Northern Pulp to continue on winning way?
Northern Pulp to continue on winning way?
On paper this weekends OK Bayou BB Handicap for fillies and mares over 4YO looks to be a race for second place behind Northern Pulp but take a closer look and you just may find that this race is far from over.
A field of 11 will do battle over a Mile &1/8th in Alabama for a share of $125,000 and that prized GW abbreviation we’d all like to see next to our mares names as they head to the breeding barn later in their careers. Let’s have a look at the runners.
1. Sindee Slew – Sindaar x Kingmambo x Seattle Slew – Goody5
Looks to have her work cut out for her. She has been tackling graded and Stakes races since her last win unsuccessfully. That win was in an allowance which is probably more to her liking.
2. Clovis Bound – Gone West x El Prado x Devil’s Bag – Capitanio
An ultra consistent mare who has won or placed her last 5 starts. She is dropping back in distance after her last start win over 10 ½ furlongs which wont hurt either. Will be right in the finish.
3. Burgazada – Danehill Dancer x Storm Cat x Kris S. – Hamster
Having won 6 of 8 starts it’s hard to put a knock on this mare. Winning on both dirt and turf she must be a dream to train. Stormed home last start which suggest she’ll appreciate the extra couple of furlongs. My concern is she has raced for eight months on end and could be raedy for a spell.
4. Jujuzinha – Kingmambo x Danehill x Mr. Prospector – Miltinho
Remarkably has only failed to collect BP’s once in her 25 race career. Has been racing well in weaker grade races but looks out of her depth against a few of these. Still I wont be surprised to see her pick up those valuable BP’s and run a handy 4th or 5th.
5. Fought the Law – Empire Maker x Danzig x Seeking the Gold – Ritchie.
This filly has won 2 of her last 3 but has mixed form around those 2 wins. Although she looks to be maturing into a very nice mare I can’t see her threatening this field.
6. Norse Princess – Sadler’s Wells x Miswaki x Nijinsky II – Ninerdust
Grade 1 winner, beautifully bred, terrifically trained what more can I say. Straight in to grade 3 company after a couple of months off will be of no concern as she won the grade 1 Flounder Turf Distaff over 10 ½ furlongs off a similar break last year. One of the main chances.
7. Freezing – Zabeel x Barathea x Saint Ballado – Aggots
Freezing has been mixing her form of late, following two consecutive wins with a distant 11th last start. At her best she could show up in a minor placing, at her worst could be the last horse home.
8. Buzzard’s Net x North Light x Storm Cat x Seattle Slew – Laserbarn
Another consistent performer in the race, she’s only missed the top three in 4 of her 22 starts and hasn’t missed a placing in 11 consecutive starts. I cant see her missing out here either. She should be right at her peak for this race and set for the race of her life.
9. Northern Pulp – Pulpit x Northern Dancer x Buckpasser – Theogbarn
This multiple grade 1 winner looks perfectly placed to notch her third win in a row, dropping back in class after successive wins in grade 1 company over a mile. The extra furlong shouldn’t be of any concern as she has already won over this distance. She will start deserved favorite.
10. Red Royal – Royal Academy x Kingmambo x Sadler’s Wells – Romeshome.
Her last win came over this distance in the grade 3 Queenston Hcp some 8 starts ago. She has been racing in high quality races however and was unlucky last start in grade 1 company only beaten a nose. Ideally placed in this race and is a genuine threat.
11. Tricky Missy – Phone Trick x Danzig x Mr. Prospector – Beefcake9
An honest performer, Tricky Missy will need a lot of luck from the outside barrier as she tends to get back in her races. May just find these mares a bit slick come the final furlong.
Summary: I like Norse Princess to knock off the favorite Northern Pulp in what looks to be a great race. Third place is anyone’s, I’ll pick Buzzard’s Net with honorable mentions to Red Royal, Clovis Bound and Jujuzinha. Good luck to all competitors and I’ll see you at the races.