Shiny Gem(G2) winner Vindiana Jones faces elders, distance
Montana– Shiny Gem(G2) hero Vindiana Jones brings his pacesetting talent to Montana this week in the $40,000 Roo Crowning Bonanza. The sophomore not only faces older horses for the very first time, but he also stretches out to the macho 12-furlong distance……..
Vindiana Jones (9/5) came into his own over the late springtime. By Vindication, peeps6’s colt was a possible upset starter versus the top sophomores in the 10f Princess Cup(G2). The colt had blossomed into the listed ranks previously, but wound up finishing sixth in the big race. The effort didn’t keep the pacesetter down — he placed in a Grade 3 afterwards before springing quite a mousetrap in the Shiny Gem(G2). The colt won the 9f photo — he’s since tired a bit in the Winchester Derby(G2) over the same distance. Granted, Vindiana Jones hasn’t been past 10f — that Princess Cup came over an off track though, but he does display some appreciation for the sloppy surface. Hmmm……. kind of a flip of the coin here then. He’s the class of the bunch, but he’s up against the distance. I think this is too much of a gamble.
Instead, look elsewhere with one of the three accomplished 12f-type runners:
- Layeguada’s Kursaal (7/2) hasn’t won much (4 for 30 lifetime), but manages to stay quite consistent. The 4YO A.P. Indy colt closed well to earn some honest cheques recently in 13f+ marathon listed stakes. Could appreciate the cutback in distance — don’t know if he can run down this short field, but has a shot if he’s on target with a good afternoon gallop. Sleeper.
- Ozzy sends out a 4YO filly who clearly enjoys this distance: Black Wood Nymph (4/1). The Black Minnaloushe speedster wired a 12f field two back and just missed over 11f LTO. Has the SP#s to upset the boys. Unfortunately, she’s gonna face the tough sophomore pacesetter Seeking Pie, who appears quite talented. Outside shot at the board. Tremendously useful filly though … not a lot of true female marathoners in the game. 🙂
- Here’s your winner: jefahl’s Seeking Pie (3/1). The sophomore colt by Seeking The Gold has loads of stamina in female family (Theatrical(IRE)). And, boy, he sure needed the ground. After faring so-so at a flat mile, his trainer got him some much needed distance schooling in ALWs. The result: victories at 10f (100 SP#) and 12f stakes score versus his age group (106 SP#). Excellent chance if he can overcome pace pressure from Black Wood Nymph.
The rest of the field:
- Turf specialist Myvan (6/1) can stay 10f over his surface. Wild spot for the Rainbow Quest 4YO — a lot to ask coming from his preferred surface. Not much of a chance.
- Finally, blueangels sends out longshot Seascone (10/1). The former starter ALWer enjoys the marathons, and, quite frankly, deserves a chance at the stakes ranks after exhausting his conditions. A board placing at best for this 4YO though with those SP#s.
Snowchief’s Picks:
Win: Seeking Pie (wire to wire possibly; one to watch!)
Place: Kursaal
Show: Black Wood Nymph
Good luck to all.