Strategy Rules in “The Park Place Express”
Strategy Rules in “The Park Place Express”
8 Lasses Give All They’ve Got
Wow, I hope you were here for “The Park Place Express”, a Grade III Stakes race, 8 furlongs on the firm turf for fillies and mares 3 years old and up. A capacity crowd enjoyed all the festivities on this glorious spring day here in Ireland. OK, actually, it was maybe a little bit cold, at least until “The Park Place Express” took off. These 8 ladies provided all the heat needed, and more. Let’s get on to the race, shall we?
At the break, as expected, an early speed duel developed between Angel Cadet, Culinary Cutie (IRE), and Brabasong (KY). Also Clifden Castle, Al Godon De Azucar (KY), and Best There Is (IRE) all fell to the back, again as expected, while Graduate Unskilled (KY) and Miss Sullivan (KY) hung close, stalking the pace for the first 3 furlongs. Absolutely every horse in this race was set up for the ride they liked best. The question now was whose strategy would prove to be the ultimate winner?
At about 4 furlongs, the blistering pace set in the early speed duel began to lag, and Graduate Unskilled began to make her move. Miss Sullivan came with her as they tracked down the leaders. By the top of the stretch, Graduate Unskilled was firmly in command as Angel Cadet, Culinary Cutie, Brabasong, and Miss Sullivan all began to fall back. From the rear, Best There Is and Al Godon De Azucar both fired at the top of the stretch, and were rapidly closing on the leader. At the end, Best There Is was the fastest moving horse on the track, but alas, fell short in her bid to catch Graduate Unskilled, who crossed the finish line first in a time of 1:33 and 4/5, her best time ever at this distance by a full second, and posting an incredible 114 BSF. Behind her, at 1 and ½ lengths and closing, was Best There Is, finishing second. Al Godon De Azucar finished third, trailing the leader by 4 and ½ lengths. The early morning line favorite, Clifden Castle, got the trip she wanted, but never really fired at the top of the stretch, and she finished a disappointing 7th. Perhaps the torrid pace early got to her, leaving little for the stretch run.
The capacity crowd got all they wanted and more in this one, as they were all on their feet, cheering the Irish bred Best There Is on in her valiant stretch effort. However, the crowd was most gracious in defeat, clapping and cheering for Graduate Unskilled as she made her way to the Winner’s Circle. Let’s take a quick peek at what Buster had to say about the winners in the preview:
Graduate Unskilled (KY): She is coming off 3 wins in her last 3 starts, two of which were at the stakes level, which seems to suggest that maybe she is the best ready to take on this challenge. She has also won at this distance twice before. Look for her to push the pace if it is too slow for her liking, or stalk the pace if an early speed duel develops.
Best There Is (IRE): She also has a lot of experience at the Graded Stakes level, but has only won 1 time before, the Grade II “Roberto Clemente Handicap”. That win was indeed over a mile on the firm turf, but she will definitely have to return to that form to have a chance here. In her favor is the tendency she has of having a good race after a poor one, and her last outing was a bit disappointing, so she could very well make some noise here. She will look to give Clifden Castle some company early, and hang back for a stretch run.
Al Godon De Azucar (KY): Al Godon De Azucar is by far her best offspring, earning over half a mil in 16 career starts. She has also posted Beyer Speed Figures over 100 in her last 6 races, spanning the end of her 2008 season till today, although she is coming off a disappointing 7th place finish in her last start. If she can rebound today, she should pose quite a challenge for Clifden Castle. She will like to settle just off the pace, and make a good run for it down the stretch.
Also, a bit off topic, but Buster would like to announce his first Upset Special win of 2009, as he said this in the preview: I like Graduate Unskilled (KY) to stalk the pace early and charge down the homestretch to bring “The Park Place Express” trophy home to Kaif099. Now, after that bit of self congratulation, I would also like to congratulate all the winners and their owners on a wonderful race. “The Park Place Express” is well on it’s way to becoming a true jewel in the crown of Ireland.