Colorado Sophmore Classic
A field of eight is entered into this weekends running of the Colorado Sophomore Classic stakes. This Grade III event is being run on a fast dirt track going a mile and an eigth. The field of 3-year old colts is loaded with numerous horses who like to run on the front end, and the race is shaping up to be an all-out speed dual. This may become a battle royale, where the one who has the most stamina remaining will be the winner. But, will all this speed benefit one of the few horses that sit off the pace?
1. Broadway Dancer 6-1
Broadway has won 3 of 12 starts, but hasn’t seen the winners circle in almost a year. However, he is coming off a career best speed mark of 102 finishing forth going 8.5f in the Florida Land Derby. Despite this decent performance, he has only hit the board once since his last win, which was two races back taking the second spot against allowance company. He has been struggling for a long time in the stakes level and doesn’t seem to fit here. But….if the speedsters burn themselves out, that may work to his benefit.
2. Royantrix 21-1
Royantrix makes his stakes debut in this race and comes in with a record of 7-2-2-2. He’s coming in off a nice win against allowance where he established a career mark of 96 going a mile. He usually makes a late charge to reel in the leaders, and there will be plenty to run down in this event. His speed doesn’t seem to be there at this time to be a major threat. Give him a few races to improve and watch out!
3. Indy’s Fleet 4-1
Indy’s Fleet is looking to extend his win streak to 4. He has won his last three going gate-to-wire. He is making a leap up to the stakes level for the first time and should be considered a contender here. He ran his last two races in speeds of 106 and 104 (going 8.5 and 9f). He is nearly flawless on the dirt, hitting the board 12 of 13 starts, amassing five victories. He’ll be out there early and will have to fight off many challengers to keep his streak alive.
4. UCANTBREAKMYSPIRIT 5-1
UCANT… will be battling to get the early lead. He also has posted strong results on the dirt, coming in 9 of 10 starts. He’s coming off a poor 8th place finish in The New Yorker, however, that was going a distance of 12f. He’s dropping back to the distance where he is competitive and he has the talent to break the 100-speed level. He looms as a threat.
5. Hollow Tale 6-1
Hollow Tale is another one who may be out early to challenge to get the early lead. I feel he won’t get it and will be content to settle back just off the pace. He is entered after a nice victory by 3 lengths going a mile against allowance. In this race, he broke the 100 speed barrier for the first time, posting a speed of 103. He should put in a decent race here, but the winners circle has elluded him throughout his career thus far (2 wins in 14 starts).
6. Crane Mountain 4-1
Crane ran out of steam last time out in the Buckeye Derby finishing second in a career best of 103 (going 9f). He will most likely make a bid to get the lead but I’m concerned efforts may be hindered by his draw of jockeys. Getting the assignment is M. Harris, who has won 5 of his 79 starts (6%) and been in the money a dismal 13 times. I believe this will be a huge disadvantage in this event.
7. Shoot for the Gold 9-2
This colt is coming off a dismal outing in the Flat Land Derby where he finished up the track in 8th and was never a contender. I’m willing to throw this race out, as it was an off-track and didn’t seem to be to the horses liking. The race before was very impressive where Shoot for the Gold over came a deficit of over a dozen lengths to win the Lite Nijinski stakes (8.5f) in a speed of 105. He has a strong late kick which will be beneficial if the speedsters burn themselves out.
8. Teribithia 7-2
The favorite in the race comes in with a record of 8-5-2-1 and is yet another speedster. He has won 3 of his last 4, with a third place finish intermixed which was on an off-track. He is coming off a victory in his first stakes start in the Profitable Bet Handicap, scoring an impressive speed rating of 107 for the 9f race. She’s one to consider and figures to pick up part of the purse money.
A tough field to consider and it will be interesting to see who the ultimate leader will be. Could be a race where the lead changes multiple times. Teribithia gets may choice here. He has been very consistant and the race looks like the winner will need to chart a speed of at least 100 to take it. Teribithia has the capability to do this.
I expect that Shoot for the Gold will be the trailer for a good part of the race. Watch for a move around the final turn as he will be exploding and picking off horses.
Indy’s Fleet has been sharp lately and seeks (and may get) his 4th win in a row. He has been posting speeds over 100 in last two and will be a factor if he can repeat these speeds.