Wide open affair in the Pharqueen Stakes

A short field of five head to post in the seven furlong Pharqueen Stakes, over a firm turf course in Arizona. No standout should make all of these trainers happy with their steeds.

1) Semele – 7/5 on the morning line. It’s been a long time since she has crossed the line in front, but has been facing nothing but stakes competition of late. Does not have my ideal running style in that she runs from way back of the pack and hopes the pace sets up her closing kick. The problem is, I don’t think it will happen as only two others show any good zip. Certainly not out of it, but might want to sit a bit closer to the pace for a realistic shot at winning. 7/5 is hard to take on a filly with this style of running.

2) Under Moonshine – 11/1 on the line and the longest shot in the field. She wanted know part of that 10.5 furlong turf affair in last and now shortens up to a more suitable distance. Has speed to keep herself in close contact with the front and that might help the cause. Prior to her last start she showed speed and held second while scoring a 90 SP and it shouldn’t take much more than that to win this race. Will be in the 2nd and 3rd hole in my trifecta ticket.

3) Bux Noelle G – 2/1 on the morning line. 5 for 22 filly by Cat Thief comes in to this race off a 3rd place finish in Longchamp. The time of the race was blazing fast, but she found herself 8 lengths back of the winner. She has one win in her last 9 months, so getting to the line first has been a real problem of late. Another with an off the pace running style, might be a bit to far back to really close the ground against the speed in here. The times of her last several races are good enough to win this, so don’t just throw out altogether. Still needs to show the winning habit before I can backs at these odds.

4) Gilda – 5/2 on the morning line. Six year old mare is still going strong despite her 53 career starts. The most accomplished runner in recent starts as she has won her last 3 allowance races in good style. Now for the problem, she has no speed in a short field and that is going to prove costly. With only two horses who show any real inkling to want to run up front, the pace is going to be slow and it might affect her chances at victory. Will be running from the back markers, but is hoping the speed up front is cheap.

5) Jackass – 6/1 on the morning line and a true front runner. Comes into this race off a win going the same distance as this race in front running style. She has won both of her recent starts going this distance and the lack of speed in here sets it up perfectly. Only shows 4 career wins, but is my pick to go gate to wire here.

This race is wide open and any of them could get to the wire first. I look for Jackass to gun for the lead and make every pole a winning one. Look for Under Moonshine and Gilda to complete the trifecta. Good luck to all entrants as they go for Stakes glory!