Promising Field in Gran Critter
A field of nine juveniles hope to take their careers to the next level, and possible Breeders’ Bowl berth, in this weekend’s Grand Critter Stakes-G3. This group has a lot going for it in terms of potential, in what appears to be, at least on paper, an evenly matched lot. In post position order, a rundown of the field is as follows:
1. Mount Samson.. This Danehill Dancer colt has done little wrong in three starts to date for bjbandit with a win and two stakes placings to his credit. He has never gone further than 6 ½ panels, but closed well in that event to grab the place with a solid 82 SF, and his pedigree suggests that a mile would be within his grasp. The talented Ampe takes the reins, and 5/1 is a fair price.
2. Betrayel. Not sure whether this guy’s name has some meaning or is a misspelling, but lopic’s royally bred colt (a Gone West x A.P. Indy scratchbred) has gotten off to a solid start on the track. Last time out, he scored a gate to wire victory in a one mile allowance, the same distance he will face tomorrow, and posted a strong 84 SF. He showed little signs of slowing down, and in fact extended his lead at every call. Prepped in solid fashion, and has a competent journeyman in the irons. A win here at 7/2 would be no surprise. The main concern here is the pace scenario, as his rival to the outside may also be gunning for the lead.
3. Zamacueca. Australian homebred for mcsheen by Viscount, this guy is unbeaten in two starts, including a rich Dubai allowance at this distance last time out. Like Betrayel, he scored in wire to wire fashion, and posted an 85 in the process. Both colts offer a lot of promise, but the main concern here is what happens if they hook each other up early. They may burn each other up in the process, opening the race up for one of the stalkers/closers in the field. On the other hand, if one gets loose on the lead, watch out. Again, lots to like about this guy, and offers real value at 5/1.
4. Loved to Death. Lone filly in the race is by Green Desert, who is having a fantastic year with his juveniles. Bred and trained by the capable sdmf9, this miss exits a tough DelPenn Mirror Meet maiden, which she exited with a gutty win. Her speed figures are a little lighter than some of the colts, but the extra distance should help, and at this time of year, it is not uncommon to see a filly successfully take on the boys. For those backing the girl, they stand to be rewarded to the tune of 8/1.
5. Tokaji. Another juvenile stakes, another super entry. This guy is by Dynaformer, out of a G2 winning mare (although the dam did her best running on the dirt). Has steadily improved, breaking his maiden at this distance two starts back, and was a distant third last time out in a one mile DelPenn Mirror Meet allowance. His best SF has been 78 (twice) and he will need to improve on that to threaten the favorites, but his pedigree suggests the older he gets and farther he goes, the better he’ll do. 8/1 appears to be a fair price.
6. London Scene. By the unknown sire Cockney Rebel, out of a winning Seattle Slew mare, this colt appears to be another good one for foxon5. Never worse than second in five starts, London has closed from way off the pace in each of his races, and has been steadily improving with distance, going 2 for 2 at seven furlongs, including a stakes (84) SF, last time out. I think this guy has been crying for distance and is sitting on a big effort, especially if a speed duel materializes. Gets one of the top riders in Smith, and 5/1 is a solid price.
7. Hermano de Titus. This guy’s sire, Marcus Andronicus, may be the sleeper freshman sire of 2008, and the griffeyjr homebred gets a chance to add to this story tomorrow. This colt came from next to last in a 14 horse field to break his maiden going six furlongs with a 71 SF. He’ll need to make up some ground, but if he appreciates the extra distance, he is capable of doing just that at a price of 19/1.
8. Business Casual. Wtas02 attempts to stretch out this Stormy Atlantic colt from 5 ½ furlongs to 1 mile. I’ve always thought of Stormy Atlantic as more of a sprinter, but in this game, horses don’t always run to their pedigree. Unbeaten in two turf sprints, this guy’s lifetime best SF is a 73, which is a little light, but again, if he’s really a router, he’ll show the improvement he needs. Looks to be more of a stalker in a field otherwise full of frontrunners and closers, so that may be to his advantage. Low percentage rider is a bit of a concern.
9. Dangerous Magic. Fatattack2 sends the other Danehill Dancer colt to the post. This royally bred youngster (a scratch bred with Storm Cat as the dam-sire), boasts the highest speed figure in the field to date, an 89 SF, that was posted in a winning maiden effort during the DelPenn Mirror Meet. That was his first attempt at a mile, and the colt clearly relished the route. Connections hope this guy lives up to his name and works some dangerous magic in this event as the 7/2 co-favorite. A repeat of his last may very well be enough to get the job done.
Good luck to the handicappers in what appears to be a tough event, and to the connections and their horses.