Menard Memorial Stakes
FG Race #6 5 1/2f Turf Stake
Purse $100.000 (plus up to $15.00 for LA-breds) For Fillies And Mares Four Years Old And Upward.
1 Cross Creek Blazin D Hernandez B J Jr 123 —
She was a fair three year old sprinter who got it together through the summer last year but then came up a bit short when upped in grade later in the year. Slightly built she may be one that improves with age and one does feel that this trip will be more to her liking than the mile she tried when last taking on stakes company. I think she is certainly up to winning a race like this and gets the draw to do it today but there are a couple of good ones in this race and she may have to wait for another day.
2 Lonesome Loser Lazy Eye Carroll D 123 —
Lightly raced she ran all her races over the mile last year so this is a big step back in trip but her early running style suggests that with this draw she should be able to handle it. The winner of two of her five starts she is an untapped talent and has some useful work times to her name. The big question is whether a] she has the required class gene and b] she has enough experience at this stage.
3 Great Beneficiary Smokey Stover Cohen D 123 —
An accomplished sprinter and fit from a run in December she certainly stands out here with a perfect draw and some of the best form and work times.Placed twice in stakes races over this trip you would have to put this one at the top of any list when considering this race.
4 Delorean Wolf Ridge Stables Hebert T J 123 —
These older horses do have a slight advantage over the four year olds at this time of year as they have gone from giving weight to them two weeks ago to running on levels now. Thus this consistent six year old must be considered a serious chance especially when you consider she is on a three timer after two gutsy wins at the end of last year.
5 La Chica Gris Angelos Stable Loveberry J 123 —
This ones record certainly speaks for itself and she gets in here as a stakes winner with no penalty. That win came in the Abundantia on Christmas Eve so she carries plenty of fitness into this race and has won her last four starts. She certainly is a top three contender and could easily win setting her up for a season that may see her taking on the big sprints.
6 Frenzy TwinTowersRacing Beschizza A 123 —
The last time she sprinted she won an LS Allowance so whilst her recent form looks less than inspiring she may find her form again now she is brought back in trip. Like any runner from this stable she will have a chance and do her best.
7 Ehearts Corner First Flight Stable Geroux F 123 —
Another lightly raced and consistent sprinter this race will be her big test especially from this tough draw. I think the surface and trip are perfect for her but i just feel she may need a bit more time before picking up this sort of contest.
8 End Of Ze World Winning Link Stables Murrill M 123 —
Like Delorean she has a slight advantage over the four year olds and being a consistent and pacy sprinter who has placed at this level she certainly comes into the reckoning. The draw is the big drawback but depending on what the race engine sets up it doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. Looking at her running style she will need to get into a loose stalk or midpack position to have her best chance but we wont know whether that happens until the gates open so if she is your pick then there will be some fingers crossed at post time.
SUMMARY
I can see four here so a boxed trifecta may be the way to go. Great Beneficiary is certainly one of them and i feel Delorean will be there too so add them to La Chica Girls and End Of Ze World and i think we have the best way to cover this race.
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded
