Lone Star Park
4yr+ Fillies and Mares going 10f on the Berkshire lawn
The saying goes that everything in Texas is bigger. The Equinics event named after Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie is no exception. Top ranked horses, multiple millionaires, big name trainers, all gunning for the big prize of $1,000,000, a gold medal, and immortality.
#1- GR Simsters- Given- Neo Forty- Top ranked mare in the division and all she has done is win 66% of her races, 6 in a row (3 graded), and the speedster drew the inside post. The one to beat and thanks to crazy sim odds makers you can get her at 12-1.
#2- ESR- Daniel- Dynawells- This gal is another top class speedster that is ranked 22nd in the division. She is the proud owner of a 114 speed figure in her last race the best in the field. The two inside horses have battled each other a few times finishing within a ½ of each other last summer. I’d be happy watching these two in a match race, but we have a field of 18 others that will be chasing them in the first ¼ mile.
#3- Vermont- Seacadet- Reason for Kris (JPN)- She has been a bit overmatched in her other graded attempts, but has been improving very nicely. The pace is going to be very hot and she likes to stay up close. She will be empty in the lane, but has plenty of upside later in the year.
#4- NWRC- Sledge4- Heliocentrism (IRE)- Very game in some graded two events this year, she is stretching out a little past her best distance. A slight improvement over her last effort makes her a medalist contender.
#5- YOSS- lennoxlove- Chollop (IRE)- 6 yr old gal has had a very nice career, but is up against it on a pace scenario and class in this field.
#6- Saltaire- toplight- Prolonged Cuddle (JPN)- Winner of two straight and has improved nicely. If she can improve as much as she did last time once again, she has a punches chance to medal. Another one that class and pace make this Equinics event a tall order.
#7- Del Penn- Texasace- Tejas Slew- Looks to be a little outclassed, but few if any are better at training for big races than Wayne. Huge efforts in the BB and Penn Test make her chances look better. Pace set up will be perfect.
#8- Kentucky Horsemen- goody- Jo Han Ho Ho- Best runs have come at this distance but might be outclassed and another who won’t be able to keep up with the possible torrid pace
#9- Comedy Central- Shadadelic Farms- Half Truism- Ultra consistent filly placing in 9 straight races, but is making her first graded effort here. Chances to keep up with top two in the early running might lead to an end to that streak.
#10-Minnesota Downs- Redhill- Ali’islei- Very quick top 50 ranked mare. The ten post allows her to see what develops between the two rail horses and she has enough speed to run on by if they try to slow it down.
#11- Blazzing Saddles- Gowans- Gimlet Theory- Versatile horse can do her best running on or off the pace which should come in very handy. Gowans thinks this might be a bit short of her, but we will find out on Saturday.
#12- Queensland- Hawkz- Enzed Danehill- Co-favorite has a preferred running style and winner of three straight. Her only graded effort she got crushed and finished a dull 7th, look for a much better performance here.
#13- EWC- sjmeola- SJ’s Carsonado- Very versatile winning at 5.5f-10f in her last few races. A great racing mare that has won over 2 million. She is as game as they come winning half of her starts including a Breeder’s Bowl race at 2.
#14- URC- qwikvett- Yellow Cornsnake- Best shot to upset the inside pair, all the class in the world, winner of the BB race against Neo Forty and Dynawells. She has shown the ability to rate right behind the fast pace. Morning line price is a gift because of her failed effort in the 16f South Austrillian Cup.
#15- MIDAS- Monte- Monte’s Rail Line- Hasn’t won a stake race since Feb of 2011 and another who likes to run up front.
#16-City-Race Rhein-Main Turf Club- Joe- Marktl- Consistent closer who probably has never had a pace quite like this to run after. A lifetime best gets this longshot a medal and that is very possible
#17- Testbarn- testbarn- Sin N Grin- Might find herself with more than she is use to after the ½ mile. Low percentage jockey and outside post also stack up against this mare.
#18- Hispano Parlante- kasavage- K’s Infidel- 3rd ranked mare stuck on the far outside might just be the speediest of the speed. Pace and Post and 7% jockey are all bad signs. But she is one of the few that has won a g1 @ 10f. If she can clear, she has a shot.
Picks: We have some of the fastest mares in the game that will try sprinting for a full 10 furlongs. I have to think one of them will stick around in the end with the others fading, but the Gold Medal will go to someone coming from the clouds.
Gold: #7 Tejas Slew- her ability to consistently close with a 30% jockey is enough to convince me
Silver: #4 Heliocentrism- She gets first jump on ‘Slew but her run flattens out in late stretch
Bronze: #2 Dynawells- Her foundation at 12f will help her carry her speed a little farther than the others in this suicide pace duel.
4th: Yellow Cornsnake- Can’t discount what she did at the end of last season in the BB against many of the same
5th: Sin N Grin- Consistent closer should be able to make a good run down the lane
Suck up notice: I really think Neo Forty is a BEAST, but has way to much stacked up against her in this field. But BEST OF LUCK TO ALL RUNNERS and RES!