Turf distaffers Neighborhood, Kill Bill faves at Idaho
Idaho– Riverdance’s Neighborhood, a winner of 3 of her last 4 stakes outings, presides as the slight 5/2 favorite in the $50,000 Memphis Force Memorial. Five other older turf distaffers shall challenge the favorite in this 10 furlong grass event.
By Wild Again, Neighborhood has been on a roll. The 4YO filly soaks up these short field purses, versatily notching scores from 9f to 12f. The midpacker makes her 30th career call to the post and hopes to scale the 10-win barrier. Perfect race spotting by her trainer — Neighborhood doesn’t throw flashy SP#s, but the 90 SP# range is really all that’s needed in these listed distaff turf routes.
However, Neighborhood faces a pretty good rival in Kill Bill (7/2). Punisher’s Kurofune filly fares equally in these purses, but she can also hold her own at the graded level. Over the summer, Kill Bill lost a heartbreaking photo in the Rich And Famous(G1) over this distance at California. She’s since bagged 2 of her last 3 in ALW and listed company — slow final times in those races though. Still, a very effective stalker and attracts a pretty good jockey. All that adds up to excellent odds in this event, possibly outracing closer Neighborhood to the wire. The pick to win.
Tigereyes’ grand old racemare Redstorm Rocket (3/1) started in Grade 1 company last time out, but tired after setting the lead. It was a good show though for the 50+ outing mare — she placed a couple of times in Grade 3 company earlier this season. The 6YO daughter of Geri can get the distance, but is probably more effective in shorter routes. Should be on the lead as usual — factor for a minor cheque.
Meanwhile, gowand4’s Dancer Exchange (3/1) tests the classic distance after faring modestly over 9f. The Exchange Rate 4YO enjoys rallying from midpack or so — her best recent SP# has come over a mile though. Possibile she could enjoy this group and maybe hit the board. It would be mild upset though if she could pull off the win. Not without a chance if she scales the 10f hurdle.
The rest of the field:
- Big time closer Senorita Bubba (4/1) has been trailing fields of late. The veteran 6YO daughter of Blue Ensign can hit the board over 9f, and tries to stretch out the extra furlong here. Factor for the board if she can pass tiring horses. Races for jumpinjack.
- By Ide, Strait Deal (12/1) checks in as the moist lightly raced entrant (9 starts). The 4YO filly reeled off three straight ALW victories (2 @ 10f too) following her MSW score. Interesting longshot from on or near the lead — but she’d need a big SP# lead to upset the faves. Races for 2642 stable.
Snowchief’s Picks:
Win: Kill Bill (class of field at the moment)
Place: Neighborhood
Show: Redstorm Rocket or Strait Deal
Good luck to all.