The EL ARTFUL Bonanza Stakes
MICHIGAN – Eight Freshman colts and one filly take to Michigan’s turf surface for this weeks featured event. The lone young lady in the field can’t be dismissed because she has already shown the ability not to take any junk from the boys on the block. The early favorite this week belongs to trainer ghostly and the Dixieland Band sired EASY DIXIE from PP #1.
1 EASY DIXIE (trained by ghosty) 4/1
(DIXIELAND BAND x KNOWN FACT x NIJINSKY II)
-First time in a stakes and first time on the turf. And the favorite too, albeit quite lukewarm. Always a dangerous proposition for the bettors. Could be smart money on the nose. We will see.
2 OROGRAPHIC RAIN (trained by inzy3) 5/1
(MOUNTAIN CAT x RAINBOW QUEST x DYNAFORMER)
-Another first timer in a stakes that is two for two on the green stuff. Last was a dandy at a similar distance and was also the fastest winning speed rating by any horse in this race. Tends to flash more speed in his turf races too. Major player this week.
3 NO SECRET(IRE) (trained by grimmy) 6/1
(NOVERRE (IRE) x DANZIG x SECRETARIAT)
-Stakes veteran having run in 4 of them in a row. Did not win any of them but has improved steadily with increasing distance. Lost by a lip LTO after leading at every station which is usually the case with this guy. The extra half panel could make the difference.
4 JUSTA PRETTY FACE (trained by bad) 5/1
(CAME HOME x DIXIELAND BAND x A.P. INDY)
-Well, this is my baby racing out of the Fabman crib. Dead closer and will always be at the mercy of the pace. There should be some here but he will have a long way to come. Won going two turns LTO on a soft track but can close on a firm one too. I’m hopeful.
5 HONEYDEW (trained by monolith) 6/1
(JADE HUNTER x THEATRICAL(IRE) x CORNISH PRINCE)
-Seems to race better on the turf at this point of his career. In his last start which was over this oval, picked up a place finish in his first ever stakes. There were only 4 in that race and right now, at least, his speed numbers are shade lower than some of these. First trip over two turns and that could help.
6 HAWKFLY’S PHARBAT(IRE) (trained by cupfly) 9/2
(HAWK WING (IRE) x LYPHARD x HABITAT)
-Only making his second start lifetime this week. First start, a MSW at a mile was an impressive one to say the least. Battling with the leader throughout and finally just drew away from everybody posting a speedy 80sr. Sure there were smiles all around cupfly’s barn after that effort.
7 ONE OF US(IRE) (trained by tatter) 6/1
(DAYLAMI (IRE) x GREEN DESERT x THEATRICAL(IRE))
-This colt is making his 4th lifetime start and sports a win first time out. Seems to have hung a bit in his last two and the speed numbers are a little below these. Nice looking colt that may show us more later. Might be in a little deep this week.
8 MOOSE RIVER (trained by favoritejj) 8/1
(MINESHAFT x COZZENE x SADLER’S WELLS)
-Bring on the boys! This filly don’t care. May even prefer it. In 4 starts, her only win is against the boys. Granted, this will be a far tougher test for here than her MSW win. Kinda looks like she wants the lead but hasn’t been able to get it in her last two. If she tries to leave out here, could be a long day.
9 SINO JUDGE NY (trained by loam) 19/1
(JUDGE T C x SIR SPECTATOR x HERE WE COME)
-Longshot on the board this week draws the extreme outside gate. Makes a surface switch today but a good sized improvement is going to be needed to compete this week. The surface switch is the intangible.
Good Luck!