Will a ‘Thief’ Steal This Trophy?

Stakes
One mile and one-eighth
Fast Dirt             $70,000
Fillies and Mares, 4 years old and up

The La Credit Stakes enticed eight fillies and mares to ship into Louisiana for the fourth running of the LA CREDIT CHALLENGE. Last year was the first trip at this distance and it was won by CUPID’S DEAD in 1:48 1/5.

As for the former sim star LA CREDIT (Woodman x Habitat)- She is a nine year old mare that won just shy of $400,000 in thirty-vive starts.  4 of her twelve wins were in stakes events.  As a broodmare- she has produced three offspring.

The field for the 2006 event consist of a good but not a stellar group of runners-

Deputy Minister x Polar Falcon

This five year old mare is in a thirty four week drought since her last win, The level of competition in this event is less than some of her most recent outings, but she may still need a big performance to step into the winner’s circle in this event.  I would expect her to be running middle of the pack down the backstretch.

Awesome Again x Black Tie Affair(IRE)

Even an easy four length win in her last outing does not impress the odds makers enough to keep her out of the longshot role.  The front runner will be pressing the early lead, but she should have some company early on.

Cat Thief x Seattle Slew

Ships in from a series of restricted allowance events and inherits the favorite spotlight.  Ran flat in her last outing, but ownership felt that the distance (7.5f) worked against her.  They are expecting a slower and less tiring pace in this trip.  I would expect her to be close to the front during the early stages.

Unbridled’s Song x Nijinsky II

Winner of seven out of seventeen starts- ownership is looking for ways to return her to her 2005 form.  She has been out of the money in her 2006 trips, and with only seventeen starts, wear and tear should not be a factor.  She has tested stakes level competition in most of her recent starts, and if runs her type of race, she could be a factor in this one.

Rainbow Quest x El Gran Senor

Has forty-one starts taken it’s toll on this five year old mare.  Her performance in recent outings can be summed up within the term of “tiring”.  One has to ponder if a drop in class may not be best for this former stakes winner. 

Gone West x A.P. Indy

I am not a fan of lumpy gravy.  Of course, I am referring to the type made from some grease, flour and milk.  Being from the south, cream gravy over biscuits on a Sunday morning is one of heaven’s delights. 

As for this LUMPY GRAVY- her last three starts is no better than her namesake.  Her stalking running style has failed her in recent starts, and a change in positioning may be needed. 

Almostashar x Time to Explode

One of a lesser known offspring of A.P. Indy, the best may be yet to come.  She comes in with only seven starts, and her performances are impressive when comparing her to this field.  Her last outing was a test at this distance (9f), and she faded to tenth in the stretch.  Ownership is hoping that the finish was more based on the level of competition (grade III), then the distance.   I would expect her to be near the front with the likes of DOOTSIN DEMAND, A THIEF IN VERMONT and possibly LUMPY GRAVEY. 

Cryptoclearance x Touch Gold

I will refrain from any blonde jokes (since BTB chief) is owner of this four year old filly.  Two races back, she captured the Maria’s Projects Stakes at this distance, and a repeat performance should put her in the post race photo session.  Being a stalker, she should benefit from the expect pressure at the front.

Summary:  A competitive field with many looking for the opportunity to bounce back to previous form. I found myself looking at the runners that I felt could bounce back to more recent performances.  In my evaluation, I found the favorite (A THIEF IN VERMONT) needed to show me more before I could back her. My selections in the LA CREDIT stakes are:

CRYPTOBLONDE    ANSWER BACK T     BERRY BASKET

-deajai