Miniscule Field Contests The Grade II Dancing North Cup- $375k
The Dancing North Cup- 375K
Sunday, July 19, 2015 | 2:30 PM EST | Ontario, CAN (ON)
Grade II | $375,000 | 3yos And Upwards | 12 Furlongs | Firm Turf
COLOSSUS OF RHODES(1) emerges the 6/5 favourite in this tiny field of four. The ROCK OF GIBRALTAR colt has raced well three times in a row, with one win coming from the G3 Pan Americana Handicap by just under a length. Most recently the johngcozie trainee put in a good run in The Grand Brazilian G1, and cashed the 4th place cheque. The four year old races for his third time this season, and it looks like he’s the deserved favourite.
FOOTHILLS(2) weakened late in the Saint Cloud Grand Prix G1 and fell to sixth, beaten nine lengths. His last win came three starts back in the Lex Luthor Turf Endurance STK as he took the lead around the turn and never let up. The grade 3 winner was awarded the badge after his win in The Freer Stakes G3 as a four year old (which was dominant). However, the MONTJEU horse has seemed to regress in two starts in a row, and for that reason I’m not going to bet the 3-1 shot. He’ll race for hknijinsky.
PEAK RATE(3) has failed in all three stakes starts including a G2 and G3. However, none of those were on the 12 furlong distance this EXCHANGE RATE colt has come to love. He returns there now after a half length win in an allowance (NW2s) but I don’t think 5-1 is enough value to bet the visually pleasing roan colt. This is a nice horse, but I’d be surprised if the gemoligist trainee wins this time.
RAIN OF ICE(4) recently crushed the foes in the Orange Swirl Turf Endurance STK with a three and a quarter length victory and the best last race speed figure of a 112. And considering that the FRANKEL colt won going away I don’t think an extra half furlong will hinder, and it may even help considering he comes from the middle. I can’t wait to see what this horse can do and it makes it hard to make my top pick. He’s a deserving 3/2.
MY SELECTIONS
1- RAIN OF ICE #4
2- COLOSSUS OF RHODES #1
3- FOOTHILLS #2
Longshot play- Come back next week.