The Sleepy Hollow
AQU Race #6 1m Dirt Stake
Purse $200.000 For Two Year Olds Foaled In NY.

1 Zions Gold Mb Stables Ortiz J L 120 —

The BC may be around the corner but today is about bragging rights for the NY Breeders and we kick off with the champion breeder himself with a maiden galloper. Bought at auction he may not fit the exact criteria for a NY breeder, but La Canada will be hoping for some breeder’s bonus as he looked OK when stepped up to the mile last time in a competitive maiden at this track. Only beaten a length after showing speed he may be looking to be a bit more conservative today.

2 Average American Family Racing Pennington F 120 —

Won a maiden on debut but was then thrown in the deep end with an attempt in the grade one Pharaoh last time but it failed rather spectacularly as he faded to last. His works say he is better than that and this is a much better grade for him so the question maybe more about his ability over these longer trips in this part of his development.

3 Crafsman Family Racing Elliott S 120 —

He has already been bought and sold a couple of times, most recently when being claimed from Riggins Racing which makes the first three runners in this race representing stables that didn’t actually breed them. He has always looked like a mile would suit and ran better than his ninth-place finish in the ELP Juvenile last time would suggest and he may represent some good each way value.

4 Eat Up Mb Stables Gutierrez Mario 120 —

4 horses in and we finally come across a horse the owner actually bred. This one is unproven at the mile which may be the biggest question mark around him as he has been competitive in a couple of decent allowances and looks up to a race like this.

5 Yankee Proud Temulac Farm Lezcano J 122 —

Carrying a penalty for his win in the Aspirant Stakes last time he may be good for that as there aren’t too many three race wining juveniles at this time of year. Yet to race beyond six furlongs he races like he will get the mile, and I would expect him to be a serious challenger down the stretch.

6 Ka Holo First Flight Stable Jimenez A 120 —

A good maiden winner at SAR, he has since run a couple of fair races in stakes company and looks competitive in a race like this. Another with question marks around the trip, but he has been strong enough at the end of his races to suggest it won’t be too much of an issue. Definitely a competitor if he can slot in from this awkward draw.

7 Homeward Bound The Sidley Stud Castillo I 120 —

The stable has been in great form this year, but if they can get this one to win on what we have seen so far it would prove that they have really reached superstar status. Though his form so far doesn’t scream winner, I do like the fact that he is one of the few proven over the trip which could end up being an important factor.

8 Mastery D J C Racing Stables Husbands P 120 —

Won a decent maiden at SAR before being tested at the mile on this track. The ground came up wet, but he still saw the mile through well and was only beaten a length on a surface that may not have suited. He may be a sneaky chance if he can find a spot in transit from this wide draw.

9 Belgian Connection Nakamura Stables Jaramillo E 120 —

Won his debut at little FON but has done well since including a really competitive sixth in the KD Juvenile last time. I like his chances here but not his draw as looking more of a closer/midpack type he may be carted back to a distant trail by the race engine. If he is treated well by the software, he may be a dark horse in this race.

10 Bold Intruder The Sidley Stud Hernandez R M 120 —

The second runner from this highly successful trainer and this one would probably be clear stable number one despite an awkward draw. He tried to make all when touched off in the Aspirant Stakes last time but gets two pounds for a half-length defeat by Yankee proud so should be able to get very close this time. The wide gate may not be a problem as he could use the wide gate speed push to get into the lead where he likes to be, and if he can see the mile out, he will be a big chance.

11 Tanking Maxmillion Farm Carmouche K 120 —

A disappointing draw for the improving juvenile, he will have a hard time stalking form this draw, and the owner may need to get busy with the gaming buttons to try and find a conservative trip. A game winner last time on this track he has every chance if the race engine works for him.

SUMMARY

A tough race to call as there is so little form over this sort of trip. I think Belgian Connection may be a good bet here but there are many chances, and I wouldn’t throw out the chances of Average American if he can come back from his poor effort last time.

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded