14 Runners in the Sparkie Stakes
Big race here folks with a decent field of 14 runners for the Sparks Deputy Special here at Washington. Stakes level of 7 furlongs on what is tipped to be a fast dirt course. Nice purse of $55,000 too which is what has attracted the good field. So get your hot dogs, your cokes, your chips, place your bets and come and go over the field with me now…
1 BARB’S GOT CLASS(IRE) sprintbarn 19/1
The name says it all. All class here specially if you look at his last 3 runs. Good speeds and and was closing each time in the last two outings.That said this one is shorter so may be wanting the extra distance. Didnt mind having a run on the off track either so may want to keep on that as well. Possible chance if he gets a good run.
2 PARK PROSPECTOR(AUS) binzaman03 10/1
Aussie bred! Out of Thorn Park has been up and down between Allowance, Stakes and Graded races of late with so mixed success. Has had recent wins at the Allowance and Stakes level but couldnt really perform in Graded company. Certainly a chance here – distance looks right too. Might be worth backing folks at 10/1 odds.
3 THUNDER INN(KY) sportoking 8/1
Well this is a fast dirt track and thats a shame because look at this colt’s last run on an off track. Absolutely superb. You want to keep him on the off tracks I reckon. Still can run on the fast dirt tracks as well and coming off a string of good form including wins at Allowance and Stakes level. Real chance here – likes to lead and stay in front for the win. Should be thundering home in the straight.
4 LOS ROQUES(KY) super9 8/1
Another one with a decent chance here also performed last time out on an off track. What is this – all these horses have run on off tracks of late. Must be the weather! Fairly consistent runner with his worse place being fifth in his last 8 outings. Based on that alone would be worth dropping some cash on him. Likes to sit about midfield and make his run on the turn.
5 SUPER EMPIRE lgbost3 13/1
6yo here – hasnt been run in a Stakes race for some time. Performing consistently well in Allowance company too with some good place finishes plus a win over 7 furlongs last time out. Distance is perfect for him – will just need to continue those runs here for a chance. Worth considering though I think.
6 EEYORE(KY) epcotlen 8/1
Cool name. For all those punters who like to back based on names then this one is for you. Some pretty impressive speeds on this colt including a very nice run in May in a G3 race resulting in a third place finish. Odds of 8/1 dont do this one justice in my mind – should be equal favourite. Only question mark might be the distance as he looks to be wanting more maybe around the 8 furlong mark. Still not to be discounted though.
7 KINLOCHLEVEN monksfield 9/2
Ok this is the favourite on the tote. Recent win in The Bold Fred Cap Stakes with a speed of 117 is why it is the favourite. So that was a pretty impressive run you would have to agree. However last time out couldnt back it up and failed finishing a disappointing and fading 8th place. Not the most consistent horse – take your chances.
8 DREGS OF THE KEGS(KY) deyoto2 29/1
Dregs of the Kegs and we are probably getting to the dregs of this race. Out at 29/1 is one of the real roughies. Is in good form though. Speed rating of 106 in his last Allowance race and was closing not fading at the end. So you never know – will need a good run, stay off the kegs for now and concentrate on pumping those legs. Fantastic odds if he does come in thats for sure.
9 HENIANLAUCH(KY) crandyiv 36/1
Longshot of this race is Henianlauch out of Hennessy and trained by crandyiv. This one has a decent earnings total of over $650k and looks like he may be coming back into form. Racing of late in Allowance company is coming off a third place finish over 7 1/2 furlongs and prior to that a second place finish over 8 furlongs. Was leading or close to in both races so the drop in distance here can only benefit him. Will need to produce a very good run to trouble these ones though.
10 VALENDAR(KY) tigereye 24/1
Another one that has run recently in the wet but this one certainly didnt enjoy it. Lots of mud splattered all over him he much preferred the hard and dry and fast tracks. So the trainer has wisely put him back onto the fast dirt track here and is a real chance. Has big odds but a recent win in The Royal Desert Bonanza over 7 furlongs really impresses me particularly if you look at his speed in that race. Only the 3yo and lightly raced – this one could be a surprise…
11 FOREST HEIGHTS gonads 13/1
A lot of these horses have been running at the Allowance level and are trying to make the step up to Stakes again after some good form and this one is no exception. Recent win with a good speed rating and coming from behind too which seems to be his trait. Trainer has him perfectly placed distance wise over 7 furlongs so its all up to the horse now to perform here today. Very good chance if he gets a good run through the pack.
12 WHO DO YOU LOVE(KY) lenny9 7/1
Who Do You Love? Well we will all love you if you come in for a win at 7/1 odds. This 4yo Colt is coming off a 2nd place finish in a G2 race and a win in a Stakes race both at 8 furlongs. Having led for much of those two races trainer has dropped him back in distance here and probably makes sense too. Should be hitting his top speed around the 7 furlongs and would be finishing fast. Another one with a real chance.
13 MONEYGROWSONTREES cheadle 6/1
So can you do me a favour? Can you tell me where I can buy one of these trees please – I really want one. Beats punting thats for sure. This one looks classy folks. Last time out was a win in the G1 Tri-City Sprint over 6 1/2 furlongs. Fast finisher from behind and run almost exclusively over the 7 furlong distance. This is the one that I like for the win based on his recent form and also class that he has been racing against. I think this one will upset the favourite on the tote.
14 AZASHAAN(IRE) rmans 8/1
Out of Azamour looking to challenge both the favourite and MoneyGrowsOnTrees. And ready to do so too. Last outing was on an off track which was not a successfull one at that. But this is a fast dirt track so who cares. Will be up there at the end and a very serious contender to take this out. Just starting his career at Stakes level but looks like he may well be ready for it. Well worth watching this one…
Well folks – 14 runners and who is going to take it out. The favourite too me looks too inconsistent. Im putting my money on:
13 Moneygrowsontrees
14 Azashaan(IRE)
10 Valendar(KY)
Good luck to all runners – you cant win unless you are starting and anyone of these could potentially take it out. Heres to a great race!