Seven for the G2 Hamburg Hall
The Hamburg Hall
Grade II
A mile and three quarters
Fast Dirt
$250,000
All horses, 3 years old and up
The Hamburg Hall features 7 colts and geldings going the marathon distance of 14 furlongs on a fast dirt surface. The two favorites have been racing on turf in their last few, so can an upset occur?
PP #1 Kor Mon-Maria’s Mon x Sadler’s Wells x Affirmed, 5-2 with E Bernstein up (19%)
Stable: Blueriband Stables (NA)
This 5yo son of Maria’s Mon has been on the board in all of his starts for his current trainer. He was bought via the auction about a year ago. Two back he made a return to the turf in the Big City Handicap at 13 furlongs. He took a small lead early, and improved his lead at every call, winning by 3 ½ with a 102 speed. Last out, he participated in the G2 Paris Counsel at 12 furlongs, also on turf. He had the lead again, and took a 7 length lead coming around the turn, he held off the closers to win by 2 ¼ with a 110 speed. He’ll probably have the lead, and it might be tough to catch this tough old horse.
PP #2 Irius- Awesome Again x Galileo x Pulpit, 6-1 with B Floyd up (10.8%)
Stable: Rafa Stables (Hispano Parlante)
This colt had three big races in a row, an allowance in June, a listed in July, and then he took a G3 in August, but in his last two he has really fallen off form. Two back after a big win in G3 company, he tried the G1 Monster Mash at 14 furlongs. He broke in mid pack, and was just never a factor, finishing 10th beaten more than 20. Last out as the 5-2 favorite in the G3 Kegstand at two miles, he again threw in a clunker. He sat off the pace in the small field of 5, and started his retreat at about the 5/8 pole. He finished last, again beaten more than 20. Will be 3rd or 4th early, but I just don’t see it happening.
PP #3 Not So Cheap-Forestry x Pulpit x Gone West, 5-2 with B Ilo up (8.7%)
Stable: Desertfox Stables (MIDAS)
This 5yo Forestry colt has earned more than 2.6 million in his 39 race career, but he has only raced on dirt in 4 of those 39 races. His most recent dirt start came in mid July. As the 8-5 favorite in the Flygroom’s Goldie at 16 furlongs, he lagged behind early. He started to make his move coming around the turn. He came with a good rally, but just couldn’t get up, beaten 2 ¾. Last out in the G3 Royal Oak at 16 furlongs on the lawn, he was the heavy favorite of six. He broke in mid pack, and got up under the wire to win by 1 ¼. A good shot, but not sure he’s a dirt horse.
PP #4 Stormy Affairs-Colonial Affair x Storm Cat x Unbridled, 8-1 with C Strehl up (10.1%)
Stable: Simply…..Super (Delpenn National)
This Colonial Affair 4yo’s last three races have all been 9 furlong allowances. So, 5 less furlongs than what he’s doing in this one. In all he has finished on the board, two being wins. Last out in an allowance he closed from last in a ten horse field. He moved within 5 lengths going around the turn, and got up to win by a head. His race four back in August at 12 furlongs was an impressive win. As the favorite, he closed from last in the short field to win by 3 ¾. He will be towards or rear or bringing up the rear early, and I just don’t think he has the class to compete.
PP #5 Mescalito-Monsun x Empire Maker x Northern Dancer, 8-1 with T Small up (25.9%)
Stable: Desjet- Home of Graded Winner Mescalito (Seriously? Nice stable name) (Blazing Saddles)
This improving Monsun 3yo has won four of his last five races. He faced elders for the first time last time out. After a prep on soft turf, he went gate to wire taking G3 Kegstand at 16 furlongs. He broke well, and took a small lead. He opened up the lead to three lengths going around the turn, and won in hand by 5. He earned a 103 speed figure. This win made his record at 12 furlongs+ 3 for 3. Four back, he earned his highest speed to date taking the Ezekiel’s Preacher at 11 furlongs. He went gate to wire in that one too, winning by 3 ¼ with a 106 speed. He’ll be sitting right off the lead early, and he probably won’t win, but look out for him next year.
PP #6 Corin-Arch x Sadler’s Wells x Atlantian, 9-2 with J Walsh up (12.7%)
Stable: Bush League Stables (Bargain Bred Racing Series)
One of the three 3yos in the field. He is out of the G2 winner Cair Paravel. This Arch colt raced in the G1 Jockey Guild Gold Cup last out. At 15-1, he trailed for a while before passing tiring horses to finish 10th beaten 22. His most impressive race to date was two back when he was 2nd in the G1 Travelers. He broke last, but started to improve his position going down the backstretch. He flew late, but could only get 2nd, beaten 2. He earned a 110 speed. His longest race on dirt, took place three back against elders in the Predator. He made a good close to get 3rd, beaten less than six; he was given a 109 speed. A good shot, but not sure he will have enough pace to run at.
PP #7 A.P. Assault-Stephen Got Even x Storm Cat x Broad Brush, 9-2 with A Shove up (11%)
Stable: Kingman Racing Syndicate (Empire State Racing)
This Stephen Got Even colt, who’s hemare was a stakes winner, tried turf for the first time last time out. Another 3yo who is a closer here. As a long shot, he galloped around in mid pack early. He started to move at the 3/8 pole, and came with a good rally, but just couldn’t get up, finishing 2nd beaten 2 ½. Two back, he raced in an allowance at 11 furlongs against his own age. He galloped behind early, but took the lead at the 3rd call. He moved away late to win by 2 ¼. He earned a 110 speed figure. He will be behind early, and will be coming with a rally in the late stages.
Morning Line: 1-3-6-7
Gowans: 1-5-6-7
A good contentious race, should be a good one! Good luck to all connections!!