Sophomore turf sprinters in Kentucky’s Cleveland Diamond Stakes
Race : The CLEVELAND DIAMOND Stakes – Purse $95,000.
Track : Kentucky
Restrictions : 3 year olds
Distance : 7 ½ Furlongs on the Turf
Race ID:3707.0310
A competitive field of 8 runners are set to battle, when they enter the gate here Saturday, in the 9th running of the $95,000 Grade III Cleveland Diamond Stakes. This race is for 3 yr. olds only and is to be contested over 7 ½ furlongs on the Turf Course, and is carded as the 10th race on the program. We are hoping for a large crowd to be on hand Saturday. The forecast is for a nice sunny with 0% chance of rain and a fast turf course. Lets check out the competitors…
POST #1 – Boudica (ENG)
RAINBOW QUEST x FUSAICHI x NUREYEV
RACE RECORD: 11-3-2-2
TRAINER: bigmoose
JOCKEY: P. Jazz
ODDS: 6-1
This mare who is racing against the boys is coming off back to back wins in her only 2 starts on the turf. Without a stakes win this is a big jump up in class for her but she will be charging at the end with her very inexperienced jockey who is only in his 2nd year of riding. She may hit the ticket but I can’t use her on top.
POST #2 – Is What It Is (KY)
VINDICATION x GONE WEST x SADLER’S WELLS
RACE RECORD: 13-7-3-0
TRAINER: themasterJOCKEY: D. Givins
ODDS: 8-5
This multi stakes winner is coming off not only back to back wins but in blazing times. He also gets the tracks best jockey (in my opinion). The extra distance should not hurt the well bred colt. He should be sitting about mid pack and if his performance today is as good as it has been lately he is definitely the one to beat.
POST #3 – NORTH MORAR (KY)
NORTH LIGHT x SADLER’S WELLS x BLUSHING GROOM
RACE RECORD: 9-5-2-0
TRAINER: westtip
JOCKEY: B. Fultz
ODDS: 9-2
This colt is also a non stakes winner but is coming in off a huge effort in his last. Though he is cutting back in distance. He will need all the riding skills from this experienced jockey to keep him somewhat close to the pace. I see a bounce from this one.
POST #4 – AWESOME PLAY (KY)
AWESOME AGAIN x DANEHILL x STORM BIRD
RACE RECORD: 20-3-3-3
TRAINER: sheik692
JOCKEY: L. Cardinal
ODDS: 11-1
A front runner which is always dangerous but this well bred colt looks to be not on his best form. Unless I see a change of equipment to maybe try to settle this one down early on, I just can’t use him.
POST #5 – BPB MARKANE (AUS)
MARKANE x ROYAL ANTHEM x TOUCHING WOOD
RACE RECORD: 10-3-0-2
TRAINER: bpboost3
JOCKEY: S. GARBER
ODDS: 14-1
This big nice looking colt hasn’t won a race in 9 months. He’s really not speed nor a closer. His Sp#’s doesn’t look like he belongs either. So why do I think he has a chance to hit the board? I am looking for a big effort from this one.
POST #6 – ONTHENOSE (CAN)
STRUT THE STAGE x STORM CAT x ENCINO
RACE RECORD: 11-3-3-1
TRAINER: ontargetJOCKEY: B. Sipe
ODDS: 6-1
Another closer coming in very sharp. Although he’s never won a stakes race. He looks very competitive in here. He will be flying at the end. Will that be good enough? I am betting it will good enough to hit the back end of the tickets.
POST #7 – WAKE UP BARB (IRE)
REFUSE TO BEND x STORM CAT x MT. LIVERMORE
RACE RECORD: 6-3-0-1
TRAINER: sprintbarn
JOCKEY: D. Sherman
ODDS: 9-1
This nice bred 3 yr. old is coming in off his best effort by far! 103 sp#. Will be placed up in the pack early on. Which should be the garden spot with 2 front runners that both need the lead. But this is another one I expect to bounce. Form is very good lately so I can’t blame if you use him in your exactas and trifectas. Just not for me.
POST #8 – FENGBALD (KY)
GRAND SLAM x MISWAKI x GREEN DANCER
RACE RECORD: 11-5-1-3
TRAINER: ceclaim16
JOCKEY: P. Cadigan
ODDS: 5-1
By far the most consistent colt in the race. With the most experienced jockey, whom is having a very good year by the way. He is coming in off 3 straight wins. The 1 concern I have with him is he must have the lead. And I don’t see him getting a clear lead with the other front runner in here. If he makes the front will be hard to beat, if he doesn’t he could miss the ticket completely. Your choice will he or won’t he. I’m betting he doesn’t!
Race review: I see 2 rabbits Fengbald & Awesome Play just running at each other the first 4 or 5 furlongs. This should give the favorite in the race, Is What It Is, the pace he needs to win. Since in my opinion a couple should bounce off the their best efforts. Plus I don’t really like mares racing against the boys. I see a chance for a big exacta and trifecta payout even with the favorite winning!
PICKS FROM THE “STARPUKIE”: 2-5-6-1