Looking to take his victory in the minor $55.000 Kelly Kip stakes to the next level, Night Rider Stables Caviar will face off against seven others who believe they have what it takes to take home the top prize.
- MD Sprint Stakes- Grade III Purse $150.000
- Pimlico Racetrack – For Three year olds and Upward
- Six Furlongs Main track
- May 18th, 2019
So who has the ability to take what they learn or earn today, and carry it throughout their career. Today I found it a sad day as I was watching some of the races over at Golden Gate, and there in a nine horse field of Claiming 7 N1Y event, was last years winner of this affair Insect ( Hambletonian Stables ) This once winner of the Gr. I Forego and some six other victories had matured to a five year old, but the spirit had seem to be gone from his eyes. Sad, so I hope that this Saturdays winner goes on to bigger and better things, and is able to walk away on a high note of his career.
So starting with Caviar, he is one of two five year olds coming to this event with a victory in his most recent. He did win a miler on the turf in his opener of the season, and was runner-up in his next. He needs to get to the top and hope that no one puts in a late charge to spoil the outcome. The other five year old is Socraties ( T Boy Racing ) who just won the $115.000 Inn Sprint at TAM. Captured the Phoenix Gold Cup three starts ago as well. In his past six sprint events, he has three wins, two seconds and a fourth place finish. Should be strong down the lane as he likes to charge late and will have speed to run at here.
The event has attracted a couple of sophomores as well by the names of Not A Pretty One ( Estero Farms ) and Candlestick ( Mb Stables ) . Both will be taking on the challenge of trying to become the first three year old to win this event. With Not A Pretty One, he closed out last season winning the restricted Coronation Futurity up at Woodbine. Competed against Alw50 company in his most recent, finishing third, a length shy. Velazquez did take him to his Maiden victory. As for Candlestick, was never a factor two starts ago in the Gr. II Rebel, but did manage a victory last time out against OpClm25 company at PRX. Has been working five at Belmont recently, and while works have been decent, will have to overcome the sophomore curse. Faithful Gaffalione is in the irons.
As for the rest of the field, we have four, four year olds to consider, three starting to the inside in the gate, and one on the outer post. From the rail will be Rioja Action ( Fractious ) who was a minor purchase for this trainer, and in first asking off the shelf, brought home an Alw26.5 victory. Stepped it up next out taking on the Gr. II Kona Stakes, and showed some quick early speed but was unable to last. Trainer is unafraid to try again, this time with maybe new instructions to leave a little for the late run.
Breaking from the two hole will be Caydens Camel ( D J C Racing Stables ), who won a miler against OpClm40 company at Aqueduct, a favorite surface for this trainer. Might be looking to use his efforts in the Reed Memorial last season going six furlongs as a blueprint for this event. The addition of Bute has seem to bring this one around, and could play a factor today with the right instructions.
Number three is Cheapsnake ( John Henry ) who two starts ago in the Gr. II San Carlos Stakes made a late charge down the stretch to close to within a length of last years BC Dirt Mile winner, earning a 101 SRF. His most recent brought home a victory against Alw63 grouping, but that was on the grass that day. Has been trying different distances and surfaces, so makes it a bit hard to predict, but should be around for a share.
The final runner will be Harleys Hope ( TwinTowersRacing ) breaking from post eight. Has started five races this season, with just two runner-up finishes to show for it. Two starts ago, missed by just a half a length in the larger Gr. I Carter Handicap, earning a 100 SRF number, and that should rate well here. Looking back at last season, he won a couple at six furlong in 1:09 fashion. Factor.
Duffer
Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES
