead Bay over this trip by a very smart two lengths making all and never
looking threatened. She was bought from Downwind Stable after that win and was given her
chance in The grade one Just A Game but was outpaced over the shorter trip and could only
finish eleventh. This is a filly who came from obscurity in February being bought for $10.000
after a run of seconds in overnights. She is working very well so if she gets a
soft lead again from the one gate she could well make all again. The only trouble she really
faces today is the 127Lbs she has to carry for that grade two win and that may be an
anchor too much to drag home.
2 The Patriot Filly, trained by Threshold
Also a grade two winner, but she escapes the penalty. She took the Santa Ana Stakes coming
from last to just get home. It looks like this trip will suit her, but she is a long way
from consistent and you will have to gamble on her putting her best foot forward.
3 Miss Graceful, trained by Nakamura Stables
Has come right back to her best this year winning a competitive open allowance before taking
The Turf Distaff and running a strong fourth in the Gallorette Stakes. She is certainly in
career best form and is working faster than most of the field so she may turn out to be
the one in a tricky race.
4 Volare, trained by Axeman
Second to Wild Weather in The Sheepshead Bay but gets 4 Lbs for two lengths which puts her
right into this. She loves this trip and gets horribly outpaced in most of her races so
if anything she will be the one finishing strongest at the end. She won The Orchid among her
best efforts this year and with 14 wins and nearly $1,500.000 in prize money she is certainly the
class mare in this contest.
5 Lady Nightshade, trained by Blushing Meadows
A winner in May of a five furlong allowance even the fact that three year olds seem unbeatable
against older horses shouldn’t give her a winning chance. I am not worried that she won that sprint
as she stayed well enough over a mile and an eighth last time to suggest this trip is in her scope
it is the fact that she is taking on the best long distance females in the game and on her works and
racecourse form she is not good enough to win. Can 5Lbs be enough? I really hope not, but I have seen
much stranger things happen here at HRP and her trainer doesnt race for nothing.
6 Ms Gummybear, trained by Aer Stables
Carries an extra couple of pounds for her impressive win in the Bewitch last time following up s
win in a strong allowance race. Another bought very cheaply from Downwind Stables she looks to be
in the best form of her life and will again be competitive over the sort of extreme trip she loves.
7 Whiskey Wings, trained by Team 7 Illusions
Has disappointed in her last two after looking pretty good at the start of the season. Her last two
starts worry me, especially as four year olds can go off the boil. Her works are still very good, so
maybe the wide draw and a change of tactics may see her returning to form.
SUMMARY
A tough race to call with the fly in the ointment being the three year old with the light weight and
the penalties to be carried by two of the principles. I think Volare will finish over the top of them
to take this but a strong early pace will be essential and if one of them gets away in front on soft
fractions they may be the one to win.
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
