Four in Search of First Stakes

Four 3-year-old colts will take the track in search of their first stakes win in the $50,000 Cryptoant Stakes at 1 mile on firm turf at the lovely Maine oval.  When the “longshot” is at 7/2, you know it will be competitive.

1. On The Green II (IRE), (5) 2-2-0 $61,160, from the smokeglack stable, does not have the most original name, as his game dam was On The Green, who had, indeed, run only on the green.  The son of Mark of Esteem (IRE) x Langfuhr x Theatrical (IRE) broke his maiden in his debut on the turf, and seems well-placed here.  His best speed figure to date was a solid 84 while winning a N2L allowance at 1 1/16 m on turf, and he comes in off a second-place finish in the Best Plus Flag Stakes (1 1/8 m turf) in Jamaica.  He’s at 9/5.

2. Representing xtchamps, out of two-time stakes winning game dam Gray Lion, is Able Ginzad Ted (6) 2-0-2 $35,000, who has never been out of the money in a turf route.  By Macabe (Gone West x Seattle Slew) x Danzig x Grundy (IRE), his best speed figure of 88 occurred in his last start, a 3^rd in an allowance race at this distance and surface.  8/5

3. Book of Shadows (8) 1-0-0 $14,090, was slotted in at the last minute by the enormous *computer organization.  This will be his first time on the lawn, with his best speed figure to date 76 (on dirt).  By Touch Gold x Easy Goer x Key To The Mint, this boy is bred for routes, and broke his maiden at a mile.  Perhaps not the best placement for him, but a well-bred colt.  7/2

4.  One of Us (IRE), (8) 1-0-3 $46,690, entered by tatter, was bred from the game dam Pam Log, a stakes winner in the slop in her career.  He was 5^th of 5 in his most recent start, the Automobile Jerry Bonanza Stakes at 6 ½ f (T).  He has raced exclusively on turf, winning his debut, and running only in stakes races ever since, with a trio of third place finishes to his credit, all in sprints.  By Daylami (IRE) x Green Desert x Theatrical (IRE), he’s certainly bred for the turf, and may “stretch” here.  2/1