Royal Delta – Grade III
1 1/16 Mile Dirt Stake Purse $100.000 Filly & Mare 4 Year Olds And Up.

1st Z Command Smokey Stover Velazquez J R

All the T’s were crossed and all the i’s dotted today for this mare and sure enough she bounced back to her best with a clear cut three length win. She covered the last two furlongs like a spring healed two year old running away from them just like she did last year when winning three graded ones. To be fair to the others they were always up against it in a grade three against a mare of this quality but she had something to prove today and she did just that.

2nd Prime Illusion Nakamura Stables Jaramillo E

Headed home the Nakamura Stable stalking the lead and keeping on well enough but clearly beaten.

3rd Giveaway Nakamura Stables Saez L

Ran along with the stable mate in the stalk but labored under pressure and ended up third.

4th Starship Twister TwinTowersRacing Alvarado J

Went to the front but whereas last time out she managed to keep almost identical pace to this race today she weakened like a stuck pig. Was this clear evidence of the ‘class gene’ in action where a horse can run one pace in lesser class but can’t do the same in higher class? Whatever it was she was brushed aside in the stretch and could only manage fourth.

Categories: Grade III, STAKES ARTICLES