Stuffed Purses Never Too Full

A mile and three eighths
Fast Dirt
$85,000
Fillies and mares, 3 years old and up

A group of ten ladies (actually Fillies and Mares- but play along for a second) will be spending the weekend in Louisiana.  It is not a shopping spree, or a N.O.W. convention, that has drawn their attention to Cajun Downs.  Instead, an eleven furlong trip over the dirt has been the enticing reason for showing up.  A quick review of racing records and purse money earned will tell you that this field is comprised of some successful runners, and each will have the hope and desire to add a few more dollars to their bag.

It is a practice of mine to at least mention the former sim runner that the stakes event so honors: Boulder Apple is a nine year old mare that ran seventy times during her simulated career.  That is getting your moneys worth considering that she was an offspring of a breeding combination that, when heard, creates very little expectations (Argosy x Gilded Age).  See What I Mean! 

As for the 2005 Field for the Boulder Apple Stakes:

Sadler’s Wells x Irish Rivers

She is the 2^nd ranked older filly and mare on the dirt in the “Long” division.  Career wise- she has 13 wins in twenty-six starts, and enters this event on a two race winning streak.  Her strength is her ability to assume the lead from the outset and establish an early pace that allows her to finish strong.  SILLY MUMMY(GB) is probably the lone opponent that can be expected to apply competition for the pace setting role.  LAKEHOUSE ships in from a gate to wire win that covered the 11 furlongs in 2:16 3/5.  She will be the one to watch and how easy she goes early on may mean trouble for others at the end.

Forty Niner x Clever Trick

SOMETHINGLIKETHAT ran a disappointing eight lengths back in her last outing, but a wet track (“good”) made for a reasonable excuse.   She was much more impressive in her winning trip at the same distance (as of this race) two races back.   I would expect her to be just off the lead and pressuring the two expected pace setters. 

Distorted Humor x Slewacide

Winner of three of four, she likes the distance, and should be one of the runners moving forward in the stretch.  She comes in as the race favorite, and deserves the pre-race attention.  I would expect her to be position in a good stalking position, and a clean trip may open the right door for her to enter through. 

Indian Danehill x Poliglote(GB)

Won an allowance event the LTO, and that performance prompt her return to stakes competition.  The lone stakes winner in the last five years for Indian Danehill,  Ownership and jockey will be hoping for a pace that will wear down the front runners and a running position that will always her the opportunity to move forward in the stretch.  .

Mull of Kintyre x Western Symphony(AUS)

A low cost breeding session that resulted in a nice gain.  This five year old mare has returned to the ownership over $240,000 in purse earnings.  One may begin to wonder if after 32 starts, this mare is not beginning to show some signs of slowing down.  Her last few performances makes it difficult to see her in the picture at the wire.

Kayf Tara(GB) x Kingmambo

She has looked real good in a winning stakes trip one race back.  She will probably have to battle LAKEHOUSE for the early position on the lead.  The distance may be close to her limits, and any early battle up front make wear her down. Only three, but won a stakes event against an older field the LTO. 

Cat Thief x Graustark

Ran a mile and one-sixteenth race last time out, and ran out of real estate before she could get into the money.  But, one must note, she knows where the money is as she has been in- the money twenty two of 32 starts.  One does not win over half a million dollars in purse money without talent, and determination.  Usually, she likes to settle well back and make one run to the front late.  Her actual position may be determined on how much of a battle SILLY MUMMY(GB) and LAKEHOUSE gets into early on.

Street Cry(IRE) x Forty Niner

A quick look at her past performances and one could be influenced that this mare is not a serious threat.  However, looking at the fine print, she has participated in seven started graded stakes events, so her finishes is better justified.  She is stepping back in class, and ownership is hoping for a return to the form that won the Winterthur Oaks (grade I) late in 2004.  She is closing in on the one million plateau in earnings..

Kurofune x Foolish Pleasure

An allowance win in a convincing manner, led to a return to stakes competition.   She is another entry with an impressive earnings total ($553,910).  She is a late charger, and I don’t see her rushing into the picture.  A good pace, and traffic free trip will be necessary for her.

Red Ransom x Machiavellian

A millionaire at the age of four is star quality.  Much of her success came during her 2004 three years old racing season- when she captured two consecutive grade I events.  She is still dangerous, but her performance in 2005 lessens her expectations.

Overall this a very experience field with much success listed on their resumes.  Some of the competitors may be on their way downward, while others like LAKEHOUSE still look fresh and strong.

My selections are: FORTY NINER TEARS(IRE)   LAKEHOUSE     FUENGIROLA –deajai