BB Turf Distaff heroine Turning Japanese runs back at Victoria
Victoria– Drama is out in serious full force for this year’s renewal of the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Coxless Stakes. Two-time Breeders Bowl Turf Distaff(G1) heroine Turning Japanese runs right back after her glorious New York victory. She tests the boys over the classic 10 furlongs, and, boy, a fine field awaits her.
We’ve got Windy City Turf Classic(G1) champ Top Jimmy, returning fit to his much preferred turf distance. Toss in recent graded winners Doggie Walacki, Cephas(IRE), and the promising sophomore New Storm and you’ll see a deep black type group. Arkansas Traveler sure is due for a graded win and Causes Wood(IRE) hopes to scale the barrier after dominating the listed ranks.
Care for some Coxless Stakes trivia? This time-honored classic again matches Breeders Bowl winners: Turning Japanese versus last year’s Breeders Bowl Juvenile Turf(G1) champ Like A Porcupine (’02 BB Turf winner Project Thor defeated ’99 Turf hero Writer Orange in the 2001 Coxless).
Also, Turning Japanese endeavors to become the first female winner of this race. The celebrated turf racemare Amanda Jane tried *three times* to come home a winner, but alas, finished also-ran in each trip to the wire.
Will we see Questing Gulch’s 2:00 4/5 stakes record fall? Maybe not, but one thing’s for certain: pure drama awaits…………..
The Faves:
6/1 – Turning Japanese – dkyoung7: Even though it’s not technically “running back,” two weeks rest sure comes pretty close in this wear & tear age. Turning Japanese became just the second Sim horse to win two Breeders Bowl races (the great Storm Dog won two BB Miles).
Do you think that last year’s champion turf mare and older mare feels the pressure? Nah, think again! This gal’s just kickin’ up her heels. She did have a “troubling” ’05 though (if you can call it that!). Turning Japanese *only* won 2 Grade 1s this year amongst several in-the-money efforts. Her worst race came in the First State Distaff(G1), a dirt experiment where she finished well off the board. That race probably took the spotlight a bit off her. The Sunday Silence mare recovered immediately, winning 2 of her next 4, including the Breeders Bowl.
Now, here’s the Eclipse skinny (IMO of course!): in order to claim the turf mare title, Turning Japanese holds all the cards….. except two big ones! She must win or hit the board well in this race *and* see the sophomore filly La Pata Daisy go down to defeat earlier on the card here at Victoria. If one or the other wins, then the victor shall have a clear championship lead. If both win, well, it’ll be a close vote and we might have to look to DelPenn Championship Day for the deciding factor (if both ‘Daisy and ‘Japan race there!). But don’t forget the other spectacular mare, Elsinore! The turf sprinter is poised to break the graded stakes win streak record in a couple weeks (8 grades in a row!). She’s an outsider, but has a chance if both ‘Daisy and ‘Japanese fall.
A lot on the line Saturday! Very tough spot versus the boys, but the gal has the goods. Bad jockey doesn’t help, but Dkyoung is one of the best trainers out there. Read ’em ‘n weep and let’s see Turning Japanese join Storm Dog as one of the greatest mares ever in the game.
6/1 – Top Jimmy – sdmf2: There’s no denying it — that DelPenn/GR Simsters Smackdown day showcased a lot of future stars! And this Peintre Celebre colt, Top Jimmy, sure came into his own that afternoon. It was just the 4YO colt’s 15th career start, but, wow, he done nailed the 10f turf division event with classy off pace flair.
The rousing victory set him up oh-so perfectly for a glorious coming out party. The $2-million Windy City Turf Classic(G1) is the penultimate race over 10f in the Sim and Top Jimmy fired his absolute best, storming from the back of the pack to record a strong two length triumph. The win not proved healthy for his bankroll, but also his credentials. The colt appeared ready to take on the big boys in the Man O’ War Stakes(G1). Alas, Top Jimmy flattened out a tad over the 11 furlongs, finishing a decent fourth.
No points though for the loss and so Top Jimmy missed the Breeders Bowl. The colt instead picked up a good cheque over miler graded company in his last and now sits lean-n-mean, returning to his much beloved 10 furlongs. Trainer Sdmf2 hopes that a couple longshots set up the pace for Top Jimmy’s rallying stretch drive. In all honesty, the one to beat.
7/1 – New Storm – coolerk: The sophomore son of Storm Cat kept nibbling and nibbling at the listed stakes door before living up to his pedigree. In the Early Months(G2), the closer got up in time to snatch a photo finish versus his age group. He’s since bagged a listed contest against his elders over nine panels in fine time.
This colt’s a sleeper — he’s perfectly suited to 9f-10f. Dead game runner too, capable of huge SP#s. This would be a superb win for him at this point if he cold knock off the best at this distance. A live sleeper any way you look at it. Good jockey aboard helps — but has to outgame Top Jimmy, Doggie Walacki and Turning Japanese in a thunder herd of closers. Might be a tall order then, but, still, not without a chance.
