Can PUNCH DRUNK keep in step

Seven and one-half furlongs   Fast Dirt          $70,000

Fillies and mares        3 years old

A competitive field of six will be entering the starting gate at Louisiana Downs on Saturday for the second running of The Save the Dancer Memorial at 7.5 furlongs.  The first running was captured by OCT PHYLLIS in a time of 1:29 1/5. 

Save the Dancer won over $250,000 during her forty race career.  As a broodmare, she has produced four offspring, with only one (Honest Khan(IRE) coming close to her success as a runner.

As for the field for the running of the 2006 The SAVE THE DANCER Memorial:

Orientate x Cherokee Run

One would expect this off-spring that is loaded with sprinting blood to like short distances on the dirt.  This three year old filly has established a niche for turf, so some questions loom over the switch back to dirt. She comes into this event winless in three starts on the dirt.  Her best running is when she breaks well and pressures the lead, so the first furlong may indicate her chance.

Birdstone x Louis Quartorze

She ships in from Arkansas and will be stepping down in distance.  Ownership felt that she failed to hold the lead the last time out due to the distance, and hopes that this distance is more suitable.  She was a stakes winner at this distance as a two year old, so optimism is justified.

A.P. Indy x Kingmambo

She has only one win in 2006 (out of four starts) but this filly has ran well since being switched back to dirt during the middle of her two year old campaign.  She should be pressuring the front during the race, and has proven to be able to “stay” the distance.

Empire Maker x Storm Cat

During the later stages of her juvenile season, PUNCH DRUNK I captured The Player Hating Special at seven furlongs.  That victory prompt a move to longer distances, and after a series of runs where this talented filly showed signs of tiring in the stretch, ownership has decided to bring her back to a more favorable distance.  I would expect her to be among a trio pushing I’M SEEING SPOTS(IRE) on the lead.  If she can settle just off the early lead, I see her as a serious threat to still be around in the stretch.

Giant’s Causeway x Northern Dancer

A starter of only 4 races- she has been no worse than second in any start.  She has never been behind anyone during the early stages of a race, and appears to be the expected pace setter in this seven furlong event.  She is stepping up from restricted allowance competition, and may find this group a bit too much.  She has potential and definitely the breeding to be a star, but patience and an opportunity to test turf and distance events may be needed.

Victory Gallop x Polish Numbers

The Morris Storm Stakes winner LTO- She finished strong in that outing, and should be considered a serious threat in this event.  A finisher of In-the Money on ten of eleven starts at less than a mile, I am leaning toward her to be the one to catch in the stretch.

This race should be crowded at the front with plenty of speed and a solid pace down the backstretch.  FUTURE POSSIBLE comes in off of a good trip and is consistent at this distance.  A.P. SUPERWOMAN has proven to be able to hang tough and finish her races.  She should be in a good position to take advantage of the early battle at the front of the pack.  PUNCH DRUNK I should benefit by returning to a shorter distance.  

Selections:  FUTURE POSSIBLE     A. P. SUPERWOMAN           PUNCH DRUNK I

-deajai