The Ozark (Bargain Bred Stakes for 3 yos)
Tweleve bargain bred three yr olds gather in Arkansas to contest the 8.5f Ozark Stakes. The Ozark kicks off the three year old only bargain stakes series and is the major prep race for the Bargain Derby which is the next race in the series. Last year’s winner Psytexx won by a length and posted a fast 89 speed figure in the process. He went on to finish fourth in the Bargain Derby and a well beaten 8th in the Bargain Classic.
1. CT’s Rocket – Three year old colt by Governor Brown (Kingmambo) has two lifetime wins to his credit both at the claiming levels. Ran a respectable 4th in the Bargain Bowl Juvenile last year but based on his solid run at 10 furlongs on the grass last out it appears that his future may reside on turf. It would not surprise me to see him end up in The Bargain Guineas if he doesn’t take a top 3 spot today.
2. Nzed Halo – Son of Gold Halo (Sunday Silence) won his debut in the BBRS Maiden Claimer back in September and followed that up with a solid 3rd in the Giner Ale Bargain Stakes at 8 furlongs. Hit a career high 85 speed figure last out when running 2nd in a 6 furlong 150k claiming race. Offers intriguing value at 8-1.
3. Con Las Estrellas – Despite a promising start with a debut MSW win this son of Mr. Sekiguchi is the 21-1 longshot in today’s race for good reason. He has regressed in form significantly while being sent longer distances and he was beat 20 furlongs last out.
4. Roman Roar – Romanov filly has been knocking at the door of a maiden win in her last 3 races where she has 2 place and 1 show finishes to her credit. She’s given a good run at today’s distance but will need to get a good bit faster today to take anything more then a minor share today.
5. Lecture Robin – Dragnil’s colt experienced instant Bargain Series success when won his 8 furlong Bargain MSW debut by 1 ½ lengths. Failed to follow it up finishing a well beaten 4th in the Giner Ale and 8th in the Charlie’s Tiger but there is reason for hope. He ran a career best 85 last out at 8 furlongs in a claiming race and may be rounding back into form.
6. Enque Tale – Brahms’ colt has a fun stat line he is 3-0-0-3 in his career so he has shown solid ability and consistency at MSW levels. Ran a career high 78 speed figure last out but is going to have to run the race of his still young life make much noise today. Breeding wise he is as my pal Laz says a West Virginian special. Hes 3X3 to Mr. Prospector and 3X5 to Danzig.
7. Slightly Mad – After three dismal turf tries this son of Greinton was switched to the main track by trainer plano and it paid immediate dividends. He scored in his dirt debut from far off the pace capturing the MSW Maiden Mile (Bargain Restricted) by 1 ¼ lengths. Anyone that is 1 for 1 on dirt intrigues me at a price of 19-1 so my advice is to give this horse serious consideration as an exotic fattener in todays race. Breeding wise he is most represented by Northern Dancer who is 4X4X5 in his pedigree.
8. Black Ash – Lightly raced Tracker (Gone West) colt has shown early speed in two of his three races but has failed to seal the deal with a win. I have a hunch he will be a mainstay on the Bargain circuit as he fills out a bit but he should be little more then pace pressure in today’s race.
9. CTR’s Og – Lifeline’s Seignorial (Kingmambo) colt has Mr. Prospector prominent in his pedigree 3X4X4 and has shown a penchant for running on the front end. Won his debut in a state restricted sprint by 1 ¼ lengths and ran another big race two back posting an 84 in another sprint. The troubling thing for his backer’s is he appears to be more effective in sprints as he has bombed both times trying 8 furlongs. That little fun factoid has me seeking others today.
10. Gospel of Envy – Son of Churchilldowns (Danehill) debuted on the grass in the Bargain Series but failed to make any noise as a 2 yr old. Managed to break his maiden two back in a 6.5f 75k claimer but there is nothing about his recent form that has me hopeful that he will be more then a field filler today (yes this MULE is mine..)
11. CT’s Flash – Debuted on dirt and finished a respectable 5th in a 14 horse field. Trainer lifeline was not pleased with that result and immediately switched to turf and that is when good things started to happen. He won 3 of his next 5 races on the grass and comes in to today’s race as the only runner who has earned over 100k in lifetime earnings. Won the El Joven Stakes in October and finished 5th in the Bargain Bowl Juvenile Turf race. Is clearly the class of today’s race but the big question is how much will he like his return to dirt? Is the 5/2 favorite despite that question outstanding due to his overall talent level.
12. Textbook Case – Son of Freud finished second in his first 3 races including the Giner Ale in just his 3rd lifetime start. Followed those efforts up with a 4th in the Bargain Juvenile and finally broke his maiden in January at 7 furlongs. Will likely be in front early and is the 3-1 second choice today.
Prediction:
Textbook Case wires the field and CT’s Flash rounds out the exacta making for a very chalkish payday. Slightly Mad rounds out the trifecta and helps prop up the price as he is a 19-1 shot.
Good luck to all of the connections in today’s race and as always thanks to knightmare and all of the regulars in the Bargain Series.