NC Event Draws Large Field
Stakes
Seven and half furlongs
Fast Dirt $55,000
Fillies and mares, 3 years old
As for the 2005 Field for HALF DANCE MEMORIAL:
PP1 Owner- whitetiger Jockey- T Bang Odds 12/1
After a disappointing try at 9 furlongs, MAILBU MINER will be stepping back to a shorter distance in this event. Strangely, this will be her first trip at a distance that falls in the “sprint” class. Her running style of being near the back of the pack may have deterred her ownership from trying a shorter distance, but she has won a few times at one mile, and was closing nicely in others. If any apprehensiveness lingers about her ability to close from far back in a sprint event, then you may expect her to try to be closer in the early stages.
PP2 |
| Jockey-K Naber |
|
Silver Deputy x Mr.
By hanging tough in her last outing at seven furlongs, it may have prompted her return to the track at a slightly longer distance. I would expect her to be in the middle of the field from the outset, so traffic may be an additional hurdle for her to cross.
PP3 | TUBULAR(BRZ) | Owner-buzzbarn | Jockey-A Brothers | Odds-9/1 |
Siphon(BRZ) x Baldski
Another runner that prefers to rally from far back, she closed strongly in her last outing for a narrow “nose” victory. That trip was at seven furlongs, so the added distance may give her a bit more real estate to gain ground on. This filly has responded well since being claimed by ownership (3 trips; 3 In-the money finishes- one stakes win).
PP4 | DESFLY’S GIANT(IRE) | Owner-dessie | Jockey-D Prior | Odds-9/1 |
After sputtering slightly at route distances, this highly bred runner is returning to shorter distances. I would not be surprised to see a change in her running style. Earlier in her career, she showed the capability of running on or close to the lead, but the increase in the distance of trips has resulted in more distance from her to the leaders during the early stages of the races.
PP5 | REBELLING | Owner-corka | Jockey- Y Clubb | Odds 7/1 |
Wild Again x Cryptoclearance
Even though her last outing was a third place finish, her strong stretch was enough for her owners to see this event as the next logical step. That event was at seven furlongs, so there are reasons to be optimistic about her chances at a slightly longer event. Unfortunately, she will have plenty of company among this field when it comes to that “late running” strategy.
PP6 | LT. VANILLA |
| Jockey- J Grim |
|
Mr. Frank M x Eagletar
It is always nice to see a bargain-bred exceed all expectations. A stakes winner at two years of age, she has not responded as well to recent entries in stakes level events. Expect her to pressure the early pace, and try to withstand the expected onslaught from other challengers in the stretch.
PP7 | GUETARIA | Owner-mindiarte | Jockey-T Mafit | Odds-6/1 |
Pulpit x Theatrical(IRE)
An impressive allowance win (6.5 furlongs) resulted in her entry into this event. She can be dangerous and should not be overlooked in this event.
PP8 | FREE FROM BLAME | Owner-peeps4 | Jockey-Z Sadowski | Odds-17/1 |
Vindication x Storm Boot
Ownership is hoping for a pace that is slow enough to not wear her down. She has shown a pattern of tiring in the stretch, and the talent may be too strong from the pace setters, and late runners for her to be around the front at the wire.
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PP9 | BARB’S DOG | Owner-wolverine | Jockey-T O’Conner | Odds-21/1 |
Deputy Commander x Saint Balllado
Should be an early stalker, but may be overstepping her abilities in this event. She has shown a tendency to “stay” in contention, but she has only run once at this distance or further, so she will be tested for sure.
PP10 | LEAVINGONJETPLANE | Owner-urso | Jockey-J Reed | Odds-10/1 |
Runaway Groom x Devil’s Bag
No sprint races in six career trips, so even at 7.5 furlongs, this will be her first short distance. Breeding indicates possible preference for sprint distances. She has tested stiff competition (graded events) recently at route distances, so reduction in class and distance may be a good choice.
PP11 | SEEKING PHYLLIS | Owner-chas | Jockey-N Stalker | Odds-8/1 |
Seeking the Gold x Storm Cat
I liked her a few weeks ago, when I covered her entrance in the Tolerant Bagel(NZ) Challenge Stakes, and I like her here too. She has early speed and may be the pacesetter. The question is rather she will have enough pressure early on to be worn down before the stretch drive and the expected rush from several contenders.
PP12 | TEZA BEAUTY | Owner-labreche | Jockey-U Waters | Odds-16/1 |
Dynaformer x Forty Niner
She likes to pressure the lead, and should be in the company of SEEKING PHYLISS, NIGHTHAWK LUST, and others while running down the backstretch. Her influence in this event may be more of wearing down some of the other contenders, than being a serious challenger herself.
PP13 | NIGHTHAWK LUST | Owner-4nighthawlk | Jockey-D Esperado | Odds-9/2 |
Cryptoclearance x Kingmambo
The morning line favorite- she is not an overwhelming favorite and will need to run a big race. If she hooks up early with the likes of SEEKING PHYLISS, she may find it difficult to hold off the field in the stretch. She tried to run near the front in her last outing (grade one event), but found the competition to tough for that feat. She should benefit from stepping back in class.
A good balance between front runners and late stretch drivers should lead to an exciting event. I am not expecting a brisk pace, so positioning up front may be the key. My selections are:
NIGHTHAWK LUST TREASURE COAST GUETARIA
SEEKING PHYLLIS
-deajai