Its been twelve years since a sophomore filly has walked away with this title, but I think Nakamura Stables is getting tired of runner-up finishes in his past three attempts on the grass, and hopefully today is graduation day!
- The Glen Falls Handicap ( Gr. II )- Purse $250.000
- Saratoga Race Course- Fillies & Mares Three Years old and Up
- One Mile and three eights
- August 31st, 2019
Definitely the turf is the place for Scandalous Ways to do his bidding when it comes to racing, and while this bay filly has gone winless in six starts this season, she seems to be consistently there when it counts. The added three eighths of a mile should help her seeing as she closed well in the Gr.III Lake George, and with Saez staying put in the irons, he will know just when to fire to bring her home.
The other members of this field are not going to make it an easy task for her as there is some notable talent that she will have to face here. Keep in mind that four year olds have walked away with this title 62% of the time, so it would be nice to see a sophomore rise to the occasion. Looking over this field I am going to separate it into age groups.
Seeing as we have already addressed the first three year old, the other sophomore in the field will be Tightrope Walker ( Diablo Diablo ). This gray filly out of Z Cars has been struggling since making the transition to the grass. A non winner in three starts, but her most recent was the Gr. I BEL Oaks which was a topnotch filled event, and she managed to close to within three lengths placing seventh. Has been away now for 50 plus days but has been working to get into form. Another new rider may help, but I’m questionable?
As far as four year olds. we will have four competing for this event, one at the rail and three positioned outside. To the rail will be Smokey Stover’s Sandset. Has attracted the services of rider Pennington in the irons and his talents took Cross Culture ( Mb Stables) to the victory here last season. Is top career money winner in this group and even though he hit soft turf footings for his first two starts with this trainer, he walked home with a first and a second in two Grade III level events. Has a really sharp mile work at Belmont in sub 1:35 time, so will need to be considered.
Next from the Maxmillion Farm group out of post six will be Miz Shakie Queen. All her career earnings have come over the turf, but she has not been firing as well as her trainer would have liked recently. While she ran a nice stalking trip throughout the Gr. III Santa Barbara Stakes to finish two back, she didn’t seem to like the inner turf course at Belmont fading late at today’s distance finishing six out. Gets a five pound allowance over her past three starts so that should help. Coming off a 75 day layoff.
The seven post will be occupied by John Henry’s Rainy Day Woman. In her five starts on the sod, she has yet to miss cashing a top three check. Velazquez did take her to a victory last summer on the dirt in the Gr. III Pitcher Stakes, so he is aware of her talents. May make for a nice return visit to the winner’s enclosure as this rider has also captured this event in 2011/13, and odd number years have been good to him. Like his chances here.
Last of the four year olds will be Not Bored Now ( Gdp Inc ) from post eight. Has accumulated four wins in seven starts on the grass and her most recent came over this very oval when she captured the $100.000 De La Rose going a mile. This will be her second race with the addition of Bute and it looks like that may have solved things for her. Gets a four pound drop from that event and the added distance should play well into her wheelhouse. Lezcano has also returned, so the duo have something to prove today.
The group also has attracted a couple of talented five year olds as well. From the two hole will be the talents of First Flight Stable’s Built For Speed. This gray mare is making a name for herself, winning all three of her last starts on the turf. Went off as a 2-5 favorite in her first ever try going twelve panels, and she came away with a four length victory. Her most recent win here at this oval saw her win by two, another mile and a half event. Distance is definitely not an issue, caliber of competition will be. Still like her chances.
The final runner and five year old will be Mb Stable’s Easy Time. Definitely will not be making anything ” Easy” for this group of runners as she has a record of 6 ( 2-3-1 ) in her most recent events. Kept things interesting in the Gr. I Gamely placing second back in May, and she has not missed a top three on the grass in five starts. While she performed well placing second last time out on the main track at Monmouth against allowance company, trainer is quick to get her back to the green for hopefully more of that green stuff. Is definitely a fighter and should be around for another share.
Duffer
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
