–The FL Sire Stakes – Affirmed $200,000 (Two Year Olds Foaled In Florida)

Gulfstream Park
Hallandale Beach, Florida

Lots of possible angles in this seven-horse scramble, so let’s look at a few of them before going to the betting windows.

Quad Eights from the Maxmillion Farm obviously didn’t love the muddy conditions of his last dance, but his previous effort on a fast track produced a tough nose loss to Wolf Lord who’s form has continually improved with two big efforts since that affair. Win or lose, “Eights” is the correct hose to be betting on looking at the form. Cero Miedo from Alydar Stables probably wants two turns for his absolute best but has shown enough to take the risk. He should be able to sit off the leaders and possibly make a big move when asked the question if his jockey can keep him close enough without allowing him to get too headstrong. The backside chatter has this one both with ability but also with some physical problems, especially front leg soundness. Conflicting info to consider before wagering. Soho Danze from Ashwood Farms should be able to also sit a good trip right off the leaders if his last race (a route) didn’t dull his natural speed. “Danze” has conformation that should have him loving the trip, but the draw might have him a little too on the muscle early. It will be trouble if that’s the case, but a nice stalking trip with a well-timed mid-race move is what I am expecting.

Of the rest:

Healthy Choices from Mb Stables exits the same race as the top pick and also didn’t love the mud, as he blew a real nice trip to get overtaken late. Expect a top effort on the fast but will have to contend with speed from more than the favorite.

Resounding from Chili King Stables will press and get position. Win or lose he won’t be playing nice here. He will have to be beaten to cash.

Wally Gator from Bigking stables is really tough to figure coming from the other side of the tracks. A hefty price of $75.000 was paid by the current connections for a horse that shows two wins and a second-place finish from just three lifetime starts, but also with zero in the bank. Bullet work over the track noted, as is his stature of 16.1 already, gets the proverbial acid test today.

Letsnotandsaywedid from the Mo Mentum Farm won at first asking in Ohio and then found the waters far too deep in southern California, albeit in a stakes. That effort and the rail are both a concern today. I’ll wait before picking on top.

-Trackman

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded