Three to Chase a Star

Stakes
Five and half furlongs
Firm Turf             $75,000
Fillies and mares, 2 years old

A short sprint of five and one-half furlongs can be determined quickly by a poor break or impeded momentum out of the gate.  In the YOUR INNS Stakes, one runner comes in with the spotlight fully on her, and it may take a bad performance or misstep on her behalf to give her three challengers a chance to stand in the winners circle.  TALE OF SEATTLE has proven herself (4 stakes wins), while some doubt exist among each of her three running mates. 

As for the 2005 Field for The YOUR INNS Stakes:

Orientate x Cherokee Run

She found the switch to grass so much to her likely that she broke her maiden, while pulling away and is following up that performance with a jump to stakes competition.  Her break was clean and crisp and she traveled the seven furlongs at or only “inches” off the lead.  The question will be can she show the same spark with her second start on grass, and at a shorter distance.

Phone Trick x Tale of the Cat

A quick review of her past performances is the easiest way to see how this talented filly comes into this event at 2/5 odds.  She is a winner of five of six starts, with her sole loss a length and half loss to the eventual Breeders Bowl Juvenile Filly winner on the turf.   She comes in well rested, and has hopes of improving upon her 6^th place ranking.

Tapit x Star de Naskra

A stakes winner, that has finished in-the money in each of her five career starts- she will be stepping on the grass for the first time.  This end-of the year test will help set the course for her three year old run.  She comes in as second choice, but turf test may leave some doubt in bettor’s play.

Ex Federali x John Matthew

A Bargain bred that all three career wins come in claiming events- I am surprised she comes in at only 15-1 odds.  She has two previous tries on the turf, resulting in two place finishes. 

This race appears to be TALE OF SEATTLE to lose.  She has the credentials and appears set for another fine performance.  AZTEC GEM responded well to her introduction to the turf, and may throw a surprise.  CORK YOUR CRY HOLE is talented, but her liking of a grass surface is not known.  ILIAD MAC has a lot to prove to reach the top, and the hill may be to steep for her.  Unless,  one of the three challengers throws a stellar performance, the Tale of Seattle may be the Talk of Louisiana after Saturday.

-deajai