Half Brothers to do Battle
(SP)Wyoming-The Doc’s Blade Memorial is in the books and it was an entertaining effort by the five youngsters. Half of the race was close and then it began to play itself out. Mythical Strength took the race from the beginning and it looked like he was going to make it look easy. He did win in the end but near the last it was a struggle for him and he was clearly tired when he crossed the wire. Looks like his stamina problems are still there, but also a definite liking for the lawn. Highly Motivated broke in third place and seemed content to sit there. It was, by my thoughts, the savage use of the crop by jockey V. Hanson that woke him up enough to get him over the line to place. Mandela ran another strong steady race but not a very inspirational one. He just ran letting two other horses ahead of him tire to secure a show place for the second time in a row.
Up this week is the Mass Vrad Special, a $55,000 sprint for three year and older horses. It will be another turf affair for six furlongs that has eight entries. There will be a special buzz about this race as two top rated half brothers will be competing in this race. Many believe the winner will be one of these two, but there could be a couple spoilers in the field. So let’s take a look at our racers for Saturday.
Quick Senior entered by carlos215. This dark grey sophomore has not had performed well on the turf and his speeds are down as compared to the dirt. He has been running exclusively stakes races all season and has yet to do well in any of them. Here is a perfect example of beating a horse down by running them above their head.
Kilbeggan Races(IRE) entered by rkeogh. This Irish sophomore has missed making money only one time in his career to date and not been on the board two other times. It is hard to characterize his racing style as he seems to run different every race, going from stalking to front runner and then maybe closer. He had a good last outing breaking the 100 barrier for the first time in his win. Looks poised for another good effort.
Raise Up entered by upyears. This horse has been struggling all season and can’t seem to find his stride. He has gotten a couple of places for his efforts, but still not up to his standards of last year. He stays in Wyoming to see if familiarity with the track will give him a much needed boost.
Nephrolithiasis entered by genesis. This elder colt has the ability but has not been living up to potential lately. If a person were superstition the blame for the downfall could be put at his one and only try on the dirt. Since then he has been sub par with a slight injury along the way. Last time out seemed to bring him closer to himself and he may be looking for this run to put him back on top.
Danzig Machine entered by grasslover. This sophomore has been slowly improving all season and showing signs of being able to run on either surface. It is a good thing this is a short field, as he has had trouble all season coming from an outside lane and very much higher could have caused him some stress. Look for him to be with the leaders when they break form the gates.
Rich Charlie’s Son(GB) entered by metro. This British chestnut sophomore sat out his freshman year and has only four races under the saddle so far. He showed well his first two sprints and then was moved to routes. He comes back to a sprint in hopes of proving this is where he belongs. The odds makers are looking elsewhere, but he could very well be a dangerous surprise.
Calfly’s Desert(IRE) entered by cronefly. This Irish sophomore comes into this race ranked number eleven in his age group. He is out of the Fly conglomerate and has owned the stakes level lately. It is only at graded levels that have been his Achilles heel. He comes off two 100+ races and looks primed to continue that streak. He will need it to compete against his half brother.
Tiger Nation(IRE) entered by plunk. This elder Irish colt comes in at number six for his age group and is coming out of the gate beside his younger half brother. These two constitute the highest level of any horses to compete in Wyoming and all are expecting this to be a match race between these two. It will be two contrasting styles, front running stalker and admitted closer. Both will have to be on their best for Saturday.