Top stayer mares Estrogen, Xtremely Gold, Sacrilege raid ‘Dessert’ bar
New Mexico– Hot match-up this week between a trio of the very best stayer mares in the Grade 2 $250,000 Big Dessert Stakes. Tnilsson’s exciting racemare Estrogen returns to face females over 12 furlongs on the dirt. Toss in the superb star-in-the-making Xtremely Gold (fresh off of her commanding First State Distaff(G1) score) as well as dual Grade 3-winner Sacrilege and we got a rare major showdown in the Distaffer Dirt Long divisions.
The Faves:
8/5 – Estrogen (tnilsson): Sadler’s Wells daughter switches back to distaffer division after competing very well versus males. The 4YO filly competed in California’s Movieland Cups(G1) recently, winning the turf version over 10f, and finishing 4th in the main track edition. Over the springtime, Estrogen notably won or placed in a host of stayer grades and listed battles. Top jockey Franco Duffy should hustle the filly to the front early, but will have to face the feisty pacesetter sophomore Bidasoa for the lead. Estrogen’s pretty good in a fight though and can get the distance well in hand. Extremely dangerous if let loose on the lead, but should get pressure here. On 4 weeks rest, we’ll see if she can add to her growing stayer mare stardom.
3/1 – Sacrilege (slwcityslw): Despite faring superbly over the grass this past spring (including a Grade 2 win over 12f), Sacrilege switched to the main track a couple months ago and the result was a handy 2-for-2. The veteran A.P. Indy mare pocketed a pair of Grade 3 events at Vermont and Italy (over 12f & 16f). Both efforts were off pace triumphs and the Vermont Denied Special(G3) resulted in a splendid 107 SP#. Royally bred, the 5YO has won over $2.1-million in her rich career. Sacrilege makes her 40th trip to the post Saturday. She’s at the top of her game…. can she run down the speedster Estrogen and outduel the youthful Xtremely Gold? worthy challenger to the flashy faves.
4/1 – Xtremely Gold (ejdstable): Can’t say enough about this filly… she’s pure dynamite! Touch Gold daughter began her career 9-for-9 in mostly stayer listed stakes. She really found her niche in a hurry … by her 8th start, she was a Grade 1 winner. Alas, the streak inevitably snapped afterwards in a loblolly 16f effort. Still, ‘Gold impressively recovered to commandingly win the traditional First State Distaff(G1) at DelPenn last month. The 101 SP# victory was a cutback to the 10f distance and signaled possibilites for a 9f try down the road in preparation for the Breeders Bowl. I don’t know if she can garner enough points to draw into the BB, but no matter. This filly is one to watch. Runs best from off pace — let’s hope Bidasoa and Estrogen battle it out early so Xtremely Gold can fly from off pace at the end.
The Rest of the Field:
5/1 – Miss Maple (borden): 6YO Peteski mare up there in age, but only has 22 starts. She’s in her prime right now, finishing 3rd to Sacrilege in the Denied Special(G3) (12f at Vermont). Followed that effort up with an excellent 11f listed stakes score with a 101 SP#. Specialist at this distance, but she’s gotta outrun both Xtremely Gold and Sacrilege again down the lane to pull of a win. Not to be dismissed. If Miss Maple has a great day, then you can imagine her in the winner’s circle or at least a board placing. Something to prove, but credible threat.
6/1 – Sophocles II (network7): An also-ran to Sacrilege two starts back at Vermont. Two straight bad outings for Stravinsky-sired 5YO — prior to that though, she picked up a couple listed stakes short field events. Fits well with this distance…. but kind of a coin flip entry. At 33 starts, don’t know if she’s surpassed the wear and tear mark. Could go with leaders early, but after that, has to turn recent form around. Should probably be a bit more of a longshot.
11/1 – Bidasoa (layeguada): Sophomore is the best longshot in the field, riding 3-race win streak. Took a while for the Forty Niner daughter to find her best distance, but once she did, she made the most of her opportunities. The speedster/stalker dominated 12f, 11f, and 10f listed stakes recently. Granted, they were pretty short fields though versus her own age group. So, this is a step up in class and competition for Bidasoa. Is 12f indeed her best distance or is it closer to 10f? Lots of questions with this one, but she’s no doubt got talent. One to keep an eye on. Could hook up with Estrogen or even let the elder filly tackle the lead on her own.
24/1 – High Flyer (2ofus): Another sophomore with loads of stamina in female family despite speedy sire (Dixie Union x Sadler’s Wells x Alydar). Finished second to Sacrilege as a huge longshot in the 16f High And Low Marathon(G3) LTO. Bigtime closer only scored low 90s in 10f ALW company…. so maybe 12f is right up her alley. Gotta believe, but this is another longshot effort and tougher field with very exciting favorites. Not without a chance for the board. Would take a big effort and some help to pull out the win. I’ll pass, thinking that ‘Flyer isn’t ready just yet for a 105+ 12f number.
36/1 – Fearless Jones (ladyeve3): Veteran Prime Timber mare can get the distance, but overmatched with 80 SP#s of late. She’s just in over her head — competition’s too tough in this group.
Snowchief’s Picks:
I’m all for Xtremely Gold to take her game to another level in this one. Don’t know how much has been taken out of Estrogen due to her foray versus the boys (LOL). She might fade late then. Bidasoa is a tasty longshot, but Sacrilege has the record to hit the board behind ‘Gold. Miss Maple up for 5th.
Win: Xtremely Gold
Place: Sacrilege
Show: Bidasoa
Good luck to all.