Silky Sullivan Turf for late-blooming sophomores
New York– The Big Apple hosts a very interesting undercard event this week: the $75,000 Silky Sullivan Turf Special for sophomore colts. A number of up-and-coming talents shall test nine furlongs over the grass. The course is firm, so let’s see what we got here…….
The Faves:
Notturna1 sends out the Pine Bluff colt Gingobell (5/2) who has impressively won 4 of his last 5. It took 13 starts before the colt finally tried the lawn and the result’s been superb. Two sprinter stakes wins preluded a signaling 105 SP# ALW victory LTO. The stalker won in hand and there’s really no reason to suspect he won’t enjoy the added furlong Saturday. Sometimes, though, that can make all the difference — something to prove then over 9f, but excellent chance of course if he can pass the test. Lousy jockey though doesn’t help matters. 🙁
At 9/2 each, Sky Turn To Black and American Quest have both scaled the distance hurdle. Fab19’s Sky Turn To Black, by Sky Mesa, won over 9.5f this year and currently rides a two-race win streak over Saturday’s distance. Toss out his previous graded stakes leap (outlcassed versus older horses). The colt boasts talented possibilities to evenually rise again in class. No doubt about it, this is a perfect spot for the ‘Black — correct level of which he’s accustomed to and looks very even with his co-second choice rival, American Quest.
By Coronado’s Quest, bagpuss’ American Quest adores this distance and fired off a 107 SP# score three back. The stalker/pace presser seems to fall short and weaken a bit when asked to extend to 9.5f. Competitive colt, capable of pulling off the win. Lousy jockey though could spell the difference. Gonna have to fire big again to overcome this deep field. Might run into trouble if a default pace duel develops with Gingobell and Ale N’ Skittles. Could be a 3 or 4-way battle for an uncontested lead. Then again, ‘Quest might want the lead for himself.
Unbeaten on the grass, wrecks2’s Puppet Regime (4/1) is the one to watch. The Kingmambo royal bred reeks of superiority, going 5-for-5 on the grass since switching from the main track. Kudos to his trainer for exhausting ‘Puppet’s conditions — the colt makes his stakes debut over his already successful 9f distance. Three straight 100+ SP#s signal he might be something special — this colt’s done just about everything asked of him so far. Will make his run for off pace. More experienced stakes performers might pull off the win, so don’t be deterred if he only hits the board. This guy looks like he’s gonna want more distance.
The Rest of the Field:
- Julann’s Fort Meade (6/1) was highly touted as a possible English Derby prospect in the springtime, but the Tabasco Cat son has been on a skid of late. The speedsters accompished over this distance, but seems to be off form in his last few outings, not putting together high enough SP# to garner a win. Vigorous schedule with 18 lifetime starts. Again races on 2 weeks rest after an ALw outing that came on the heels of a short breather. Will see if he can pick up his numbers. If so, he’s certainly capable of pulling off a mild upset. Tough spot but not without a chance.
- Champions4 sends out Rapid Grey (7/1). The Tactical Cat youngster rides a 4-race win streak that includes a 7f turf stakes triumph. Closer really picked up the beat and SP#s when finally asked to run routes. Passed 8.5f test, so naturally, he’s out to scale the extra sixteenth. Great PPs form, rising in numbers, distance, and exhausting conditions. He doesn’t have all the 100 SP#s though, but appears ready for this level. Tough spot, especially versus Puppet Regime and proven stakes winners. Will close from way back and top jockey a plus ….. must outrace fellow closer Puppet Regime then to the wire. Interesting outsider.
- By Jade Hunter, Ale ‘N Skittles (8/1) hails from the big time stable. The stamina-laden pedigreed colt got off to a great start, going 4-for-4 on the grass, before stumbling when asked to test 12f. Since that effort, he’s been bridesmaid three times in a row including a 98 SP# photo over 9f. Hmmm… still trying to find and pinpoint best distance. Gotta try longer routes again…. has a fair chance to close from midpack over even contest for the lead. I think more the former. We’ll see if his talent shows up… if not, perhaps the board or regroup and test 10f next time. Either stakes ranks or exhaust final ALW condition.
- Finally, species48 sends out Orgullo Ciudadano at 16/1. The Proud Citizen son beat up a short field over 10f LTO and won an ALW over 9f before that. Has yet to crack the 100 SP# barrier, thus the long odds. Might be in for a tough day with flashier compeition this time around. Not a bad longshot, but it’s jsut that he hasn’t seen this level of rivals yet. Longshot status then for closer/midpacker.
Snowchief’s Picks:
Extremely competitive field with the “one to watch” Puppet Regime. Hard to seperate these colts on paper…. they’re that good. I like the 4/1 Puppet Regime though… he may be special. Sky Turn To Black might be better than the level he’s been racing at as well. Gingobell should pass the added distance test. Fort Meade needs to turn it around — tough spot to do so. Rapid Grey must overcome class challenge too.
Win: Puppet Regime
Place: Sky Turn To Black
Show: Gingobell or Rapid Grey
Good luck to all.