This black gelded sophomore is having a love affair with the E P Taylor turf course after getting back to that surface in mid May, and should very well be looking for a repeat performance from the Gr. III Singspiel Stakes in June. Lermyte is back in the irons, so he knows whats needed to win.
- Nijinsky Stakes – Grade III – Purse $125.000
- Woodbine Racetrack – For Three years old and up
- One Mile and a Half – E P Taylor Turf
- July 28th, 2019
Nine entries will go postward here at Woodbine in the feature race on the small card. Last season was the first time back to the twelve panel distance since 2007 when a then sophomore by the name of Tarawa ( Whitewater Stables ) walked away with the victory. Last years winner was five year old Mr Plucky from Hambletonian Stables, and that was his last victory. He is still active, but has been struggling to find a level to get back into the winners enclosure.
So lets have a look at this seasons group and see if we can separate a couple to head the group;
1 Scion Of Decima ( Fractious )- Rider – Wilson E J. Trainer is looking for lucky Graded win number thirteen for this event. Purchased this horse just last month after he won two turf affairs going shorter. Trainer tested the route waters entering him in the Gr. II King Edward BC Stakes at a mile. Public let him go at over 999-1 odds and he came out in fourth, three lengths shy. Looks like he should like the added four panels and I doubt the odds will be that high here. All depends on placement on the turn for home.
2 Cherokee Charlie ( Team 7 Illusions ) Rider – DaSilva E.R. – Trainer is in love with the sire of this five year old, and when it comes to this distance on the turf, the gray gelding has two victories in an Alw50 affair, and most recently capturing the Gr. III Louisville by a nose at Churchill. Six of his seven wins in his career have come on the grass and though it has been awhile since he has been raced on this oval, he does like to close late. Da Silva has been in the irons in the past, so he knows what to expect. Trainer is hopeful.
3 Video Master ( Aer Stables ) Rider – Husbands P. – Was purchased in May for $85.000 away from Patterson Stables and in his two starts for this sharp trainer, he would place third in the Gr. II Whittingham, then win by a half a length in the Gr. III San Juan Capistrano, both events taking place at Santa Anita. He decided to stay west and work him there before the ship north. Has done reasonably well with other trainers at this oval, but on the dirt. Turns are slightly different then the standard west coast tracks, so will be interesting to see how he adjusts.
4 Coppertone ( Arg Racingfarms ) Rider – Boulanger G– Was claimed at SA back in late April. Has had just one start since coming to this barn, that coming in the Louisville Handicap where he would grab the third place position behind Cherokee Charlie who is entered in this event. This chestnut sophomore has only six starts in his career, but with his closing efforts off his last go around, he could very well surprise this field and steal the affair at a nice price as well. Longshot.
5 Sports Car ( Joshua Stables ) – Rider – Contreras L. In my opinion, this was one of the nicest purchases made at the June Auction. He has proven himself at this distance closing out last year winning the Gr. II HOL Turf Cup over at Del Mar. Has earned over $595.000 on the turf with a record of 16 ( 5-2-5 ) a 75% in the money ratio. This will be first off the shelf for his new interests, and add to that the fact that Contreras loves to run on late, this may very well make for a great future combination.
6 Chayse ( Crocker Ggs ) Rider – Garcia Alan – This chestnut has two victories in six career starts, and he has been concentrating his efforts on the west coast. This will be his first trip north of the border but he did perform well in a work last Monday over this oval, a bullet of 57 and four handily. While he shows that he likes to close, this distance is still untested and he could possibly hit a wall in the final furlong. Hopefully not!
7 Green Gambados ( Wolfs Den ) Rider – Bahen S R. – First of two runners for this long time trainer here at HRP. Has been a regular in sprint races in his past six starts, and the stretch out to this distance could or may not benefit him. Worked a brilliant mile work last Tuesday in a time of 1:34 and three, but that was just five days ago and may not be fully recovered in this short turn around. If it was only a eight furlong race I would say yes, but will need to watch to see if he can handle the longer affair.
8 Moscow Court ( Wolfs Den ) Rider- Hernandez R M – This five year old is definitely more to my liking over his seven year old stablemate. Has been racing at this track in his past five starts, and seems to have an idea on how to win here. Captured an OpClm80 affair last time out going six panels on the grass and also placed fifth, two shy two starts ago in the Gr. III Singspiel Stakes. Will have to contend with the winner of that race to his outside today and could be in for a challenge. Fringe effort.
9 Z Modest One ( Gdp Inc ) Rider- Lermyte J. This team joined forces the last time out in the Gr. III Singspiel at today’s distance and walked away with the victory. He would earn a 100 SRF figure for his victory as well. Prior to that he broke his maiden at the 65 level, with both of these events taking place over this oval. Jockey has returned to do battle once again, and his chances for this event look promising. With the type of three year olds that are coming out of the breeding sheds this season, it looks to give the edge to runners like him.
July 28th, 2019- On This Date in History
Wolfs Den- Stepping back to the year 2005 and on this date at Arlington Park a horse by the name of Barbarella would not only win, but win by some 22 lengths at the finish of a mile and a half event. That would be the only win this trainer would experience with her as she would be claimed in Mid September.
Team 7 Illusions – Trainer was having his best season ever for career earnings in 2006 with over $28,000 in total. He would win 877 races that year, one of which came on this date from Girl Gone Crazy by some six lengths at the wire. The then four year old had eleven victories in her career, seven stakes titles, but only one with this trainer in the Azeri BC Stakes.
Duffer
Categories: Grade II, STAKES ARTICLES
