The Diana Trail Only Draws Four
The Diana Trail
Grade II
A mile and three eighths
Firm Turf
$250,000
Fillies and mares, 3 years old
Welcome to the third running of The Diana Trail here in Germany. A year ago we watched Ketaring charge from eight lengths back to crush the field with a three length win, in her first ever graded score. She parlayed that win into a monster summer that culminated with a Breeders Bowl win later in the year. Could one of our four talented fillies use this year’s race as a similar springboard?
Let’s meet our field!
Post 1: Muy Duro (KY) – mtk3man – T Small rides – 3/5 odds
Smart Strike x Danehill x Sadler’s Wells
Career record: 3: 2-0-1 $124,320
The odds makers have made this well bred filly the opening line favorite. Never off the board in three tries, Muy Duro used her late closing kick to score a win in the Grade III-The Penelope Cruz last time out. Should score second graded win this trip.
Post 2: Grandmaster Flash (KY) – aggots – M Spencer rides – 3/1 odds
Smart Jones x Giant’s Causeway x Mineshaft
Career record: 10: 2-2-2 $60,280
Graded placed on the dirt as a three year old, Grandmaster Flash has yet to hit the board in two previous turf tries. Should have enough to add another graded place to her resume, but will need big improvement to score first graded win even in this short field.
Post 3: Roseberry (GB) – arminarm – E Bernstein rides – 2/1 odds
Pivotal (GB) x Sadler’s Wells x Seeking The Gold
Career record: 9: 3-1-2 $87,790
This will be the first time in graded company, having not even run listed stakes to date. She has scored five straight in the money in allowance races, spending most of that time in the local breds. Has the speed, likes the distance and if she can handle the class jump will be a major upset threat.
Post 4: English Rock (KY) – exit12farm – J Walsh rides – 8/1 odds
English Channel x Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE) x Rainbow Quest
Career record: 8: 3-2-1 $87,614
English Rock will also be making her first graded try, but lacks the flashy speed figures of Roseberry. Also successful in the allowance ranks, she has mainly competed in short fields of four horses of late. Lowest top speeds in the race, but could surprise.
Expect Grandmaster Flash to take the early lead with English Rock in tow. I expect Muy Duro & Roseberry to overtake both at the beginning of the stretch and turning it into a two horse duel with Muy Duro pulling away for the win. I also like English Rock to beat out Grandmaster Flash for third … so I will be betting $100 on the 1, 3, 4 trifecta.