Coming off a brilliant come from behind win in the Grade I CD on Derby weekend, four year old colt Residue ( Fractious ) is looking like he is ready to strike once again. Bejarano is back in the irons, and he has led this bay to three victories, one being the Gr. I Vosberg over this very oval last season.
- The Jaiper ( Grade I ) ( BC) – Purse $400.000
- Belmont Park – For Three year Olds and Upward
- Six Furlongs Turf course
- June 8th, 2019
The first of two events that will punch the winners ticket into this seasons BC Turf Sprint event. In its history, three trainers have etched their names into the trophy, those being Australia Wide ( 06, 08 ), Nakamura Stables ( 11, 15 ), and finally Mb Stables ( 16, 18 ). The only one returning this season will be Mb Stables looking to possibly win number three. For those who are going to be unable to take home the victory, we will see many of them return once again in September and try to capture the KD Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs.
So lets see who looks to be able to unseat Residue from continuing his winning ways;
1.Into The Light ( Mb Stables ) Rider – Colon L H – First of two three year old entries for this trainer, he is hoping to overcome the odds of a sophomore winning this event. Showed promise last time out in the TS Turf Sprint placing third. The winner from that affair is placed in this event as well. Rider Colon did bring home the win last season on Champion Farley, so trainer seems to be leaning towards this one from the rail.
2.Mystic Mac ( Mb Stables ) Rider – Velazquez J R – Finishing just slightly ahead of his entry mate last time out, the two have rejoined here once again to see who is the better man ( or horse ). His only win of the season came in his maiden effort, but can stay competitive with these if he is on his game. Velazquez is a three time winner of this event, his last coming in 09. His only downfall is his age ( the horse that is, come on guys lol ).
3.The Grandmaster ( John Henry ) Rider – Talamo J – Winner of the TS Turf Sprint event over a soft turf footing, finishing two lengths better then his two inside competitors for this event. Has won three of four since joining this stable, and Talamo led him to a victory first off the shelf to capture the Gr. II Mathis Brothers Mile race. Two for two since shortening up the distance, but SRF figures leaves him third.
4.Awesome Indeed ( TwinTowersRacing ) Rider – Beschizza A – Has been competing against Grade I and Grade II company in his most recent affairs, and has only the Gr. II Seabiscuit Hdcp. victory in the past thirteen Graded starts. Was quite productive back in 2017 as a three year old going sprint distances. Shorting up here may not get him to the winners circle, but should get him back in the hunt in the future.
5.Diplomatic Leader ( D J C Racing Stables ) Rider – Gallardo A A – Another three year old who is looking to bounce right back coming off his victory in the $100.000 Walker over a soft turf at Churchill. Earned two other victories last summer with a maiden win, then capturing the Tyro Stakes. Both of those races were at five furlongs on the grass, so trainer knows what is needed to be competitive. Others here will make his efforts seem dull in comparison.
6.Levi Sneaky ( Estero Farms ) Rider – Gutierrez Mario – Not only is this another three year old to try and upset the apple cart, but it is also a filly trying to be the first to capture this event. She does have a rider who loves the turf and he did guide her to a victory two starts ago in the Gr. III Sweet Life Stakes. Narrowly missed last time out in the Gr. II Shakertown Stakes, an open company event like today. Has just 114 pounds to contend with today, so watch for her late. Upsetter.
7.Residue ( Fractious ) Rider – Bejarano R – Proved his worth in first asking for his new interests taking home the Gr. I CD Stakes, earning a 100 SRF number to boot. This combination of horse and rider has been quite productive in the past, and he has the most earnings amongst this group, while being tied with another in this event with seven career victories. While he closed big last time out, I feel a stalking trip here will work better late in the race. Factor.
8.Unamerican ( Joshua Stables ) Rider – Ortiz I Jr – Has been best man in his past two event finishes, the $75.000 Columbia Stakes and then the Woodhaven over at Aqueduct. Has finished either first or second in six out of his seven career starts. Last time he visited this oval going six furlongs in the Gr.III Futurity he managed to come home once again as the runner-up. Recent works have been quick, so may contribute in a trifecta ticket.
9.Overhauled ( Gdp Inc ) Rider –Garcia Alan – Has two victories in just six career starts, one where he broke his maiden for a special weight thirty eight, then two starts ago took home an Alw46 event for non winners of one this year. Competed recently in the McKay Turf Sprint, and while he was hot early on with speed, had to settle for the show money. Tougher crowd here, so may be a fringe player.
10.Command Authority ( Joshua Stables ) Rider – Pennington F – This chestnut sophomore has found all three of his victories over the grass, but has developed a most unique campaign. Seems to not compete well in two events, then springs to life in his third. Last time at this level last season he managed an eighth place finished in the Gr. I Summer Stakes. Is just coming off a victory against OpClm49 (N4X) event, so question is will he show up today? Questionable?
11.Audioslave ( Alydar Stables ) Rider – Maragh Ro – Attempted his first ever turf race last time out going a mile at GG, and the four year old walked away with a third place finish in the Gr. III San Francisco Mile. Rider was aboard for that affair, and stays aboard here at a track that he enjoys to compete. Sire has victories over this surface, so this may be a nice switch for his future. Could surprise.
Duffers Picks ( 7-3-6 )
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
