Turf Monster Handicap – Grade III
PRX Race #2 5f Turf Graded Stake
Purse $300.000 For Three Year Olds And Upward.
1 Little Brother John Henry Lanerie C J 118
This son of Niagra has only had 4 lifetime starts for the one maiden win and shouldnt even be considered for an all aged handicap even with bottom weight. However, this three year old is working pretty fast and won his maiden in 1.02 and 3 for 5.5 furlongs so clearly has plenty of speed. A win here would boost his value in the shed but i just can’t bring myself to tip him.
2 Phooeys Quest La Canada Racehorses Rosario J 119
Bought for just ten bucks this four year old was a close sixth in last years BC Turf Sprint but has taken a while to come to himself as a four year old. He gets in here with just 119Lbs and with a 57 and 1 work this month for the five furlongs really must be given a big chance from this handy draw.
3 Tears Of Joy Luz International Prado E S 119
An untested three year old he has won 5 from 8 with four of those wins coming this year. Took a MTH allowance last time in a very quick 56 and 1 and is working pretty swiftly too. The handicapper hasnt been that kind giving him the same weight as Phooeys Quest but he is in very good form and draws well enough to be a factor even without the age allowance.
4 Snakes On A Game Team 7 Illusions Landeros C 120
He has been in great form this year winning the grade three Hutcheson Stakes back in March and running well in top turf sprints since then. A close third in the Troy Handicap last time with the same weight he is much better off with Vino Bambino drawing three pounds for a half length. With that sort of weight shift you have to question the handicapper bt that wont bother Team 7 who must fancy this ones chances under these conditions.
5 Vino Bambino Chili King Stables Leparoux J R 121
This useful dirt sprinter took to the turf really well when gamely winning the Troy Handicap last time but goes up pretty dramatically in the weights for this race, Very nearly a grade one winner on the dirt he may find this sharp 5 furlongs on the short side but there was plenty to like about his first effort on the grass last time.
6 Gleaming Spirit Mb Stables Franco M 120
Favourite for the Troy Handicap despite a terrible draw last time out he closed hard and was only beaten a length in the end. He drops a pound for this race and is drawn much better so i would expect him to be turning some tables. Previously he was a close fourth in the grade one Highlander Stakes and also has a 57 and 1 work to his name making him a lively chance for the champion trainer today.
7 I Need A Nap Estero Farms Navarro J 119
Beat Gleaming Spirit by a half length in the Mckay Turf Sprint but is much worse off at the weights in this handicap. Unbeaten since being bought from Mcl Stables he comes from a stable who has been flying high this year but despite that considerable assistance he shouldnt be able to beat the older horses with these weights.
8 Ideal Monster Threshold Gutierrez M 118
A speedy type who has been a model of consistency this season he gets a tough draw and will probably be sacrificed by the wide gate speed push as the target front runner. Plenty to like about his works and he won in 56 flat at FG so not out of it as long as he can overcome the draw.
9 Scripted Mb Stables Centeno D E 121
Joint top weight and the wide draw will make it tough but this grade one winner is a classy sort and meets the turf for the first time in a while. His grass record is pretty good and a solid recent work suggests it may be just what he needs to get back to winning form.
SUMMARY
So much will depend on the pace of this race and where horses can map in running. The three year olds are well represented despite being worse off at weight for age but there looks to be a glaring handicappers error with Snakes On A Game and he may be the best of them. Of the older horses Phooeys Quest looks strong from an ideal draw and you cant write off Scripted and Gleaming Spirit.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
