The Poker Stakes – Grade III
BEL Race #2 1m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $300.000 For Four Year Olds And Upward.

1 Block Message Tiratzo Velazquez J R

A well tried four year old he was a promising three year old and though he hasnt won at four he has shown improved form this year placing at grade one level. Two good efforts at grade three level in his first two races this year he then ran a career best third in the Makers Mark Mile going on the speed and keeping on gamely. He then took on the Shoemaker Mile also at grade one and was further back in transit but kept on well enough to take fifth. Those two efforts are good enough to make him a contender today and he has proved he can act on any going which is a plus when considering him as a betting proposition.

2 Butter Ball Aml Racing Gutierrez Mario

Considering the sorts of work times this one has been putting down and the amount of races he has won he really hasnt been overly tested at this level. Beaten just a length when ninth in the FG Handicap and then a decent fifth in the Munez Memorial Handicap he clearly can live with this sort of company but he so far has only managed to win at overnight level. He can run a big race if he can put it together from this perfect draw but you have to take on trust that he has the necessary class gene.

3 Decision In Five Nakamura Stables Saez L

After taking on maiden claimer company in his early days he has certainly shown improvement and looks to be continuing that improvement as he matures. Really good efforts in the Hill Prince and the Let It Ride last year gave us a clue that he was a late type but he has stepped up again this year and his win last time out was very impressive. That win came in the Fort Marcy where he made all for an easy four length win beating some very useful turf racers. The step back to a mile shouldnt be a problem and he will be among the favourites to back up his SRF of 104 last time out.

4 Nice Dive Threshold Pennington F

He was a prolific free track winner before being bought by Smokey Stover last year and he proved he was much better than a free track runner when managing a close third in the shoemaker Mile that year. Bought by Threshold after that run he dabbled on the dirt to win the Kelso Handicap but has mainly contested on the turf since. He is a pacey sort and won well over seven furlongs last time out but he will have to be on top form over this mile to get into the finish today. Certainly a chance and working well but needs to step up to the plate today.

5 Point Of Royalty D J C Racing Stables Bejarano R

He has only won three races in his career but does boast a grade one second when beaten a length in the Secretariat Stakes last year. He has struggled since that effort but is working as well as anything and must be given a chance considering the stable he hails from. He has yet to win a route on any surface and yet to win a race on turf so the stats are against him.

6 The Duke Of Phooey Maxmillion Farm Colon L H

Its a turf race so this trainer/jockey combination must be taken very seriously. This four year old has one win to his name was beaten a long way when only eighth in the Fort Marcy last time out and didnt win a race in his first 13 attempts. Add to that he is drawn wide and he should have no chance. No stop right there. He worked 1.09 flat a couple of weeks ago easily hits the 1.34’s for his mile works and as i said has the dream team behind him. He shouldnt win but this is HRP and he probably will.

SUMMARY

Now what can i say. The Duke Of Phooey looks the least likely to win so he will. Decision In Five looks the most likely so he wont and the rest will battle it out for whats left. It is after all the POKER stakes.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES