1 Tiz Flirt, trained by Scorpion Stables

This five year old has been a black type regular since a double win as a three year old and she has acquitted herself pretty well. Like many older horses she has managed to put together some career best performances as a five year old hitting triple digit speed figures in June and finishing runner up in her last three graded stakes starts. Probably her best effort was in the NY at grade two where she was only beaten a whisker by Volare running on strongly in the soft ground. She will stay every last yard of this trip and must have a live chance of finally getting a much deserved graded stakes win.

2 Wow Fighter, trained by Wolfs Den

Another five year old having her best season she is not as accomplished as Tiz Flirt but there is nothing more dangerous than a late developer off a low weight. Probably outclassed on form but her works are strong and she has a racing weight so you can’t write her off.

3 Caricature In Red, trained by Nakamura Stables

A four year old with a good strike rate she hasn’t been kindly treated by the handicapper here but does have some useful form. A winner of The Suwannee River at grade three in July she was then a very close third in The Fox at grade two before her trainer eased their foot off the gas over the summer. She likes to race on the pace which usually works out well in these long distance races so I can see her showing up for a long way.

4 Ms Gummybear, Downwind Stables

Another four year old she is the least exposed of the field with only 11 career starts but as long as the rain stays away she looks to have a big chance. She didn’t show too much early in her career but finished third in The Orchid and second in The Sheepshead Bay before being sold pretty cheaply to her current owner. After a bad failure in the wet she took the ungraded River Memories by a very impressive seven lengths and last time out managed a third in the grade two The Waya. An out and out stayer she will give her all in this but some less than impressive works recently make you question whether she can beat one or two of these.

5 Observant, trained by D J C racing Stables

D J C never shirks a challenge but it looks a tough call for this four year old despite a really consistent record. She was a long way behind Mrs Gummybear in the River Memories and I doubt if the one pound weight swing will improve her chances of beating that one.

6 Copper Piping, trained by Diablo Diablo

An interesting runner she was pretty dominant in lower class winning six races and was finally tested at the highest level in her last race The Beverley D. That was a pretty harsh rise in class going from 13 non graded starts to a grade one but she ran a very nice race staying on into a decent fifth beaten just three lengths. It is tough to read her form but I liked that last effort and with a decent weight here you have to give her a big hope

SUMMARY

I rather like Copper Piping for this but the more obvious choice would be Tiz Flirt or Ms Gummybear.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES