Smallest Field Ever – Ok Well Not EVER..
Dell Web Oaks
Grade I
A mile and one eighth
Firm Turf
$400,000
Fillies and mares, 3 years old
Ok I lied – not the smallest field ever but reasonably small particularly for a G1 race and that is excellent news for these runners as they ALL now have every chance of getting a win or placing at this level now. Should be a good race – let’s see who the runners are…
1 INTOXICATING(ENG)
Record: 16-4-5-2
Owner: foxon2
Jockey: F Gossett
Odds: 2/1
The favourite on the tote anyway for this race in what is really a small field is this 3yo mare out of New Approach(IRE). The sire had an outstanding first up year last year in terms of Stakes and Group runners and coupled with A.P. Indy and Northern Dancer this mare certainly looks well bred. Can she run though? No good being well bred and well dressed if you cant run for tuppence. She can run though and her last few runs on turf certainly prove that. Coming off a win at G2 level over 8.5 furlongs and a speed of 105. Very consistent girl this one with a recent record of a 2nd, third and 4th placing all at G1 level. So here she is again trying to get that elusive G1 win and she has an excellent chance today. Worth backing as she will probably bring this one in today.
2 BOISCOOL(KY)
Record: 13-6-4-1
Owner: boble14
Jockey: M Staples
Odds: 5/2
Second favourite of the race although its such a small field everyone is pretty close in terms of who can win this one. With her best speed to date being a 102 which she gained in consecutive runs at G1 level culminating in both a 2nd and 3rd placing she has every chance of taking this out as well here today. Out of War Chant, she loves the distance and turf and looks ready to pounce and in form here. Also coming off a win last run at Stakes level. Likes to lead and hold on this one so should be a tussle out front to see who can grab and hold the lead. Ego thing. You understand 🙂
3 PYE US TRANSIT(ENG)
Record: 14-4-6-1
Owner: sheeba
Jockey: M Dorsey
Odds: 5/1
Out of Medicean (GB) is in excellent form at Allowance level. Has been getting some good placings and wins at this level and performing very consistently. Has tried a few times at Group level now with mixed results. Typically her record goes something like this… Allowance race, Group Race, Allowance Race, Group Race, etc… She has some good results at Group level including a 2nd in a G2 and also another 2nd placing at G3 level. she also has some miserable results at this grade including a 10th and fading 2 runs back and an 8th and fading back in May. That said this is another Group race and she just had her bad run 2 runs back. So I think she will be up and running here and be very competitive in the run to the line. Don’t discount her although she will need some extra speed to take this out.
4 BICHITA GRAMERA(JPN)
Record: 11-7-2-0
Owner: bichitos
Jockey: A Lewis
Odds: 3/1
Out of Deep Impact and in fine or so very fine form after 3 wins in a row all at G3 level and with ever increasing speed ratings of 100, 102 and 105. Those 3 wins were all over 9 furlongs so she looks in excellent touch to come in here and have a chance at G1 level today. She did run in a G1 race back in February but got nothing out of it but the trainer has put her in here at the right moment with form and speed that she is now getting. Every chance today – hopefully can step up and take this one.
5 SIOUX CELEBRE(ENG)
Record: 8-3-3-0
Owner: jessimare
Jockey: F Griffen
Odds: 7/1
Also out of New Approach(IRE), there is another runner here with this sire. Had been performing in the mid 80’s to 90’s in terms of speed all the way until June and was getting consistent results at Allowance level but nothing over the top you know. Her last run was also at Allowance but she won convincingly over 8.5 furlongs and with a speed of 101. She will need to top that speedwise again here now making a start at Graded racing but what impressed me most about her last run was she came from the rear of the field and really powered across the line. Plenty of talent and class there – she could surprise even though she is technically the longshot of the race. 7/1 odds ha!
6 BOPULLSAFRICA(KY)
Record: 11-4-1-2
Owner: boble13
Jockey: M Billig
Odds: 5/1
Out of Pulpit!!! and by Danehill and Sharpen Up. I can only dream to have sires like that in my stable. Eh maybe I should do more than just dream. No matter. Her last run was a beauty at Stakes level finishing strongly in 3rd place and with a speed of 102 over 8 furlongs. Longer here and rightly so as she really looked like she wanted a fair bit of extra distance as she was still 2 lengths behind the winner in her last race. She did run in a G1 race 2 runs ago but was nowhere near the pace so hopefully the pressure and excitement of being here again doesn’t get to her and she just focuses and runs well like she can. Every chance with such a small field of an upset or similar.