Freshmen Invade France!
France– The $75,000 Pro Garth Special will feature nine two-year-olds traveling six and one half furlongs across the main dirt track. The weather is expected to cooperate and the track should be fast. The field of nine looks pretty well balanced.
Tears Of Autumn (IRE) is the 3/1 favorite. The Great One, J. Stivers, is aboard. The son of Pientre Celebre (IRE) is ranked 27th in the division. He has three wins from five tries with a second and a 4th. The 4th was a photo for first as he only lost by 1/4th of a length while the second place finish had him losing by a head. Always in the mix and able to go to the lead or rate just off of it. Consistent 80-81 speed numbers make him the horse to defeat.
At 7/2 are Crafty Cyclone and C. Williams. “Inbred” son of Crafty Prospector could be used as an example in Barndog’s series regarding inbreeding. 49th ranked colt has made four starts and has crossed the line first in three of them. His only loss was a disappointing 6th when he faced stake horses for the first time. Bounced back off that embarrassment with a devastating late kick and earned an 88 speed for his first stakes win. Stretching out to this distance on only four weeks rest may prove tougher.
Heavy Choice (AUS) is 5/1 under J. Kemp. Aussie invader by Redoute’s Choice (AUS) has also made four starts. He has a win, a place and a show to go with his 5th place effort three back. Had the lead in his last until “Cyclone” spun right by him late in the race. Will look to overturn that result here.
Po’ Boy is the first of two at 6/1. R. Kraft is in the irons. The son of Point Given has started six times with four thirds, a second and a win. Never off the board thus far, but his lone win came at 8F. Shortens up to this distance based on his last where he faded late at his second try at a mile. Has been running every four weeks like clockwork, but that could have been why he backed up LTO. Looks like a tired horse.
Also at 6/1 is Doctor Speights. L. Woodard gets the call. Pleasantly Perfect colt will be making his fifth start and third on the main track. His previous two dirt tries yielded a win and a second. Speeds indicate that this is his preferred surface, but ultimately his preferred distance will probably be longer. May like the extra furlong Saturday.
Jumping Sal is 8/1. R. Truitt is in control. The owners were lucky enough to actually get a foal out of Shadwell Farm’s blank shooting stud Dayjur. Made his stakes debut last time out in his fourth career try. Ran a solid second there at 5.5F and was closing fast. Ought to appreciate the added distance and may be a good overlay at 8/1.
At 9/1 is Go Green. B. Tatum is up. The Green Desert colt has made one start on each surface. His latest was across the dirt where he improved dramatically and won easily going away. That 77 speed at 6F was enough to enter him here at a good price. Go Green! MSU 44 Hawaii 24.
General Tractor (AUS) is 10/1 with J. Shaver. The second Aussie born colt in the field (General Nediym (AUS)) is also on of the most experienced. His seven starts have taken him to the circle twice (one on the dirt) with two thirds coming on this surface. Got run over in his last by “Cyclone” and finished a well-beaten third behind “Heavy“. Not sure if he’ll improve off that while facing the same duo.
Our final Aussie invader is Phoney (AUS). The 12/1 Exceed and Excel (AUS) colt will be making his first start on the dirt after seven turf tries. Three seconds were sandwiched by a win and a third on the weeds. Not sure if he was injured or just slow last out. Looks like K. French will ride blind here.
