Silenus Mile – Bargain Bred Series
Even a quick glance at today’s field of 12 shows it is one of the deepest and most talented ever assembled in a Bargain Series event. 2009 legends King of Wariuz and Slave to Tradition collide in what could be one for the ages. If that were not enough Bargain Bowl winners Concotelli and Gonzo who is returning to the Bargain fray after a lengthy absence. Here is a rundown of today’s runners:
1. Qatar – Five year old mare has earned a lot of bps for trainer hawkz since being claimed back in May of 2008. Ran a solid 3rd in last years Bluebonnet at 8.5 furlongs and has been knocking at the door her last two finishing 2nd and 3rd in allowance company. Latest speed figures shows she has a shot but the more likely scenario will be a solid in the money finish.
2. King of Wariuz – Hawkz trains this Bargain Series superstar who has 5 lifetime series wins to her credit including last years version of this race where she posted a 97 speed figure and won by 1 3/4 lengths. You can never count a star like this out but her last two races have shown a puzzling decline in form where she finished beaten by 10 ½ lengths in each race. It is likely a return to the bargain races will be the spark she needs to fire her best and potentially add another win to her resume for the Bargain Hall of Fame.
3. Far Beyond the Sun – Eight year old grey is a warrior as he has over 52 lifetime races and 353k in lifetime earnings. Has two bargain stakes wins most recently back in 2008 in the Hunt Turf Cup. Finished 2nd in this race in 2008 but only managed a 12th place finish in last year’s edition. His last race gives fans of this old timer some hope as he finished in the money in the Bargain Turf Mile. All in all this old runner has a chance to pick up another check and must be considered in bigger tickets.
4. CT’s Flash – Three year old colt seeks to take on older for just the 2nd time after finishing a well beaten 7th last out in The Ozark. The return to turf should serve him well and I expect him to lead out of the gate like he did in route to winning the El Joven at 2. Odds makers give him little chance against older and he is the 2nd longest shot on the board at 59-1. I’ll include him in my trifecta tickets just because I think he has a chance to hang around if unchallenged early.
5. Ante Meridiem – Son of Classic Cliché has been a solid allowance earner since being claimed back in October of 2009 by trainer zman. His best speed figures show he could be a contender here and his late running style should serve him well to pick up a share of today’s purse. It’s his first Bargain Series event and sometimes newcomers can shock the establishment.
6. Houndville – Seven year old by Deerhound has tasted Bargain Series glory winning the 2008 edition of this race and also prevailed in the Hunt Turf Cup in May of 2009. Finished 4th in the Bargain Turf mile in February but had a rough race last out finishing 7th in an allowance. Will take a big speed increase to win today but its unwise to say this grizzled veteran doesn’t have a shot because he knows how to win on the big stage.
7. Ty’s Court – Five year old daughter of Wando is a Bargain Series regular and a 99-1 longshot in today’s race. Has yet to break her maiden in 20 lifetime races but won’t do it today either as she is in way over her head today.
8. Concotelli – Knightmare has a good eye for the bargains and claimed this colt for 40k in October of last year with the intent of running in the series. That move paid immediate dividends as the colt won at first asking in the Silent Witness Bargain Bowl turf sprint. Has two 102 speed figures in his last 3 races so its no wonder he is one of today’s 5-1 favorites. Something tells me he is going to make a massive move and do it again for his connections.
9. National Risk – Struggled last out in the Death Valley Distaff finishing a well beaten 10th but that was no shock as this 5 yr old mare has ton her best running on the grass. Has finished 3rd and 4th in previous Bargain Series turf events so she’ll need to pick it up a bit today to improve off of that.
10. Gonzo – Trainer Gowans claimed this colt in November of 2009 and has done extremely well winning 3 times and finishing second twice in 6 races. This colt is making a return to the Bargain Series and it’s good to see him back as he has made some noise winning the 2006 Class Ack Juvenile Bargain Bowl race at 2 and the 100 Guineas at 3. If not taken away from the series prematurely he could have potentially been one of the big stars and his fans are excited to see him back as a co-favorite today.
11. Malakowsky – Trainer Planoaxius is another bargainier with an eye for talent and has done extremely well claiming this son of Balcony for 15k from his previous connections who lost patience before trying turf. That proved to be a big mistake as he is now 2 for 2 on the grass including a commanding upset win in the Bargie Turf mile two back. Floundered last out in the Death Valley Classic but its obvious now he’s a turfer and could add his second series win today.
12. Slave to Tradition – Filly was the 3 yr old dirt star of 2009 winning four series events spanning the Oaks to the Winter Distaff Bargain Bowl race. Has continued her winning ways into 2010 winning both the Bargie Filly mile and Death Valley Distaff. How she will take to the turf is a major unknown but if she does her tactical speed gives her a chance to factor.
Outlook:
Concotelli looks primed for a big run and is my choice for the top spot. Malakowsky is hard to ignore being 2 for 2 on the grass and is my choice to fill the place spot. I believe King of Wariuz will rebound and finish 3rd but if she falters someone like Gonzo is a good bet to be the beneficiary.
Good luck to everyone participating in today’s race and check out the Bargain Series at:
http://knightmarebbrs.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general