Group of Closely Matched Colts Go Off in the NEVADA LORD Stakes

The NEVADA LORD Stakes is ironically named after a horse that never won a stakes race in his career.  The only starters in this race who could be caught in the same position are LONE PINE(NZ) and PLANET RAIDER; the rest have at least one stakes win under their belts.  Six colts will make their way around one turn at Woodbine in this 6.5f race.

SKANONYMOUS (Yonaguska x Deputy Minister x Halo) trained by sighclone is the early favourite at 3/2.  No surprise there as he has two graded stakes wins from earlier this year. The only drawback is that those wins were on the main track and this is his first attempt on the grass.  His somewhat obscure sire usually throws horses that prefer the dirt, and trying to get his only graded stakes winner to do it on both surfaces may be a lot to ask.

FIVE GROUSE (Bionic Prospect x Sadler’s Wells x Top Command) trained by jockfan02 has the second longest odds at 8/1.  I believe those odds are a little unfair.  He won at this distance earlier this year in a larger field and has been in the money in his two attempts since.  He has been running pretty consistently of late and that bodes well here.  I don’t think he’ll be out of the money, even if winning would take his best race to date.

BORDERLANDS (Carson City x Alydar x Nearctic) trained by mecke leaves the gate in postposition three.  The 3/1 odds reflect his win last time out at 6f on the grass.  The extra half-furlong should not be a problem as long as he doesn’t let the leaders get too far out of his sight.  Watch for this one if he comes out of the gate towards the middle of the pack and sits there until the stretch.

LORD PINE(NZ) (Marauding(NZ) x Pine Bluff x Carson City) is the long-shot at 10/1.  This is his first start for new owner staldobbie, who hopes this horse just needs the right guidance to win his first stakes.  If he runs at peak form he could be a contender, but prior sprint starts on the turf haven’t shown much promise.  I’d like to see this one return to the dirt before stepping up to the stakes level again.

PETE FOUNTAIN (Dixieland Band x Roberto x Damascus) has pulled in at 5/1 odds.  His trainer, zooomr, is hoping for a better race than the last time Pete ran at this distance (he came fourth).  I think the owner has done a good job of finding a lighter field, but the distance may be a little short.  As far as race strategy goes I’d like to see this one pull in behind the leading pack like he did in race 2636.0715.

PLANET RAIDER (Lion Cavern x Storm Cat x Valdez) is being sent out by trainer raider8.  His last race at this distance on this surface earned him an SP of 103.  A repeat performance here would probably put him in the top three, but he’ll need to improve slightly to make it into the winner’s circle.  With four wins in six races this year I don’t doubt raider8’s ability to choose the right race for this horse and at 3/1 I’ll take him to win it all.

At first glance this race appears to be really tightly matched, however some of the odds are based solely on speculation.  I predict experience at this distance and surface will overcome the eagerness of some horses and trainers.  My picks are 6-3-2, but I’ve never won a dime picking ponies.