Big Race Preview 3567

Another grade one mile takes place this week as well as a race for three year old fillies taking their turn at a mile and a half. The Mile has an interesting mix that could produce a runner capable of competing as a top miler this summer. The three year old fillies are jockeying for a position in the Oaks de English several weeks away.

Race: 3567.5315 All Comers Stakes – Grade I – $400,000
Track: Victoria
Restrictions: All horses, 3 years old and up
Distance: One mile on the Turf

We had two huge grade one races at a mile last week so it is not much of a surprise to see this race not end up with a full field. There are several runners in this field that look pretty evenly matched. The favorite is Basketball Jones. He has placed in graded stakes recently and has a couple of recent listed stakes wins at the distance. Three races back he ran a big 114 speed figure just missing in a grade three event. Last time out though in a listed stakes he never got going finishing fifth and had an off speed figure when compared to his recent races. He will likely bounce back and has the ability to run the type speed figure it will take to win this race. His is a mid pack type closer and when he is on his game is very near the lead as the runners hit the top of the stretch.

Leo’s Jewels finished second his last time out to Otto Vasher who won a grade one last week. There are no Otto Vashers in this field so Leo’s Jewels looks like a huge value at six to one. He has been close in his last three and before that he had won four straight. He will probably need to improve a bit speed figure wise to win this but that is well within his scope. Leo’s Jewels was close to the pace last time but he is usually a few lengths back around mid pack.

Mia Then Back is a runner that raced just three times in 2007. Coming off a long layoff he made his debut this January. Mia Then Back picked up where he left off winning an listed stakes race easily after a six month layoff. He ran again in February finishing second in a listed stakes. He has not raced since so he has had some extra time between races. He could easily need a race still for a top effort but he has done well with long layoffs and runs solid speed figures. He has a closing style so he will likely be near the back of the pack in the early stages.

Rockabilly Rock is a bit of a long shot although at eight to one. I say a bit because there are five runners with better odds. There are not any runners in this race though coming off the types of races as Rockabilly Rock. Last time out Rockabilly Rock went gate to wire winning the grade three Fort Lauderdale Cap earning a 113 speed figure. Prior to that he won an allowance in the same fashion earning a 112 speed figure. There is no doubt Rockabilly Rock will go to the lead and if he stays hot like he has been recently then he will be a tough runner to catch. He could easily go gate to wire here.  

Race: 3567.5415 Sydney Oaks – Grade I – $750,000
Track: New South Wales
Restrictions: Fillies and mares, 3 years old
Distance: A mile and one half on the Turf

Last week the three year old colts went the distance and this week it is time for the ladies. This field is lead by Breeder’s Bowl Juvy Filly Turf winner Meisque’s Gold. She has not stepped foot past a mile and a sixteenth so it is very hard to see her doing well here. She would be a favorite in the 1000 Guineas but a run here may jeopardize a run in the Guineas. Her pedigree has stamina there but Mr. Prospector is there three times as well. She has finished second in her last two both grade one races near a mile. Her class could carry her. Look for her near the lead at this distance.

Athena Areia looks like the horse to beat in this race. She has just five career races under her belt but she is bred for the distance. She comes in off back to back wins are a mile and three eighths. Last time out was a listed stakes win earning a 98 speed figure. That is close to what most of the favorites are running at a mile and clearly the best in the field at longer distances. She could be mid pack several lengths off the early pace but look for her to be a player late.

Rodeo Drive has found the turf to her liking. The first four of her races where on the dirt where she was solid. She switched to the turf and moved out in distance three races back responding with a maiden win. She followed that up with an allowance win and last time out won a listed stakes at a mile and three eighths with a 95 speed figure. She won easily last time out and is a perfect three for three on the turf. She was twelve lengths off the pace last time out so look for her well back early making a late run.

Kuchiki is fresh off a second place finish in a listed stakes at a mile and three eighths. Her speed figure was not real good however she does have a pedigree that would suggest she can get the distance just fine. She does look to be a runner improving with each race. She has a closing style but could be mid pack if the pace is not real fast. Her experience at a longer distances should put her in contention here.