7/1 – Causes Wood(IRE) – ruby7: As only one of two true speedsters in the race, Causes Wood might spoil the show for everyone. He’s a very good pacesetter and trainer ruby7 had the Giant’s Causeway(IRE) son rack up 10.5f listed stakes in heaps this past year.
Do you think he can handle the graded leap? Yes! The 4YO ran tough, finishing runner-up over nine panels in G3 company LTO. That race was short for him fair to say. If this guy scoots out to an uncontested lead…. beware! Tall order versus these classy closers, but not that far-fetched. Hmmm…. I’d keep him in your trifecta regardless.
7/1 – Golden Bridle – varsitytwo: Gold Fever son stretches out big from decent miler running. Previously, the 4YO was average over the dirt, then switched to grass in 15th career start. He’s got a future on the green stuff, but still is trying to find his best groove. Should be at higher odds though here frankly. We’ll see what he’s made of, but, again, shall be a part of the thunderous closer herd. Outside chance.
In the Wings:
10/1 – Arkansas Traveler – lenny10: Pine Bluff 4YO keeps knocking on the door in these graded events. How bout this: he finished 3rd to Top Jimmy in *both* the DP/GR Smackdown as well as the Windy City(G1). Then 3rd again, beating ‘Jimmy to the wire in the Man O’ War(G1). Mmhmm. 🙂
‘Traveler cuts back from 12f running to match his rivals again over the mighty 10. He belongs with the faves and has just as good a chance of finally bringing home his very own graded score. Must outrun his rivals from off pace to the wire. Wil he bring his very best A-game? Good jockey helps to urge him on. Gonna be a close finish. 🙂
10/1 – Doggie Walacki – theagakhan: Fourth to Top Jimmy in that 10f turf DelPenn/GR Simsters Smackdown event, the ‘Dog proved the depth of that race when winning his very next. At florida, he rousingly scored from off pace in the Crazy Horse(G1) over 10f. And hey! The 106 SP# matched Top Jimmy’s 106 in the Windy City(G1). Unfortunately, the Kris S. 6YO threw a horrendous clinker in the Ark de Triumph(G1).
So which one’s better? They both make their 19th career starts Saturday. Top Jimmy has the better Smackdown follow-ups and boasts an overall prettier resume. On the other hand, Doggie Walacki shows more graded experience and is just as promising. He even beat his rival to the wire in the United Countries(G1 – 11f), finishing 4th to Top Jimmy’s 7th.
Hmmm…… he’s since has a 5 week breather and excellent jockey aboard spells revenge. Nevertheless, they’re both closers and will ahve to outrace each other to the wire. Keep an eye on the ‘Dog. 😉
11/1 – The Gourmet – quicksand: Interesting dark horse with this Miswaki 4YO colt. ‘Gourmet rides a whopping six-race win streak, climbing from rock-bottom Starter ALWs to a NW2x, then two straight stakes wins! And the routes were sure key with this colt too — he boasts an eye-catching 5 for 7 lifetime route record.
The big boy scored a superb 108 SP# score LTO from midpack over nine furlongs. This is the first time he traverses 10f, so it’ll be a litmus test. If he can scale both the distance and the class leap, then he might be kind of tough and has merit for the winner’s circle. We’ll see what he’s made of. Worthy try for the graded gold — would prefer a G3 or G2 first, but you never know! Dark horse and has something to prove.
12/1 – Roidazoid(IRE) – aaihr: Theatrical(IRE) 6YO should vie for pace. He loves this distance and sets the lead often in graded events. The big boy even finished third in Grade 3 company LTO. The only way ‘Roid’s gonna win is if he can jump out to a easy peasy lead. Considerable help needed as well with the faves to fall. Game old warrior — he should be at higher odds though here.
12/1 – Cephas(IRE) – iamprofit: Rock Of Gibraltar(IRE) 4YO on target when winning the Kakarazuka Tinen Cup(G2) over the summer at Japan. The closer made up heaps of ground to get up in time for the 10f victory. He’s since reeled off two poor efforts over 11f (including the Man O’ War(G1)). Picked up the beat a tad in the Brown Fields(G3) over nine panels, but still came home well off the board.
Cephas(IRE) can certainly get the distance, but he’s just gotta fire the race and speed figure of his life. Outsider at this highest level, but could surprise fresh off of a 7 week layoff.
The Longshots:
15/1 – Like A Porcupine – trifecta: Last year’s BB Juvy Turf(G1) champ has had a zany sophomore season. He didn’t do much anywhere till finally picking up his old groove in his last outing. In the 9f Cherry Limb(G3), the Kingmambo son gamely rallied from midpack to finish a length shy of the winner’s circle. It was a good 103 SP# too.
Could he be back in form? Didn’t want any part of 11f this season — could he appreciate more the mighty 10? Possible, but it’s a “wait and see” type proposition. Odds are against him, but you never know. He’d be the talk of the Sim if he won.
16/1 – Eternity(IRE) – blackirish: Sophomore loves this distance…. and could provide pressure near the pace. Maybe even pick up a minor share if closers don’t fire. But I think this Fasilyev(IRE) youngster is kind of rushed here. He doesn’t have much stakes experience and the SP#s make him a true longshot too. I just think this is a reach and he should be in listed company at this distance, trying to build those numbers. Regroup afterwards.
