Smack Down III – 2yo 7f Turf $500,000 Stakes Review
Watch the best collective 2 yr old turfers from GR Simsters, DUR and NWRC take to the track in this $500,000 7 furlong stakes SMACKDOWN. This field of 14 have proven to be true lawnmowers thus far in their early career and this should be an unbelievable race.
1. Valyrian Steel – Has won two straight including a 6.5 furlong stakes after finishing 2nd in his maiden debut. This Unbridled’s Song colt is a 4X4 Mr. Prospector and has noteable names Danzig and Mill Reef in the pedigree. This ones mare Sword of Shannara was better on dirt but thus far this one has taken to the turf quite nicely. Drew the rail and is listed as the 5/1 favorite look for him to be running late and pick up a share of the prize.
2. Crimson Wells – Has yet to achieve his stakes breakthrough in two tries after a smashing maiden debut at Epsom. Son of Sadler’s Wells has been running around a 73 speed figure consistently and not sure that is going to get it done with this crew yet the odds makers have him as the 6/1 second choice. I prefer others.
3. Sadler’s Impact – Deep Impact colt has never finished lower than 2nd in 3 career races but gives stakes company a first time shot today. Will be towards the front early but I question his staying power against such a powerful field.
4. Rockawaki – Ran a 70 speed figure last time out but needs a major step forward in this full field to make any noise at the windows. Finished a distant fourth to Crezzino in the Ant Tangle Challenge.
5. Dizzy World – The lone Aussie breed taking part in this turf Smackdown race this colt is from Danehill son Arena. Disappointed last out in the Woody Ash Special over 5.5 furlongs but will likely thrive at the longer 7 furlong distance as evidenced by his two 6 furlong wins. 22/1 odds make him an intriguing long shot play.
6. El Prado’s Gold – Just missed in a 5.5 furlong allowance race last time out but not sure his late running style does him any favors in this field. Love the fact that his game dam is named after Archie’s loving wife Edith Bunker.
7. Arcangelo – This turf demon by Artie Schiller towers over field with a whopping 69 stakes points and an average of $76,080 earned per race. Posted a career best speed figure of 86 last time out when he took down the Grade 2 Little Ones Juvenile over 6 furlongs.
8. Life is a Storm – Has proven to be a dual surface threat as he has won on both surfaces in three lifetime races. The fact that he has failed to break into the 70s is a bit of a concern but this scratch breed royalty (Storm Cat X Rahy X Danzig) definitely has a pedigree to die for.
9. Here’s to Beisbol – Owner zzz2912 is hoping he will be able to say “Beisbol’s been very good to me” after this race. Greenest and perhaps one of the more talented colts in this race he has only contested one race and posted a 75 speed figure in a 2nd place effort. Hard to tell which way he goes off of that maiden effort but if he progresses an intriguing long shot at a 16/1 price.
10. Hoarfrost Hill – When you mix Danehill Dancer with Fappiano you have a pretty good idea your going to get a turf lover and this one has not disappointed. This race marks first try in stakes company and deserves the shot in posting a 1 ¾ length allowance victory over the New South Wales course on June 9th. Will look to stalk the leaders and sneak through with a win.
11. Crezzino – This undefeated son of freshman sire Cacique has a beautiful front running form that should serve him very well in this race. Have a hunch he will run big and break the 80s for the first time on the big stage.
12. Australia – Named after the country that brought us vegemite and Men at Work but foaled in Ireland this son of High Chaparral is clearly confused about his identity. Is 0 for 2 lifetime but ran a respectable 77 speed figure last time out. Hard to see him breaking his maiden on such a big stage so I will pass while remaining intrigued about the Australia/Ireland paradox.
13. Back Again – Just failed to get up in the Look of Eagles Memorial last out this one has a pedigree that is begging to go long on the turf. I wouldn’t be surprised to see this one give his best at distances of 8-10 furlongs on the grass.
14. Tricky Reward – By one of the fleet of Storm Cat son’s (Good Reward) this colt is taking a major jump in class after finishing 3rd in the in an allowance race at Nevada in mid June. Likely will continue to progress possibly into the low 70s.
Race Outlook: