Sullivan, Mis Collide in Cemetary Winter Distaff
Preview – Cemetary Winter Distaff
A field of eleven is entered, but two fillies stand head and tail above the rest. Barring some upset, it comes down to Sullivan’s Rainbow, who won this race last year, and Misallocation, who has looked sensational in two dirt starts after a successful turf career. The two heavy hitters get the outside post positions, so let’s look at the others first:
Tyminski (Seattle Proud x Striding Out)
Confirmed front runner hasn’t been able to hold onto her lead in her first few tries in the Bargain Bred series. The plano8 trainee was fourth in the Death Valley Distaff, and third in the Sugar and Spice. Didn’t care at all for the slop last time out, but will be winging it early again on Saturday. Nice filly, and she’ll be trying to hold them off in the stretch.
Random Bat (Born King x Pirate’s Bounty)
This filly last raced on the dirt last year, and was unplaced in two starts on that surface. Bbudgiebins picked up this tempermental dark bay five starts back, and while she has not showed much on the turf, hopes that things will turn around on the dirt. If she does, she’ll reward her backers with a payoff of 19/1.
Breaking Rules (Tribal Rule x Traditionally)
Lightly raced sophomore faces elders here. The blznprize homebred was second in an N2L at a flat mile with a 90 SF, but ultimate may be better on the turf, as she showed when posting a 95 SF in her first start on the grass. Probably a mile or a little less is her best distance – she was distance in her prior try at 9 panels, but it looks like she suffered an injury in the process, so it is hard to read too much into it. Has a tough task here, but shows some real promise on the lawn.
Roi Limit (Roi Danzig x Wagon Limit)
Another sophomore in the field, despbbrs’ copper chestnut will be dueling for the lead with Tyminski. She has parlayed that early speed into a win in the BBRS 3yr old Filly, and then followed it up with stakes placings in the Ozark Diamond, Bargain Oaks and The Queens. Roi seems to be more of a sprinter, but is definitely competitive, and it is hard to knock a filly who has hit the board in six of seven starts on the dirt.
Vampyres Ruler (Don Tristram x Teenose)
Filly with a turf pedigree has yet to try that surface, but has looked good on the main track, working her way through the claiming ranks with four wins in her first five starts. She was then picked up by lglong2yzo and moved against older males in the Bargain Bred series, and floundered, finishing last. Looked a little better last out in a starter allowance. Will be another one going for the lead early.
La Mermaid (Alden’s Card x Safety Catch)
Bargainer picked up this mahogany miss earlier this year, and she has responded with two wins. Clearly likes this distance, perhaps even a little further, and posted a 97 last time out against unrestricted claimers. The lively pace up front should suit this deep closer. Could post a mild surprise at 6/1.
Cuvee Power (Schossberg x Dancing Minstrel)
The veteran in the field will be making her seventy-ninth start on Saturday. The lglong trainee was second in this race back in 2009, then fourth in 2010. More recently, the refined dark bay has been running on the lawn, making only one start on the dirt in the past 18 months. Will need to improve off of that effort, but definitely has back class, and has not slowed down much from her prime.
Scapola (Blazonry x Lexicon)
Seven year old returns to this race, where she finished fifth in 2008, and third each of the last three years. However, the planobrgn trainee has struggled this year, failing to hit the board in six straight races. Will need to return to her prior form to threaten here, but fans would be pleased to see her do exactly that.
Dame Cartographer (Halo Najib x Bates Motel)
Soft acquired this filly three starts back and has to be pleased with the results so far. Dame was second, behind Sullivan’s Rainbow, in the Summer Distaff, posting a 100 SF in the process. Last out, she won a starter allowance with a 92 SF. Versatile sort can run either from behind or as a stalker, which should serve her well in a field laden with front-runners. If either of the favorites should falter, offers some nice value at 7/1
Misallocation (Creachadoir x Way of Light)
Followers of the Bargain Bred series recognize this filly as one of the most talented turf horses, male or female in the series. She stormed through the juvenile series, beating males handily, then defeated males in the 100 Guineas. Last year, she was second in the Kaif Mile against older males. After faltering in three straight starts, desbargain took a chance with his prize filly and switched her to the main track. She responded with a strong second in the Paint Brush with a 101 SF, then followed up with a win at a flat mile with a dazzling 107 SF. Won at 9 furlongs on the lawn, so the distance should not be a problem. If the spirited dark bay continues to be as good or even better on the dirt, watch out.
Sullivan’s Rainbow (Wised Up x Island Whirl)
Of course, Misallocation will have to first dethrone Sullivan’s Rainbow, who is back to defend her title in this race. The petite dark bay has been nearly unbeatable on this circuit. She began the season with two losses, but since then, gajand’s charge has reeled off six wins and two thirds. She defeated males in the Big City Mile (107 SF), and prepped for this race with a stylish win in an unrestricted allowance with a 101 SF. The blaze faced miss wins from off the pace or stalking, so she’ll be sitting pretty as usual. A win here will post her earnings over the $600,000 mark.
Good luck to the entrants and their connections!