Mini field entered for Chica De Ponce Stakes
The Chica De Ponce Stakes, held in Tasmania, has drawn a minimum field of only 4 entries. Track officials are puzzled by the small number, but it may have something to do with the 14f they will be tested at on a dirt surface.
1. Crimanally Insane 4-5 Last 3: 2-1-1
Sheikabner enters this very reliable and talented filly into her first 14f event. She has been racing at 12f where she captured 4 victories in 5 tries. She has hit the board in 14 of her 16 career starts, netting 8 notches in the win column. Jockey Harzheim (26% win) has accepted the mount and has already stated that he plans to lay off the early pace. This is a good idea, as the remainder of the field likes to swoon to the front end.
2. Cavediver 7-2 Last 3: 1-5-1
Trainer Illrunbyuz feels that Cavediver is ready to try competing at the stakes level and enters her in this very small field. Not a bad strategy to find out her talents at this level. She raced well in her last against allowance ($15k) wiring the field by 4 lengths and setting her career speed factor of 100. She has shown improvement in each race and will battle to hold on to her lead.
3. Star Tribute 2-1 Last 3: 4-2-1
Hwhisper made a huge investment in this 5-year old mare claiming her for $150k back in December. Since the claim, Star Tribute has been placed into three races at 14f, netting a win and a place. Her last race was a disappointing 4th, tiring near the 3/4 pole after pursuing the leader most of the race. This seems to be related to having only 2 weeks off from her previous stint. She has been in the barn for the past month and should be well rested for a better run here.
4. Camden Drain 9-2 Last 3: 1-1-1
Trainer Stungunn is happy with Camden’s recent efforts and is entering this filly into her first stakes race while seeking to extend her win streak to 4. Last outing, Camden beat allowance ($7k) company by 4 lengths, pulling away from the field late in the race at 14f, and a speed rating of 95. Jockey Elswick has taken the mount, but he’s been in a personal slump (6% win, 19% ITM). Rumour around the clubhouse is he has mild fracture in his leg from tripping on a tossed horseshoe. If true, this may impact on handling the horse, however, the rumour is unconfirmed.
My preference for this race is with Criminally Insane. She has not finished worse than second since March, 2007. Her dirt route rating is 51, far superior than any other entrant. She should be able to catch the rest of the field as long as she’s no further back than a dozen lengths at the midway marker.
Star Tribute has been rested and I expect we will see a better perfomrance. She will make it tough on Criminally Insane to run her down.
Cavediver shows a bit more consistancy thean Camden Drain, becoming my third choice.