HIS TUB runneth over with entries

The HIS TUB Stakes

Six and one-half furlongs                       Fast Dirt           $85,000

All horses         4 years and up

This sprint race brings a full field of runners and the morning line odds indicate that no one jumps out of the pack as a ‘sure-fire’ favorite.  The running styles indicate a lot of movement in changing of positions throughout the race.

A brief summary of the competitors:

Alannan x Annouce

Two explosive performances in allowance races prompt his placement into this event.  Unfortunately, he failed to hang onto the lead in both events and finished second.  The competition in this event may make it even harder for him.

Street Cry (IRE) x Storm Bird

Finding the best suitable setting for him has been an issue the last few outings.  He has been successful at sprint events on dirt before, so he may be returning to his best situation.

Stormin Fever x Chief’s Crown

His last three outings warrants placement in this event.  He has broke well and “stayed” in contention in each of them.  He owns an impressive record of seven wins over a one year span- and is the co-favorite to continue that pace.

Aptitude x Deputy Minister

Comes in as race co-favorite and has been should be considered a serious contender here. 

Tabasco Cat x Miner’s Mark

Ran a tough race last time out and will need a return performance here.  Stakes events have not been as kind as ownership would like.

Tale of the Cat x Devil His Due

Looked good LTO at one mile, and may have the speed to shorten the trip to this distance.  He will have to show some success that this level and distance before handicappers will take him serious.

Miswaki x El Gran Senor                       

Last two trips have been a bit disappointing, but she has shown much promise in the past and ownership is looking for a return to that level of competition.

Grand Slam x Wild Again

10 career wins and a recent stakes winner- but still lacks the respect one would expect him to have.

Seeking the Gold x Saratoga Six

If the track was a bit off, I would like his chances even better.  Tired in last outing (stakes event), so some may doubt if he can ‘hang’ in this event.

Allen’s Propsect x Broad Brush

He will have to show more overall speed to stay in contention in this event.  He may find the pace from the gate a bit too much.

Macho Uno x Theatrical (IRE)

Finishes in last four races has indicated a problem finishing a race against good competition.  With only 21 starts, ownership may be optimistic that he can bounce back.

Van Nistelroy x Summer Squall

Has shown some promise, but last outing hurt his progress.  This race has many that should be at the front early on, so he may be able to pass tiring runners- if holes open up .

Seeking the Gold x Sword Dance (IRE)

Never worst than third in ten career starts (10-4-4-2), one may be a bit surprised that odds are no better.  He likes to run a bit off the early leaders, and race may allow him to rush towards the front in the stretch (if traffic does not impede).