Turf Sprint for Ladies Highlight NC

Six Furlongs                 Firm Turf          $60,000

Fillies and Mares          4 years and up

I am not too knowledgeable about cities in Peru, but I do know that the sim runner by the name of AREQUIPA won a modest three of 28 starts.  What is even better than her racing record is AREQUIPA success as a broodmare.  Her two offspring –ESPRESSO D’ITALIA (Megdalia D’Or) is a  graded stakes three year old, and ISLAND RESORT (Deputy Minister) is stakes placed performer.

Now, for an introduction to the field of runners for this turf sprint(AREQUIPA Stakes):

Benchmark x Line in the Sand

A quick starter out of the gate and should be one of the ones fighting to get their nose in front at the 1^st call.

Danzig Connection x Nashua

She comes in as the race favorite, but has little to show for in her last three outings.  Those races have been a bit longer, so ownership is hoping that a cut-back in distance is the cure.  She likes to break a bit slow and rally into position.  One concern may be whether she will have time to fire and move into contention before running out of real estate.

Charismatic x Unbridled

Even though much of her success has been on dirt, she has shown the ability to handle either surface.  She has been in-the money in six straight, and should be a serious contender in this event.  Like DASH AROUND- she will be coming from back of the pack, so traffic may become an issue.

Capote x Storm Cat

She will be making her second trip on grass.  Her lone start was an unimpressive run where she finished eighth.  Handicappers will need to be aware that the credentials that have placed her in the role of co-favorite is based on her dirt performances.

Seeking the Gold x Mr. Prospector

A third place finish (three lengths out) in her last time out snapped a three race winning streak, and this four year old is looking for a return to the winner’s circle.  She can be expected to break sharply and be the one that others will be chasing.  Having the leading jockey on board will enhance her chances.  Handicappers may find the odds enticing enough to pad their winnings.

Forest Wildcat x Seattle Slew

She has come up short in her last two outings, but ownership has to feel that this four year old filly has found her niche on grass.  I would not overlook her chances in this outing.

Say Florida Sandy x Geri

Nice filly that may find herself in contention until the stretch and then hanging on may be her challenge.

The AREQUIPA has two co-favorites that some questions loom about their chances.  I would expect SEA AND SAND and SEEKING GLORY to be in front from the outset.  Late runners like DASH AROUND will be patiently waiting for the opportunity to begin their move forward.

Selections:   SEEKING GLORY        DASH AROUND       WILDEST SLEW

-deajai