Closely-matched marathoners at British Columbia
British Columbia– Very interesting battle for staying power rights in this week’s featured $60,000 Away From Ant Special. Four colts & horses and one filly tackle the marathon mile and three-quarters over a firm turf course. Four of the five love the pace which could set up nicely for the “closer” second choice Dan Colony.
And we’ll lead off with loubrown’s Dan Colony (5/2), probably the most recognizable name in this field. The 5YO horse is one of the few superb runners by bargain sire Danzig Connection. Danzig Connection finished 2nd in one of Woody Stephens’ Belmont Stakes back in the 1980s. Dan Colony himself is out of a Ela-Mana-Mou mare and that reinforces his Solid/Professional stamina. Making his 30th trip to the post Saturday, Dan Colony might enjoy the anticipated speedster duel. Look for the old boy to bide his time — he’s remarkably consistent and could enjoy pushing his bankroll up over the $500k mark.
But he’ll have to face a host of pacesetters who’ve got some talent. The racetime favorite Wingfly’s Dancer(IRE) (2/1) won six listed stakes in a row and just recently lost at long last. The 4YO colt from lafly stable got pushed into a duel LTO and that might be key Saturday. Lots of speed here, but this guy’s smashing. He was unplaced last year as a 3YO in the Derby De English(G1) to Horseshoe Bay, but really carved out a stayer niche afterwards. By Hawk Wing(IRE), Wingfly boasts an awesome 11-of-19 record and his relatively light race schedule (most top 4YOs have about 25 starts now) might see him upsetting the big boys down the road. I love this colt — but can he overcome the duel?
If you like more up-and-comers, then check out derbybound’s Trevordosky (3/1). The Kingmambo royal bred had difficult time finding his staying power groove, but he’s since arrived after belting out a rollicking 14f ALW NW2L score late last year. The 4YO’s won or placed in three straight listed stakes. One to watch here, especially if he “softens up” Wingfly’s Dancer. Perfectly spotted — it’s just the scenario of the pace that might forego the winner’s circle for him Saturday.
Moodswings’ Bestest(IRE) (3/1) could garner a piece of the purse and maybe even the win too if the speedsters fall and Dan Colony tosses a mild effort. The veteran 5YO son of Best of the Bests(IRE) makes his 47th trip to the gate. The old boy is as honest as they come too, earning paycheck after paycheck in these marathons and winning his share. He can stalk the lead if he wants to — Bestest throws lower 90 SP#s, but, hey, they match up with the more flashy youngsters. Could play the spoiler.
Finally the 4YO filly Flaming Pegasus (4/1) rounds out the field. She was runner-up in the distaffer marathon on Equinics day for susie stable. The Fusaichi Pegasus daughter soaks up the listed level, winning 4 of her last 8 starts. She can beat the boys too and survive a pacesetting crunch. ‘Flame specializes in 16f running though and cutsback a quarter mile here. I don’t think that that would be a problem. Am worried about the speedster situation — these are feisty 4YO colts that she’ll have to duke it out with. Classy gal, but will need her absolute best.
Snowchief’s Picks:
I like Dan Colony a lot here to outrally fellow closer Bestest(IRE) down the lane. The three might very well knock themselves out with Wingfly’s Dancer maybe hanging on for the place or show.
Win: Dan Colony
Place: Winglfly’s Dancer
Show: Bestest