Cryptolightning Bonanza attracts seven youngsters
West Virginia– Seven freshmen colts gather for the $40,000 Cryptolightning Bonanza over 7.5 furlongs. The main track was substantially soaked over the week, but dried out enough for Saturday’s ‘good’ rating. It’s a pretty even field loaded with speed…….
On the rail, Soris (3/1) makes his main track debut. The Kingmambo son began his career well enough with zippy MSW and ALW scores (both times as the pacesetter). The speedster regressed a tad after finishing third when duelling on the lead in his 8f stakes bow. After getting outrun down the lane in the Omnipotent Juvenile(G3), trainer gattaca tests Soris over the sandy surface for the first time. Litmus test then for this classy colt — can go either way.
The Strong Hope colt Gran Hope (9/2) checks in for lbgong stable. This guy zipped off his first two outings in fine wire to wire style. He also faltered disappointingly in his stakes bow, a decent 4th in the Die Arse Die(G3). Honest chance and should fare better with this group.
Super1’s Soul War (7/1) tackles the 3-hole. By Vindication, the colt boasts a promising 8f ALW score…. but has had mixed results from two outings at the stakes level. Improving closer hopes to reap the benefits from a prospective speed duel. Good shot if he can step forward.
From post 4, Pegs ‘R Us (3/1) presides as the lone stakes winner in the field. By Fusaichi Pegasus, the colt rebounded after a poor graded stakes showing to capture the Prophetic Son at Tennesee. That effort was over Satuday’s distance of 7.5f too with an 86 SP#. Should knock heads with fellow speedsters Soris and Gran Hope — good shot if he can somehow outwrestle those rivals.
2ofus’ Maple Leaf (8/1) claims post # 5. The Stravinsky youngster must’ve shocked his trainer when he bagged his 4th career MSW outing: a 90 SP# wire-to-wire romp where he led by as many as 7 lengths! Alas, the speedster was pressed next time out in his stakes bow, and ultimately tired. Will find himself in the same circumstances Saturday. Must bring his running shoes.
Yet another speedster in post #6 : dundey7’s The Curse Lives (8/1). The Boston Harbor colt boasts two wins from 7 outings. He tested 8.5f LTO and fared well despite being pressed in the early going, finishing second. He’s a game little fellow…. but again, this group’s loaded with speed. Outside chance.
Finally, the Gone West royal bred Dead Alley Driver (3/1) breaks from the far outside. His pedigree is so impressive that trainer sdmf5 sent him straight to the stakes ranks. The colt displayed some promise too — he rallied in a 4-horse field to finsih third with a 76 SP# over 7f. If he can step forward, handling the off track, the closer’s in a good spot to show us his mettle with all the speed up front. One to watch.
Snowchief’s Picks:
Win: Dead Alley Driver (I’ll go with the closers over the speedster frazzle)
Place: Soul Of War
Show: Pegs ‘R Us
Good luck to all.