33/1 – Sovereignity ‘Aus’ – springapp: Shortened up a tad LTO to win over a short field 10.5f stakes field. The 4YO Istidaad son hasn’t won much in his career and doesn’t approach the SP#s of the faves. He’s outclassed safe to say in this spot. Little chance.
34/1 – Stuck In Reverse – bwarrick: Old Rahy 7YO hasn’t been the same since returning to races this year. Could apply pace pressure and that might figure into outcome. Good runner over marathons; might perk up as well over 10f. He just doesn’t belong here though — shot in the dark.
Snowchief’s Picks:
Who shall add their name to Coxless Stakes history? And will we see Turning Japanese race into the Sim’s history books, sustaining an end-of-season flurry towards another championship? IMO, the day belongs to the ‘Jimmy over a thunderous herd of closers. My heart’s with the grand old mare though. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Win: Top Jimmy
Place: Turning Japanese or Doggie Walacki
Show: Causes Wood(IRE) or New Storm
Good luck to all.
Grade 1 Coxless Stakes History:
5th installment this year, first run in 2001. All runnings at track A1 (Victoria), over 10 furlongs on turf. Firm turf for three renewals; yielding conditions once. Purse: $1,000,000. Stakes Record: 2:00 4/5 (Questing Gulch, 2002).
2001: Won by Project Thor (rpilling), [final time unknown; 109 SP#]. The greatest edition of the Coxless saw Project Thor rambling from midpack to win well under wraps by 4 lengths. The superstar gathering included heavy favorite Used Bandaid (previously 3rd in BB Mile, won Canada Mile(G1), etc), ’99 BB Turf champ Writer Orange ($4.3-million), famous racemare Amanda Jane, millionaires Cad Crop, Prospector Doc, etc. Project Thor himself had previously finished 2nd to legendary rival Joe Cayenne in that year’s BB Turf. He would go on to surprise his rival a year later, masterfully capturing the 2002 BB Turf crown. By With Approval, Project Thor was an iron horse, winning 23 of 98 career starts over 5-some years. He never won a Sim Eclipse championship, but should be considered alongside other great non-champs like Dusty Dance, Duke Ali, etc. Retired A-rank, with $5.6 million in earnings. “Dam” of 0-for-2 Woodman 4YO colt.
2002: Won by Questing Gulch (letitride), 2:00 4/5 (118 “old” SP#). Despite losing the draw for a BB Turf appearance, closer Questing Gulch had the last laugh, spoiling an excellent lineup to win going away by 4 1/2 lengths. Great racemare Amanda Jane and millionaire Cad Crop again checked in among the also-rans. Ditto for BB Mile runner-up Ray Of Pye ($4.2-million). Graded winners Sarahs Blues, Alyrap Roar, Judge Zach(IRE), etc struggled home. Questing Gulch was a fresh horse coming off of a layoff prior to his sizzling Coxless victory. That’s really the story of the Gulch horse’s career too — he only boasts 59 calls to the post in six years! He notably finished 2nd to Joe Cayenne in the ’02 Japan Classic(G1) and captured a few more grades the following season. Active in ALW ranks after 59 starts, $2.6-million bankroll.
2003: Won by Cool Bro (fieldmill), 2:01 1/5. Sweeping closer finish as the heavy favorite. Defeated millionaires Ray Of Pye, Start The Music, Sarahs Blues, Keep The Faith(IRE), etc. Amanda Jane failed to hit the board again in her 3rd Coxless Stakes attempt. Cool Bro was so modestly bred (bargain baby by Storm Cat stallion, Cat Strike) that he began his career running for a $25k tag! Lucky for trainer fieldmill that the youngster wasn’t claimed away, because Cool Bro would become one of the great values in Sim history. The colt graduated to Grade 1 winner status by the summer of ’03. He came into the Coxless as the heavy favorite due to posting ethereal 120+SP#s in his prior outings (West’s Summer Plash Series; Grade 1 turf classic routes). In two years since, Cool Bro has only atttempted 8 trips to the post, flashing some (but not all) of his former brilliance. Active at 33 starts, $1.7-million.
2004: Won by Canasha (paceman2), 2:01 3/5. Longshot made the most of a pace scramble and additionally adored the yielding course to win from midpack. Snapped favorite Rain God’s win streak — the sophomore would recover of course in 2005 (2nd in BB Turf). Graded winners Paper St. Soap Co, Hawk’s Heir, Black Hank among also-rans. As an $18.00 longshot, Canasha ran the race of his life in the Coxless. He never won a graded stakes before or since. Canasha’s victory should probably be attributed to the savvy of his legendary trainer, paceman2 (aka Theatrical). The horse also boasted a 5 / 2-2-0 record over “off” turf courses. Sired by Cat Thief. Retired B-rank, $1.1-million earnings. “Dam” of 3-start 2YO filly who paceman amazingly bred over without trying on the turf! TA’s a great trainer, but carumba…. what a waste of BP. LOL! 😉