G1 Big Red Stakes Preview

The Field

#1 Kawamura (Empire State Racing) 7/1 : Has emerged as one of the division’s leading turf colts after a remarkable turnaround this season. Following a disappointing effort in the South African Guineas, he rattled off back-to-back victories, first in the Jacky Hollandia Turf Route before delivering a dominant seven-length performance in the G1 World Weekly News 2000 while posting a career best 110 speed figure. Can he confirm his latest performance was the arrival of a true superstar?

#2 Galimardal (Down Under Racing) 11/1 : Bounced back in a big way with a career-best performance in the G2 Upper California Derby. After struggling to make an impact in longer graded races earlier this season, he rediscovered his best form with a determined victory and a 108 speed figure. If that effort wasn’t a one-off, he’ll be a dangerous contender against this Grade 1 field. Can he prove his latest performance was the beginning of a breakthrough rather than an exception?

#3 Hushwing (No Residency) 7/1 : Looked to be finding his best form this spring after breaking through with victories in the Zig Zag Connection Turf Special and the Devils Diamond Turf Route. Those efforts earned him shots in the G1 Queen’s Dish and G2 Upper California Derby, but he couldn’t make an impact against tougher competition. He’ll need to rediscover his spring form to threaten this deep field. Can he rebound from his last two starts and show he’s capable of another step forward?

#4 Neveroffalwayson (Orphan Racing) 10/1 : Appears to be putting everything together after a steady climb through the turf ranks. After a pair of runner-up finishes in route stakes, he broke through with a determined victory in the Coma Turf Route, posting a career-best 105 speed figure while finishing strongly. He’ll need another step forward against this deep Grade 1 field, but his recent form suggests he’s capable of it. Can he build on that breakthrough performance and prove he belongs?

#5 Dragnapour (Down Under Racing) 5/1 : Few horses have been as consistent on the turf this season. After dominating the G3 Force Stakes with a front-running performance, he came within a neck of winning the G1 Derby de English before another runner-up finish in the French Grand Prix. With consecutive triple-digit speed figures and proven stamina, he’ll be a major factor once again. Can he take the final step after back-to-back Grade 1 placings?

#6 Frankstriker (No Residency) 9/1 : Took a major step forward this spring, breaking through with an impressive allowance victory before testing himself against the best in the Irish Derby. He wasn’t able to threaten the winner there but still finished a respectable third while posting another competitive speed figure. The cutback to 10 furlongs could prove to be exactly what he’s looking for. Can he build on that Irish Derby effort and announce himself as a legitimate Grade 1 contender?

#7 Tires My Bridge (East-West Connection) 29/1 : Has shown remarkable versatility in a very limited career, going from a maiden sprint victory to a runner-up finish in the G2 Seventh King Eddie Stakes in his very next start. Despite making just his fourth career appearance, he handled the jump in class and distance well, suggesting there could be much more to come. Can this lightly raced colt continue his rapid rise?

#8 Mtn Big Frank (Empire State Racing) 11/1 : Saved his best for the biggest stage, producing a career-best performance to capture the G1 Queen’s Dish with a powerful late rally. After an inconsistent start to his 3-year-old campaign that included a G3 victory, he took a major step forward over this distance and enters this race full of confidence. Can he prove the Queen’s Dish was the start of something bigger rather than a one-race breakthrough?

#9 Ghost Outreach (Orphan Racing) 12/1 : Made a seamless transition to the turf this season and quickly climbed the ranks with an impressive victory in the G2 No Allies. He followed that with a respectable fourth-place finish in the Japanese Derby after stretching out to 12 furlongs, and now gets the chance to face another elite field over a more favorable distance. Will the return to 10 furlongs help him produce another career-best effort?

#10 Jet Set Kat (Empire State Racing) 5/1 : Has developed into one of the premier turf stayers with four consecutive victories, including three straight stakes wins. After breaking through at the allowance level, he dominated the Beyer Beware Turf Route before adding Grade 1 victories in the Jockey Club and the French Grand Prix, leading every step of the way in his last two starts. His speed and proven stamina make him a major threat once again. Can anyone keep him from controlling the pace and adding another Grade 1 to his growing resume?

#11 Never Cross Me (Orphan Racing) 3/1 : Has been nothing short of dominant on the turf, winning six of his seven career starts while posting eye-catching speed figures. He enters on a three-race winning streak, highlighted by runaway victories in the G3 Green Ham Stakes and G3 Regal Hill, where he earned a 114 speed figure. The only question is whether he’ll be just as effective stretching out to 10 furlongs for the first time. Can his brilliant speed carry over to this longer distance against Grade 1 company?

The Numbers

Horse	Speed – L3	Speed – 10F	CPU Value	T/R Rank	Total Points
Dragnapour	105.5	105.9	1080	58	36
Jet Set Kat	103.7	104.2	1118	43	35
Never Cross Me	109.8	–	1556	113	33
Kawamura	101.4	110.1	897	14	33
Mtn Big Frank	98.5	104.1	979	11	28
Galimardal	94.2	–	1192	59	24
Hushwing	99.3	94.9	902	151	22
Neveroffalwayson	98.6	105.7	816	139	22
Frankstriker	98.9	–	1059	926	20
Ghost Outreach	98.1	–	760	300	13
Tires My Bridge	92.2	–	590	1084	8