Grade 3 – Grand Critter Stakes
This looks like a wide open 2yo race. The favorite hasn’t run on turf, the longshots are undefeated on turf, it’s anybodies race.
1. 96776 RUDE SLEW freeky 2/1. A 2yo by Johannesburg, has five starts, all on dirt. He has never raced on turf so it is hard to figure what he is capable of doing here. All of his races have been sprinting, however he has shown a fast closing move in each of his races which shows he should be able to handle the distance. I believe his pedigree can go either dirt or turf, perhaps leaning towards dirt more, but won’t be surprised if he wins.
2. 96781 HOUSE DOG freeky 9/2. A 2yo colt by Housebuster, is another colt that hasn’t tried turf in his four career races. Is also trained by the same trainer as #1 horse. Freeky sending out 2 colts in this G3, this colt broke his maiden the went into 2 stakes, coming in 2nd in both. Tried a G3 last time out at 8f and faltered. He doesn’t look as good as the #1, I think this one could come in 5th or 6th.
3. 58047 PHYL THE CAT tom 7/2. A 2yo colt by Cat Thief, he has raced on turf and record stands at 5(3,1,0). All of his races though are sprints. Has a maiden win and two stakes win on turf. He likes to be on or near the lead, he might have 1 or 2 horses there with him. He also seems to either pull away by very little or fade in his races at the end. He could win but being pressured on the lead, he might fade to 2nd or 3rd.
4. 103407 SWINGSHIFT BUDA juju 5/1. A 2yo colt by Nightshift. Only has raced once, but won well on the turf. His pedigree leans towards the turf, he’s making a big jump in class form a MSW to a G3. If he has the skills he can pose a threat to the rest.
5. 99390 ROAD TO CHAOS(IRE) worldwide 6/1. A 2yo colt by El Prado. Has raced four times, twice on turf and he is undefeated on it. His SP #’s have been average but he will get tested here. He just won a 8f turf race, has a nice pedigree and should improve.
6. 102966 TWO THIEF browns 6/1. Another 2yo colt by Cat Thief. Has raced twice, once on dirt doing horribly and then last time out on turf at this 8f distance. He went to the lead and never looked back winning by a impressive 4 lengths. At 6/1 offers a good value betting wise, don’t be surprised if he takes this race.
7. 102715 DIEDIEDIEMYDARLING(GB) sighclone 7/1. A 2yo colt by Diesis. He is undefeated on turf winning both of his career races, a 5.5f and 7.5f race, distance might not be a problem for him. He’s the longest shot in here at 7/1, but seems to me there others in here that are better suited at being the longshot. I could see him doing well or at least finishing ahead of half the field.
My Picks would be RUDE SLEW to win, for second would go PHYL THE CAT, and third TWO THIEF
Longshot TWO THIEF