The Slew Collecting Cap Stakes in New Mexico
A wide-open affair is what greets punters in New Mexico this weekend for the main feature event, the Slew Collecting Cap. The prize purse is a modest $35,000, but the competition will be hot, with many preferred front runners to do battle in the early stages, and a couple of late swoopers that should close in down the stretch.
Most runners have been tried over the mile, with just one stepping up in distance for the first time. A couple of previous stakes winners are lining up, but most are looking for their breakthrough win in this class.
PP1 FLAGIT ID#121639 winhunter 11/1
Stretching out for the first time, this bargain bred has been performing well in stakes company without being able to notch a win up as yet. Found the pace a bit too hot last time when debuting as a 3yo, but only narrowly missed at previous tries. Meets a strong field here and place best again, but could show up if he finds the extra ground to his liking.
PP2 PUMP N RUN ID#50281 blackswan4 10/1
Dropping back from the Grade I Movieland Futurity, this will be his first start in 10 weeks. Was outclassed at that level, but had been stakes placed twice prior to that. Both of his wins have been from stalking style runs from midfield, but was competitive two starts back when led from the gate to finish second. Is proven at the distance and the spell should have done him well. Looks a good each way bet.
PP3 EIGHT TRACK MIND ID#112964 buckpasser 5/1
The second favourite in an open betting race has twice run SP#s of 91, including his last start second in the listed Again of the Dance Handicap. Hasn’t missed the board since stepping up to a route six starts ago, and likes to enjoy a position up handy to the lead. This light grey colt from the first crop of Borrego offspring has shown he has a touch of class, and will be tough to beat again here.
PP4 PASSO ID#38055 rioja 7/2
The morning line favourite came up against a very slick field last time when finished fifth, running an SP# of 91. Before that he toyed with his rivals when he went all the way for an easy front running win. Should find this easier than his first attempt at this grade last time out, and if he is able to find the early lead, will be very tough to run down, although jockey, D Klein will need a form reversal.
PP5 MAJESTIC STAR ID#124416 targetfarm 9/1
This Starcraft colt has struck some very good form, managing to score in his last three starts. Two of those wins were by 4 lengths, so trainer, targetfarm, has understandably given him a shot at a stakes race this time out. The rise in class and distance will be a tough ask, even though he did get home over a mile two starts ago. Winning form is good form, and he has claims at nice odds, but will need to show his best again to win here.
PP6 JUGURTHA ID#33503 belsup 9/1
Missed the board for the first time last start in the Chief Marc Challenge, when he got too far out of his ground. With quite a lot of early speed in the race, he is probably best suited to drop back and attempt the late swoop again, as he did at his only win three starts ago. Came close at his first stakes attempt when missed by a head. Would have preferred to have seen further improvement last time, as this looks similar class, but could surprise.
PP7 ONI ID#56888 heythere 8/1
Stretched out to 8.5 furlongs last time and ran a career best SP# of 89, although was never in contention, finishing 8th. His two wins have come when he has trailed the leader over the early stages, but may have some competition for that position here. Has improved a lot since the start of his career, and if he shows further further improvement here, he could be a slim chance at good odds.
PP8 FOX COURT STATION ID#116520 bobcat 6/1
Tried the turf for the first time last start and showed he was not a fan, finishing second last, much to the horror of punters, who sent him out a red hot favourite. Form before that had been solid, and included two stakes wins. The switch back to dirt is very much in his favour, and it would be foolish to dismiss him.
PP9 HOUSE OF BRUAR ID#128121 profly 8/1
Has only raced three times, yet lines up here as a formidable opponent, coming off two commanding wins. Both times he has placed himself within striking distance early, before exploding before the stretch to win, going away by 5 ¼ and 2 ¾ lengths. This is obviously a big step up in class and a big test, but the ease of his wins suggest he could be something special. Ideally placed here and looks great value at 8/1.
PP10 TOUCH ME ONCE ID#50857 winningday 8/1
Struggled a bit last time at Grade III level on the off track, following a win by more than 6 lengths in a casual stroll against a field of 4. Was a stakes winner before that, so shapes up well for this. Has in-form jockey, J Duffy (26%) in the saddle which won’t hurt his chances. Hard to compare to some of these, as his times have been slower, but he has still been winning races. Another one likely to challenge for the lead, and could be the dark horse.
PP11 WHAT GOOD AM I ID#113281 catullus 19/1
Improved out of sight last start for impressive win when stepped up to the mile for the first time. Came from 8 ½ lengths off the lead at the half way mark, and was still last at the third call. Comes in here as the outsider of the field and rightly so on his previous form, but his recent win suggests he may have been looking for more ground. Wouldn’t want to get so far off them in this class, but is one at value to include in multiple betting.
When this race was run two years ago, the winner, Roaring Apex, hit an SP# of 100. This field has not shown themselves to be quite of that calibre, but most have been running close to SP#90, so any improvement on that here would see them be a good chance.
The two favourites have the score on the board in terms of form and times, and look the ones to beat. Up and comer, HOUSE OF BRUAR is my tip for an upset, however it would not surprise to see any one of these young colts get the money in an open race.
There are some value runners in the race, but that is mostly due to the difficult job of lining them up against each other on paper, and for that reason, i wouldn’t be rushing out to bet my house on anything. But for what it’s worth, my tips are 1st EIGHT TRACK MIND 2nd HOUSE OF BRUAR 3rd PASSO