The MAGIC AUROR Challenge
Four two-year-olds will race seven furlongs on the firm turf for a purse of $50,000 in this week’s D.C. feature, the MAGIC AUROR Challenge. MAGIC AUROR won nine stakes races and was Grade I stakes-placed. 1 (7/5) – A PROUD KIRBY (KY) technically shares favorite status with PICOTURQUINO, but this colt is really the standout. In five races, he’s earned nearly $100,000, has never finished worse than second, and has shown versatility on two surfaces. He began his career with two wins in a row on dirt, then finished second in an allowance race. As competitive as he is on dirt, he may be even sharper on the turf – his speed numbers kept climbing after a surface switch. And while no other horse in Saturday’s race has even run in a stakes race, A PROUD KIRBY can list a win and a second in his resume already. 2 (32/1) – Thrown in by the computer to fill the race, GOOD BUSINESS (KY) has proved he’s mediocre – or worse – on both turf and dirt. He’s a good bet to finish fourth and last in this race, but at least he’ll boost his career earnings up from $0. 3 (7/5) – PICOTURQUINO (IRE) is a well-bred Montjeu colt who flashed some talent in his lone start. He led a Maiden Special Weight field for the first half of the race before fading a little and finishing third with a speed figure of 65. It would take a major – but not impossible improvement – for PICOTURQUINO to challenge for the win. 4 (8/5) – Filly KIRBYSBEST (KY) will attempt to take on the boys Saturday. She comes from the same stable as co-favorite A PROUD KIRBY, but doesn’t look quite as formidable. Her speed figures are very solid (mid-60s to low-70s) but not spectacular. Owner-trainer Kirby08 Stables is hoping she’ll improve on the turf, a surface on which she is untested.