The ARTFUL NORTH Stakes

PP

ID

Horse

Owner

Jockey

Odds

Preview

1

96468

PEDRO’S SPIRIT(IRE)

roar99

G Rogers

8/1

4yo colt from a “G” rated mare that did fairly well on turf, but progeny seem to like the dirt.  Sire Generous is known for his stamina abilities and produces on dirt or turf.  At this point in the colt’s career, it appears this is a very good distance for him to partake in.  Trainer will find out a bit more about his class and whether turf is a course to pursue.    Colt will probably try to stay within striking distance in this.  He may be a bit over his head in this considering the unknown factors.

2

90986

AFTER DINNER MINT

aggie52

Z Wylde

8/1

4yo scratch bred that started off slowly in his career.  Toward the end of his 3yo season he began to show maturity and was given a break before his first start as a 4yo.  That race being his last where he closed fairly well at a shorter distance.  This will be his first try at stakes competition.  He is still eligible for conditions, but should give an indication if he belongs with these.

3

106391

THE SHINING(GB)

lenny27

Y Paligaro

9/2

4yo scratch bred that has a 50% win strike.  This will be his first attempt at the distance.  Appears to be at his best between 9-10f, however, Lenny (being a Las Vegas cowboyJ) wants more.  The colt was given a nice break before his 4yo coming out and picked up an allowance win a couple back.  CPU makes the colt third choice which I believe to be too generous. That being said and to cover my behind, the race is coming up very light in talent. J

4

92120

ROCK ME GENTLY

acote3

B Ironside

10/1

5yo with six different trainers to date.  A BP machine for sure.  Ran for a $2000 tag at one time in his career.  In between claims the horse has picked up a few minor checks in stakes events.  A few unknows in this race may give him a shot at picking up a few bucks.

5

3926

SMART ACRE

lgbost9

I Wimpy

7/1

Another former claimer; this Smarty Jones 4yo has found a liking for turf distance.  Certainly has the genes to make a good living in turf routes.  Still has conditions, but also fits well here because of front running style.  This event doesn’t have a whole lot of speed except on the outside.  A test of class today.

6

17587

MOUTH DUKE

couchy3

H Ross

6/1

7yo former claimer that has progressed well into the allowance ranks.  Yet another deep closer that may find him self too far back in this.  He should be passing lesser in the stretch run.  Jock Ross is the one factor here that bodes well for top effort.

7

45544

SJ’S ROY G BIV

nafzger

D Silver

5/2

5yo with proven stakes class and top form.  Would love for this to be a little longer, but has proven ability at shorter.  A deep closer with a knack for staying closer if pace is slow.   Ideal conditions here for his varied style.  Jock silver has been very hot in the irons this year and will give this horse the ride he needs.  Only knock is his will to win.

8

123799

OTTOMAN TURKS

stoners

N Jackson

7/2

Colt is a scratch bred by Empire Maker.  After a dull first time out try on dirt, has been nothing but spectacular on the grass.  With the lack of speed in this race, they should be looking at his rear end the whole way.  The only responsibility the jock has is to break him cleanly, get the rail, and hang on!   Was eased at the wire in last and should have a lot left for this.  Trainer is a controversial figure in the sim J, but no one can slight his knack for producing winners.  Horse to beat!

8-7-you pick ‘em