Grade II Carden Special An Irish Classic
Race ID:3861.5915
Grade II Carden Special Stakes
$250,000, 4 years and Up, Open
One Mile and a Half (12F)
Track: Dirt
A gorgeous Irish day was capped off by an exciting renewal of a February Classic on the European racing scene in this the 9th annual edition of the Grade II Carden Special Stakes. A competitive field of 14 went to post boasting a several highly ranked SIM entrants including the Number 1 ranked (Long) DANCE STEPS(KY) owned and trained by twoofus2 as well as Number 3 ranked PINE SPIRIT(KY) trained by topicount4. A tale of two horses going in different directions, MARMELO(IRE) jayjay took the lead quickly out of the gate opening up by one while SAMALAMAN(JPN) profly couldn’t drop back fast enough as he trailed in the early going by a dozen and counting. CHASE THE SKY(GB) trotter5 and DANCE STEPS(KY) led the chase as the horses moved down the backstretch. Entering the far turn, jockey Doyle began to move the tardy SAMALAMAN(JPN) with much ground to eat up if he was going to be a factor. All the while BASH TO BITS(IRE) sender3 sat a perfect trip six lengths of the pace and being set down with the leaders in his sights as the pack entered the lane. With a furious rush, BASH TO BITS(IRE) began to gobble up ground with NECK NECK NOSE(KY) whocares the longest shot on the board drafting in behind him. DANCE STEPS(KY) having wrestled the lead in mid stretch failed to hold off the charging twosome but held on a game third. SAMALAMAN(JPN) left too much do and finished fourth. This grueling Irish course has been a “graveyard” for horses in this marathon in spite of the fast conditions over the years but to their credit only one steed failed to stay within reach of twenty lengths of the winner.
Hladun’s Pre-Race Analysis:
PP 7: 101917 BASH TO BITS(IRE) sender3 M. Fontain (8/1) RANK: 45
“Bash to Bits(IRE) comes into the Carden hoping to do just that over his favourite distance. A seasoned veteran of the non-graded Stakes, he’s here to prove he belongs in this class and sender3 is wheeling him back on just two weeks rest after kicking the stall doors down all week. This five year old son of Giant’s Causeway can run on either surface and is best when he can lie just off the pace in a stalking position. A contender.”
PP 3: 147434 NECK NECK NOSE(KY) whocares N. Schreiber (40/1) RANK: 82
“The longest shot on the board, this four year old homebred son of Silver Train is reaching for the stars in this event. He has been away from the races since November where he was distanced after three consecutive wins in non-graded Stakes company. Given the history of this gruelling event, there’s a good chance it’ll happen again. A rank outsider … watch and see.”
PP 2: 24903 DANCE STEPS(KY) twoofus2 Z. Kentucky (9/1) RANK: 1
“Dance Steps comes into the Carden Special looking for respect. In view of his status as the Number 1 ranked (Long) SIM horse, he was snubbed in the morning line having been listed as the races “seventh” choice at 9/1. A winner of three Grade One and a bankroll of $1.7M to date, it has been awhile between drinks for this four year old son of Seeking the Gold. In the fall, he finished second in the GI Breeders Bowl Marathon just behind ROCKINGHAM(KY) but has failed to show his usual late charge in his last three races. A class edge on these but is he fit?”
GRADED HANDICAPS: … A Review
HLADUN TRACKMAN APPAS TAPPAS
1. PINE SPIRIT(KY) MARMELO(IRE) SAMALAMAN ISLAND(JPN)
2. BASH TO BITS(IRE) PINE SPIRIT(KY) PINE SPIRIT(KY)
3. BROOKLYN FOLLIES DANCE STEPS(KY) BASH TO BITS(IRE)
MEDIA QUOTES:
“He did it didn’t he … BASH them to BITS. I’m just thrilled to be here to see one of our homebreds win such a prestigious race. Let’s hope all is well with him when we check him out and then we’ll see where we go from here”. … sender3 (in the winners circle)
“I thought I had them at the top of the lane you know. He was moving so well but stumbled late. He may have been a little short off the layoff. He’ll be better for it next time out”. … Z. Kentucky (jockey aboard DANCE STEPS)
“I knew going in we didn’t have anyone’s respect. In fact, I heard the snickering on the backstretch throughout the week but I believed in him when otheres didn’t. I’m so proud!” … whocares, owner of NECK NECK NOSE.
“He was full value for this victory. It was like being on a 747 … anything that moves that fast should have a stewardess on it, don’t ya think” … N. Schreiber (jockey aboard BASH TO BITS)
“ … pass me the Johnny Walker Blue will you there lad!” … Unknown patron (who “hit” the trifecta) when asked what he most wanted out of his winnings.
POST RACE NOTES:
- Exacta (#7 & #3) paid a handsome $701.00 while the Trifecta (#7 – #3 – #2) paid a whopping $7,500.50 for a $2 investment. Go baby go!
- BASH TO BITS(IRE) shattered the Stakes record of 2:29:1 rather easily by posting a final time of 2:28:2 while earning a speed figure of 115 in the process.
- Only one entrant failed to earn a triple digit speed figure … and he was distanced.