Greatwesterntrail Seeks Seventh Straight Stake

PP             Horse                       Owner     Jockey   Odds 
1  GREATWESTERNTRAIL(AUS)  australia  P Bangs  Even 
2  WILLIAM’S MONT(IRE)  montana08  R Richards  9/2 
3  TWO FOR FIFTY(NZ)  bmoney  R Dowell  9/5 
4  ANGEL’S FROM ABOVE(KY)  obssales  R Brassier  7/2

 

 

A compact field of four will go postward Saturday in the Dayfly’s Groom Turf Sprint.  It is carded as the sixteenth and final race on the program and is restricted to three year olds.  The distance is six and one half furlongs and the grass course is expected to be firm.  Let’s meet the contestants in post position order.

 

 

Breaking from the hedge will be the favorite, Australia’s Greatwesterntrail.  The son of Denman and Radar Love (Fu Peg x Storm Cat) is riding the crest of a six stake winning streak.  The flashy chestnut has not tasted defeat since last November.  His victories have come at four different distances from five to six and one half furlongs, all on the turf.  When asked if his colt will be stretching out or trying dirt in the near future, Australia replied, “Is Drew Brees going to become a punter?  Will Derek Jeter be a pitcher?  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”  Greatwesterntrail certainly ain’t broke.

 

 

Sonofaus Stables sends out their undefeated William’s Mont for his biggest test yet.  The impeccably bred son of Montjeu is the first foal of stakes winning Montana Storm (Giant’s Causeway x Northern Dancer).  William’s Mont is two for two in his career thus far.  His victories both came in Queensland and are notable for what I consider two key reasons.  First of all, his speed figure jumped ten points from his debut to his second start.  Also, he skipped right over nw2 and won a nw3 last time out.  Those are both very positive signs.  Couple that with his breeding and top shelf conditioner and you have a recipe for continued success.

 

 

Lordpye will saddle second choice Two For Fifty.  The well traveled son of Pentire and One For Forty Nine (who was actually eight for fifty one) has been trying grade I company recently.  Two back he was beaten only five lengths in the 2000 Guineas.  Last time out he was simply outrun in the twelve furlong Japanese Derby.  Two For Fifty has the best career speed figure among the four starters.  He posted a 104 in March chasing the well intended Ten W Thirty in an Indiana stake.  Andy’s colt should benefit greatly from the change in distance and company.  Beware.

 

 

Angels From Above has won two in a row.  Last time out the son of Lemon Drop Kid and Angel’s Grace won an Indonesian stake easily as the odds on choice.  His overall form is excellent and Ben Gowans has risen to the top tier of trainers worldwide.  It will be no shock if Angels From Above carries his familiar blue and black colors to victory on Saturday.