Class Ack Juvenile (Bargain Series)
Oh to be a young bargain juvenile out on the town. Not much is expected of you after all you cost less than 100 bps and are from the wrong side of the simulated tracks. This interesting field of 14 has outrun their expectations and made it here today to the biggest of bargain stages the Class Ack Juvenile Stakes. Last year’s champ filly Misallocation was brilliant winning by nearly 3 lengths with the greatest of ease. She used victory here as a springboard for top 2yo bargain honors and has gone on to have another brilliant campaign at 3. Will similar glory await someone in today’s field?
1.Otara Fondle – 2 yr old mare by Foreplay (Danehill) started strong debuting with a win at 5f in a 41k MSW in New Zealand. She followed that up with a stakes placing next out but has failed to progress after that sensational start. Clearly has talent but will have to seek others proven at today’s distance.
2. Celestial Reward – Ed’s Heliostatic colt has 2 wins in 4 lifetime races including a standout win in the Sanford Park Stakes. His failure to fire last out at today’s distance in the Winchester is a big concern but something tells me this colt is going to rebound big time. Perhaps lebo will get his long coveted Bargain Bowl win today.
3. Deja Kip – Knightmare’s Tizdejavu colt is 1-1 having debuted successfully in Texas in off track conditions. Has a running style that is intriguing for today’s race and a solid 5X5 Northern Dancer nick in his pedigree. What’s not to like?
4. Big Ol Gal – 2-2 on the grass and a disaster on dirt. Zman claimed this mare for 4k last out and looks to seal her 3rd win on the grass. Would make a remarkable story for Bargain lore and if she takes to routing its not outside the realm of possibilities.
5. Draftnik – Foxon’s Desert Style colt is a speedball who has 2 wins in five lifetime races including a nice showing in the Sanford Park where he led until being run down late. He should be setting the pace early but unless he finds another level he will have a tough time turning the table on rivals who have already bested him.
6. Bullet or a Knife – Another Foxon entrant this one has interesting nicks those being 5X5 to Northern Dancer and 5X5 to Vilmorin. Colt ran a strong 2nd last out in a bargie allowance race so earned his ticket here today with that showing.
7. Tortuga Club – Kayf Tara colt is still a maiden and that is asking a lot in today’s contest. Has hit the board two times in 6 lifetime races but is a pretty big longshot today.
8. I’M NO KNIGHTMARE – Smartly named by regular bargain trainer Hawkz this colt has a decent 2nd in his lone race but the speed figure of 56 will need major improvement to factor today.
9. Otara Iglesias – Cleverly named colt by English sire Enrique he debuted with a spectacular win against bargain peers in early July. Failed to fire last out in the Sanford Park and it is unknown how he will take to the route of ground here today. How this one will fair only Hawkz knows.
10. Aqlaam to Fame – Two year old mare has run a hard campaign with 9 lifetime races under her belt. She has but one win to her credit but does have 7 ITM placings including a strong 2nd last out in the big Winchester prep. It would not surprise me if her seasoning aids her cause here today and she again finds the board.
11. Glorious Detail – Mare by Gloria De Campeo ran an eye popper last out clearing the field by 2 ¼ and running an 82 speed figure in the process. That figure puts her in the mix today and she should be on or near the lead early. Main question for her connections is does she like 8f? She has tried the distance twice early in her career and seemed to prefer shorter thus far.
12. Slinging Tradition – Colt thrived in breaking his maiden at 8f two back with a 79 speed figure. Did not progress next out finishing a flat 4th in the Winchester so he is going to have to up his game to turn the tables here today.
13. Otara Saga – Filly by Aussie sire Real Saga has 1 win in 3 lifetime starts. That win came last out at a mile with a 65 speed figure and in a full field of 16. That win proves she is one of the better bargains out there but she will have to find another level to prove it again today.
14.Ruleman – Colt by Deadly Storm is the most intriguing story in today’s race and that is why I will be pulling for him today. Colt was smartly claimed by Benji Get Gowans for 2500 in July and was promptly thrust into the Bargain Series. That resulted in a 2nd in the Sanford Park and a smashing win in the Winchester. Another solid effort today will earn this colt a season ending Bargain award.
Prediction:
Bargain races are always a bit tough to predict by I will box the 2/14 and expect the 11 to round out the trifecta. Good luck to everyone who has a horse in the Bargain Bowl events.