Absolut’s Looning Ride Stakes
Stakes
Two miles
Fast Dirt
$500,000
All horses, 4 years old and up — RESTRICTED TO PARTICULAR OWNERS
It’s a tough call but I’ll have to with the favorite Miracle To Me to come out on top. He clearly stands above the others in both speed and class and will more than likely dominate the others. I’d suggest a tri-key with him on top followed by Jabbog and
Maverick’s Pick: 1 / 3,5 / 3,5
PP 1 3/5
MIRACLE TO ME
(DEPUTY MINISTER x ALYDAR x SECRETARIAT)
Trainer: soulbleed
Our morning line favorite, Miracle To Me, was riding a three race win streak which included two minor stake wins in both The PROJECT DANCE Challenge-Stk and The RAHY CAT Cap-Stk until the door was slammed shut on him in his last race. He looked really good going off at 7/1 in the Breeders Bowl Uncard Marathon-G2 but finished a disappointing 6th. However, after spending most of his career at or around a mile he seemed to show that he really was suited for the long marathon races and might be a tough one to beat at 16 furlongs. He seems to be the only one with superior speed and has the experience to back it up. The short field only adds to his chances but at 3/5 it’s a hard call to make considering the low return.
PP 2 2/1
CASEY SLEW AVENGER(IRE)
(CASEY TIBBS (IRE) x
Trainer: vigilante
Making a return to the two mile distance, the sprinter Casey Slew Avenger(IRE) hopes to show better than he did last year. His one attempt at four turns was late last year when he pulled up and rated with a 50SR. He’s really more of sprinter as he has been going 6-7 furlongs all year and you have to stop and wonder what would make trainer Vigilante choose to go with the longest possible race? His longest race of the year was two races back in the 8.5 furlong DelPenn BB Route — Owner Restricted-Alw where he finished 10th with a 88SR. This is the first of two entries for The Avenger Barns and I would think that his entry might be as a pace setter save for the fact that the other entry, Avenger’s Rhyme(IRE) is also a sprinter. Perhaps the short field and guaranteed money may have been the deciding factor.
PP 3 7/2
JABBOG
(WILD ZONE x PLUGGED NICKLE x LOMBARD(GER))
Trainer: bleumoon
Jabbog has probably a good a chance as anyone to challenge Miracle To Me for the win. As one of the few true two milers in the race who has had some success at this distance with decent speeds. He’s coming off a very good showing last time out in The BRASHLY IN AN IC Special-Stk where he finished second and placed the same in The A. P. BOOTH Bonanza-Stk two races prior to that. What he hasn’t shown is that blinding triple digit speed rating that compares to Miracle To Me. Although at this distance, ratings in the low nineties is usually enough to place you at the top of the class. The pace will probably have more to do with his chances as any. Miracle To Me has shown signs of vulnerability in the past and Jabbog could try to take advantage of it. He’ll likely try to set back but will need to stay in close quarters with the pack if he’s to have any chance. Look for the sprinting pair entered by the Avenger Barns to take the early lead and set a blistering opening mile.
PP 4 11/1
AVENGER’S RHYME(IRE)
(CASEY TIBBS (IRE) x RHYTHM x WITH APPROVAL)
Trainer: mravenger
Avenger’s Rhyme(IRE) is the second of the Avenger Barns’ entry today. As another true sprinter, he is expected to open up early and set a fast pace while setting up the hard closers nicely in return. This four year old colt took three seasons to finally break his maiden and is coming off a claiming last time out at the $2500 level. He has been successful racing within his class and has cashed a few check in the starter allowance ranks as well. He’ll have a tough going though here at this level and at this distance. Look for him to play the part of rabbit along with his stable mate Casey Slew Avenger(IRE).
PP 5 19/1
(
Trainer: bloodtest
No stranger at this distance,