Solid field to compete in the Angel Cordero Jr.
Four year olds and up fillies and mares will be entering the post to dispute the race honoring the great jockey and fellow countryman Angel Cordero Jr. at a 14 Furlong distance over the main track. Here is a look at the starters:
IMPULSION (24-7-4-4) – Although she has not shown her best form lately, if this Woodman daughter is fit, look out. She likes to be forwardly placed and her last race could have been a nice bolt tightener for this one. Outside chance.
SLIPPERY WHEN WET (IRE) (60-15-9-7) – Grade 3 winner three years ago, whose best times have long gone by. Can be another sentimental choice by the elderly, but can not recommend over her last efforts, win only two wins in the last year.
LANDHOF HOLLANDIA (12-4-4-1) – Very lightly raced filly, with no stakes win on her record, although SP’s compare favorably with these. No experience at the distance, so I prefer a more experienced mare for these kinds of races. Could fight for the minor awards, though.
HARDLY SOARING (57-12-5-4) – Veteran mare whose best days have fled a long time ago. She is a stakes winner, but needs to improve on her efforts over the last year and a half to stand a chance in this tough group.
IN THE NAVY (GB) (12-3-3-1) – Very lightly raced, with one victory at the distance but against far lesser competition. Still has a lot to proof versus this group of seasoned stakes veterans. Looking elsewhere.
MURF’S SHARKATTACK (36-9-5-5) – This is a nice story. This is a filly that won her maiden at the 3.5K level and then dropped to the conditioned 2K claim level before starting to improve at the hands of buytapia5, winning four minor stakes. Will be the sentimental choice of lots of people who believe in fairy tale endings, and I include myself on that group.
SACRILEGE (44-19-8-7) – Three straight wins, showing great versatility. This daughter of the great A.P. Indy has 8 graded in her illustrious record, in distances ranging from 10 to 16 furlongs. Her stalking style and superb consistency makes her the horse to beat in this race.
MAREIRA (25-9-2-5) – This product of Aptitude has been running in nothing but stakes competition lately, winning four of them over the end of last year. She won her maiden at the $25,000 level, showing how much she has matured over the last 18 months. Also likes to be in contention from the gitgo and is one of the big players in this race.
CLITORIDE (IRE) (28-5-5-6) – Her only try at this distance was more than forgettable, and her SPs do not tell us she can compete with this group.
SUGGY BUGGY (IRE) (30-6-9-4) – This is a nice filly, but her victories at this distance have come in the starters allowance level. In my opinion, she must improve in order for her to have a chance, but not totally out of the question.
OPCON INPUT (NZ) (25-8-5-5) – Our first graded winner in this group, although this was a long time ago and over the turf. Her SP’s are evenly matched with the rest of the field. Outside chance.
THIS LOVE (20-4-4-1) – When she tasted the 14 furlong distance, responded by posting her best SP’s ever. She probably will need some kind of pace in front, because her best racing is from way behind. Good chance.
BACKSLASH WALL (19-5-4-1) – Beautifully bred filly who has not won other races than cheap allowances so far, with only one stake showing. A good thing about her is that when the distances have increased, her performance has not been degraded, but I prefer to look somewhere else.
SIX TILL SUNSET (GB) (37-13-6-7) – A winner of eight minor stakes, handled masterfully by her trainer. Another one who will be picking up the pieces over the last two furlongs and if she can improve her last effort, should be a force to be reckoned with.
ONE GOOD STEAL (31-11-4-4) – Maybe the most seasoned mare of this group, with ten minor stakes victories, in distances ranging from 9 to 13 furlongs. Her last effort was a bit of a disappointment, but her consistency and toughness make her one that can not be overlooked.
RUBY CROWN (IRE) (33-10-6-11) – A very versatile mare. She runs on dirt, on turf, going classic, going long, she runs anywhere. And has earned top 3 placings in 27 out of 33 starts. Another one who comes from way behind and her class and consistency should not be dismissed.
ZAP’S LEGACY (23-4-6-4) – She seems to be improving at the same time as the distances are increasing. Picking up at the right time, and beautifully trained by her owner. Stalking style helps her chances, big threat.
XTREMELY GOLD (18-12-4-0) – This is the consistency made filly. Twelve lifetime victories, in distances between 11 and 16 furlongs, so this one is a long distance specialist. Her stalking style fits right in this race and will be extremely tough to beat.
I will go with SACRILEGE to win, with ZAP’S LEGACY to complete the exacta and then XTREMELY GOLD as a close third choice.
Good luck to all the EQUINICS participants.