My Charmer Handicap – Grade III
GP   Race #7   1m   InTurf   Graded Stake
Purse $100.000  For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.

1 I Billieve, trained by Sharis Stables
Although she has only managed 3 wins from 14 starts she has run well enough to make her a contender here despite a big weight for a three year old. She took the grade two San Clemente Handicap in the summer with a  game display from on the pace and was a very close fourth in the Autumn Miss Stakes last time out. She is working well and the draw will be good for her but i struggle to get past her handicap mark against an even looking field.

2 On The Straight, trained by Mb Stables
A winner of ten from sixteen she has been mainly trolling the overnights but has managed big wins in the Empire Distaff and the CTT Handicap along the way. Clearly the stable doesnt rate her one of their best but she is a strong worker and knows where the winning post is.

3 Quiet Word, trained by Mb Stables
Hard to separate from her stable mate she is a winner of five from nine and has included a non graded stake race in her haul.

4 Trump Princess, trained by Winning Link Stables
A lightly raced three year old who has been bought and sold more times than she has won. However despite her lack of experience and constant changes of stable she did show improved form last time when third in the Goldikova suggesting she is improving and that brings her right into this race off bottom weight.

5 Shoot The Moon, trained by TwinTowersRacing
She looked good in the early season taking the CD Distaff Turf Mile at grade two but since then has struggled a little. Her last two starts were on the dirt which did not suit her so going back to her turf form she certainly has a touch of class and will be right in it despite 120Lbs.

6 Spanish Pussycat, trained by Allinthegate
Gets top weight here which looks a bit harsh but on her run in the garde one Diana she could be good enough despite the impost. She managed a win on the dirt last time but i dont think she is a dirt horse so that merely showed her well being and i like her chances of being right in it at the end.

7 Spirits Feronia, trained by straight Arrow
Another prolific winner taking 9 from 17, she is 7 from 10 this year although all of her wins have been over sprint trips. The way she finished in the grade three Buffalo Trace Franklin County to win by a nose suggests to me that a mile is in her scope and she is just another with a  winning chance in this race.

8 Classic Duet, trained by John Henry
A nice enough sort but may not be strong enough from this wide gate.

9 Nightmare Scare, trained by Winning Link Stables
She has run some good races although only a winner of six from 23 she has good enough form to make her presence felt from a nightmare draw. The winner of the Maddy Stakes last season she has struggled a bit this year but did run a good third in the Wilshire Stakes. Not winning material but may squeak a place.

SUMMARY
This is a very open looking race and its almost impossible to pick a winner with any confidence. The Mb pair will be hard to beat as always but the likes of Spirts Feronia, Spanish Pussycat and I Billeve should be respected.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES