The 16th Running of the G3 Matchmaker
Saturday, July 22, 2023
MTH Race #9 $300.000
3+ F&M 119/124 Lbs 11/8 (T)
#1 Tessas Star (Glorify Stables/F.T. Alvarado): Filly is blessed with early foot, and she’s drawn the rail in hopes of securing her first win this season. Nothing wrong with the way she’s been running with two runners-up and a third, all against graded company. She may have to deal with a couple of others for early supremacy, but she should sit a good trip if she’s ready to fire.
#2 Love Is Free (Iolaus Racing/L. Detorri): Filly has been in the exacta in her last five races and owns wins over N2X and N3X runners, respectively, this season. Last time she faced graded runners was in a KEE G1 back in October, and while she was fourth that day, she was only beaten a neck for all of it. Appears capable of utilizing whatever style is needed and that should help her as she steps back into graded company.
#3 Tabitha Stephens (Mb Stables/L. Saez): Filly last found the winner’s circle 11-months ago when she bested SAR G2 foes; however, she’s only had one poor effort in five starts since. She’s MGS-placed this season and has the early foot to put herself right in the race when they spring the gates. Has to find that determination to win, but it’s not like she’s very far off.
#4 Misty Isles (Maxmillion Farm/F. Geroux): five-year-old mare has only made 12 starts, but only two of those were going a route-of-ground. In her defense, she tried the main track in the three subsequent starts after her last win and has only run once this year. It’s been 23-months since we saw her route, and she’s only had one run on this engine. Lots of questions to answer; however, this conditioner isn’t known for misplacing his horses.
#5 Zalinda (Threshold/J. Lezcano): seven-year-old mare just keeps firing and she enters this fresh off of a G1 score at SA back in May. She’s utilized her midpack running style to secure two graded wins on the season, and she made up ground to be fourth, beaten a length or less each time, in the other two starts. Lass doesn’t appear ready to slow down and she should get a good setup from a pace standpoint.
#6 Stinky Rene (TwinTowersRacing/J.R. Velazquez): Suffice to say this filly has yet to master the dynamics of this engine. After a very successful ’22 campaign that saw her take a G3 and finish second in another, this year has been a different story as she enters this one 0-5 with no ITM finishes. She’s won at 11-furlongs, so the trip isn’t an issue, but we need to see a return to her sophomore form.
#7 Mon Dieu (Mo Mentum Farm/Mario Gutierrez): Filly took a G3 to start her four-year-old season before finishing ITM in three straight G2 tries. Her last race is the worst effort on her page so it’s easy to dismiss as it may just not have been her day. A return of her prior form would make her a serious player, and you have to like the fact that the barn took their time before sending her out for another assignment.
#8 Directors Chair (Nakamura Stables/D.E. Centeno): Filly took three swings at graded company on the main track before going back to the turf for her last two. After beating PRX N4X company, she was beaten a head at PIM against open allowance foes. While she’s more accomplished on dirt, right now it appears that the grass is where she wants to be. Has the speed to sit just off the pace, but these gals will make her earn it when the money is on the line.
Final Analysis: Mb Stables may be in a sling, but he still smiles when he gets in that Winner’s Circle for picture time. We’ll go with the hot hand and say “Cheese” with a 3-5-1 prediction in the G3 Matchmaker at MTH. Good luck to all involved in all of their races this weekend!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
