The Danehill Reef Bonanza
It was heartbreaking to leave Francheska behind in Rome, but alas, the life of a traveling reporter has it’s sacrafices. It’s good to be back in the Green Mountain State following the whirlwind escapades of the Equinics Races. Cold crisp winter air and a fresh cup of coffee make this return to New England a familiar friendly stop in my wanderings back to Texas, The Lone Star.
We have seven entrants for Saturdays running of The Danehill Reefr’ Bonanza, with two of the seven being 6yr old matrons of the sport. The race sets up as their’s to loose to without further delay “Let’s Roll!”
The early 9/5 favorite is from the veteran psycholoan stable. Ca Plane Pour Moi, is the 6yr old daughter of French Deputy out of a Pine Bluff mare. Her 06′ debut in a Gr.III didn’t go quite as planned but she’s dropping back to a level where she’s hot hot hot. Ten victories in thirty five appearances on the main track tells me that she’s got the goods and her consistant mid 100’s speed ratings and times are the best of this field. Top rated jockey W. McClendon will keep this pace running lady on or close to the lead and she may be to much to handle for this crowd.
At 5/2, the other 6yr old matron is the only athlete this reporter estimates can rumble with the favorite. Cap The Deputy from the solid professionals of the nogriftn stables is the most experienced of the lot. 42 races with 12 victories and $775k in earnings says that she will have her say in the outcome. Her low 100’s speed coupled with her closing late running abilities sets this race up to be a thriller. Top jockey, D. Fendlay Jr, who rode her to victory 3 races back,. gets the call on the Deputy Minister mare.
A 5yr old whose been lightly raced for her age is Sadler’s Well prodegy Lilian Baylis. Saddled by the janet3 stables, this gal has been in the money 12 of her 16 main track races. She’s earned $175K for her efforts and she’s proven adept at the distance. Tabbed at 4/1, LB has run at the stakes level and has produced 100+ speeds over 8f. B. Langhorne, fresh from his Equinics victory aboard King’s Robbery, has a versatile runner at his command.
Barb’s Jockie E, at 7/1, will run for the maxie stables. These talented horsemen figure that she’s ready to step up in class after a series of very solid performances in the allowance ranks. The Machiavellian 4yr old has a quick turn ‘o foot, capable of low 100’s speed. She can stalk the pace or close late if needed. Her 18/5-6-2 dirt record is respectable and she’ll need the best from struggling jockey N. Stelle.
Another 7/1 runner, Yugo Ride T is entered by the horseflesh stables. She’s a 4yr old by Jugah out of a KrisS. mare. She will have to step it up a notch to be competative against some in this field and with her form showing eratic performances of late she’ll need her best. The 4yr old has graded stakes experience and shortens up a couple of panels for this affair. Journeyman jockey H. Holman will have to find her best if he was a photo on Saturday.
Black Plague, at 9/1, steps back up to stakes competition. She’ll have to dig deep to run with this field of maulers. Eratic form and slow speed ratings will not benefit her here, even if she’s got S. Gravira in the irons.
I Command U, gets the longshot honors at 11/1. The Chester House 5yr old will not run on the lead uncontested in this one come Saturday. There’s at least one other she’ll have to contend with for pace setting honors and that one will likely win the race. i‘mamudder stables can get a horse ready as well as any stable in the sim but it will be tough going from the opening bell.
Expect a fast track and faster times……..
This has been A View From The Green Mountain State of Vermont..by Glfstrmdoc..The Doc!