The Matriarch – Grade I
DMR Race #7 1m Turf Graded Stake
Purse $300.00 For Fillies And Mares Three Years Old And Upward.
1 Sassy One, trained by D J C Racing Stable
She was running up a nice sequence over the summer winning six in a row including the Lake George and the Lake Placid but that run came to an end in The Rodeo Drive. Though she couldnt make it seven in a row she actually ran a great race coming from a long way back to be a close fifth. The change of tactics was extreme in her next start when she took on the Goldikova and tried to make all the running but once more it ended in defeat as she ran second to Feel The Thunder. With the different running styles its tough to weigh her up but i think the mile here will suit her better and give her a better chance of running on the pace and having enough left should she choose to do that.
2 Congratulations, trained by Chili King Stables
This filly who had promised so much as a three year old finishing a neck second in the BC Fillies and Mares Turf had been largely disappointing as a four year old until a better run in the Rodeo Drive saw her run out an impressive winner of the grade one Taylor. She missed the BC and comes here pretty fresh and if that last win signalled a return to her best she will be hard to beat here.
3 Mo Ki Missy, trained by Spankys Barn
Another that was a hugely impressive three year old, she too has struggled a little this year as many three year olds do when they reach four. Her last three runs however have been better winning the Modesty Handicap and then the Canadian before running on late into fifth in the Taylor. Unsuited by the wet ground that day i really liked her mile work on the 4th November and i think she may be ready to add another win to her resume.
4 Condottieris Fox, trained by Smokey Stover
The winner of the NY and the KD Ladies Turf she ran on late in the BC Fillies and Mares Turf but was never in contention. Bought for $275.000 after that run i get the feeling she is being given one last chance before retirement although at her best she would be one of the favorites.
5 Killer Angels, trained by TwinTowersRacing
Has been knocking on the door all year and probably ran the race of her season last time out when beaten only a neck in the Rodeo Drive. Despite that effort i think the mile may be her best trip and if she can get into the stalk again today i wouldnt be surprised to see her run well.
6 Rule Of Law, trained by Hambletonian Stable
Adds yet more interest to an already intriguing race i liked the way she finished off last time when winning the OK Classic Filly and Mare Turf. Granted that win was a bit below this grade but she had taken the ONT Colleen over this trip back in August and finished close enough in the Canadian to make her competitive.
7 Broken Chai, trained by Mb Stables
Once more just the one runner from this stable and it is drawn wide, i want to say welcome to the club to our elite trainer but i dont think they will be in the club for long as they wind down the stable for the Christmas break. This filly was very impressive in winning an overnight last time out in a super fast time and as that was her first effort over a route trip it was all the more impressive. There arent many fillies that can beat 1.33 for the mile so that puts her in with a real chance despite a tricky draw.
8 Eastern Sky, trained by Maxmillion Farm
She ran a cracker in the BC Fillies and Mares Turf running fourth from an impossibly wide draw. Before that she had won the grade one Beverly D and the Sands Point so she must get plenty of respect here despite another horrible draw. A solid worker she may find this trip a bit sharp but will be in the race at the end.
SUMMARY
This is a really competitive race with plenty of chances, in fact its hard to find one without a winning chance. The two widest drawn, Broken Chai and Eastern Sky would have major chances with a better draw and they still may win but looking inside them i rather like the chances of Congratulations and Mo Ki Missy.
Categories: Grade I, STAKES ARTICLES
