The Stayers Dash
Welcome to another exciting day of racing here in Japan. The headline feature today is the running of the Grade II Stayers’ Dash. The race has a mix of proven veterans and those looking to have their names raised to the upper echelon of the sim. Let’s take a look at the field to race this marathon distance of a mile and three quarters over a firm turf course:
In post one we find RED FOG (3-1). This five year old horse is sent out by trainer/breeder bigspruce and is looking to defend his crown as the winner of this event last year. He was given a couple months off after tailing off towards the end of last year, but came back with a nice second going longer last time out. He does his best running when sitting just off of the leaders and pouncing in the stretch. They may all be seeing red at the finish.
Breaking from post two will be the aptly named BLAZING NOBILITY (4/1). A five year old by Noble Causeway that has the tools to take this field wire-to-wire. Trainer megablaze will be asking jockey Hudson to try and nurse his speed for as long as possible. He has excelled at distances up to a mile but has struggled when going longer. The talent is there however and will need a repeat effort of his win two starts back when winning the G2 Mile Championship.
FUTURE DREAM (5/2) breaks from post three and will have the services of one of the top riders on the circuit K. Ledwith. Trainer/breeder kevoman2 had an excellent campaign with this son of A.P. Indy last year, highlighted with a win in the G1 Canada Turf. Any questions of his ability to handle this distance were answered last out when taking the two mile G3 Diamond Stakes. A versatile horse that can be placed anywhere in the race but does his best running on or near the front end. May have them all in dream land late.
In post four we have GRAN TORINO (IRE) (11/1). The four year old scratch bred son of Danehill Dancer (IRE) appears to be one of the dark horses in the field. His wins have come vs. allowance company only but does appear to be getting good at the right time. The best strategy here would be to be to drop back and make one big run at the leaders. If he does win here, trainer mtkplaz3 will be telling everyone to “GET OFF MY LAWN”.
Breaking out of post five we find STRAY DOG (IRE) (7/1). It has taken some time for this five year old son of High Chaparral (IRE) to find his way to the top. Trainer flemington was rewarded for his patience last year when beating down all opponents in the G1 The Jockey’s Weapon. He has a win at this distance already in his career and is one that I feel will improve going longer. You can never underestimate a G1 winner. On his best he may make the field his fire hydrant today.
KARMA POLICE (15/1) is in post six today. You too could have had this six year old son of El Prado (IRE) as he was claimed three starts back by current trainer deuce2. It has been a whirlwind career so far for Karma, he has changed hands more than a water bottle on a hockey bench! Some of his biggest scores have come going long on the dirt, so distance isn’t the question. It may be a case here of he’s given all he can but it’s not enough.
In post seven is GALILAYO (IRE) (5/1). This four year old son of Galileo (IRE) has been like a fine wine, getting better with age. He topped off last year with a big win for trainer goldsmith against his fellow jokers in the Comedy Central Turf going a mile and a half. His running style should fit perfectly in here and should be sitting just in behind the leaders. His numbers say he certainly belongs here and gets a nod of approval from me. He could be a star in the making here.
Breaking from post eight is SOLAR PANELS (14/1). It took a while for squirrel4 to figure out exactly what this son of A.P. Indy wanted to do. Around this time last year the lights went on and he reeled off four straight wins. He showed what he can become when finishing a close second to the one above in the CC Turf two starts back. I wouldn’t hold his last race against him as it was his first start back off of layoff. He’s charged up and ready to go.
Last but not least in post nine we have STONE COLONY (22/1). This four year old colt by Birdstone has run only one bad race since breaking his maiden last May. His speed figures are on the light side but he did run an excellent race last out. Trainer jessimare has campaigned this one well so far as he has been a mark of consistency. Distance should not be an issue as he has been running on late at shorter distances. The “stone” cold closer of the field will try to be heard late.
Best wishes for success for all of the runners in here. My picks are 7-1-3.
On a non sim note let’s all give a quick prayer to the people in Japan and all that they are dealing with.