Preview – Los Angeles Turf Cup
A deep but select field of eight is set to compete in the Los Angeles Turf Cup-G1, going 1 1\/2 miles over the firm California course.
Gran Torino<\/B> is the most accomplished horse in the field, having already won at the G1 level. The son of Danehill Dancer was last seen at this track when he was an even sixth in the Breeders’ Bowl. Don’t be fooled by that off the board performance – the mtkplaz3<\/I> trainee still posted a 112 SF in defeat. The five year old loves this distance, having won the Sword Swallower-G1 this summer with a 109 SF. Consistently fires in the 105+ range and should be flying late under Kelly’s expert guidance. Outside post should keep him clear of traffic early.
The other G1 winner in the field is Zamin Zayraba<\/B>. The lanky grey won the Classic Turf Stakes-G1 at this distance two starts back with a 109 SF, before finishing a good second in the Carlton Fisk-G2. The son of Zamindar is relatively new on the graded stakes circuit; trainer belafonte<\/I> made a smart pickup last summer. The four year old won several starter allowances easily, then took to stakes and this summer, to the graded level. Should be rolling along early, and looking to hold off the late charge of the closers in the finish. Game speedster has GD Mate aboard, and looks to be the lone speed in the race. Offers some real value at 6\/1, and is a must include in any exotic bets.
Roseberry<\/B> is the lone filly in the race, but looks like she fits right in. The daughter of Pivotal was second in both the Oaks de English-G1 and the Irish Oaks-G1 last season. She went off form over the winter, but arminarm<\/I> has been patient with the talented bay, rebuilding her confidence through several allowances, and last time out, she proved she was really back, scoring a stakes win with a 110 SF. On her best day, the four year old will be in the hunt, and should be rating just behind Zamin Zayraba. If he falters, she’ll have the jump on the rest of the field in picking up the pieces.
Another Heartbreak<\/B> takes on his elders Saturday. The son of Galileo has started just 10 times, but has already defeated older horses, gutting out a head victory in the Cities Cup-G2 last time out. Interestingly, his half-brother, Stay in Orbit, is a graded stakes winner sprinting on the dirt, and has yet to try the lawn. The colt has placed in two graded stakes at this distance for eminc2<\/I> and still has room to improve. Lots to like at 9\/2, and top jockey R Harzheim gets the assignment.
Chasing Saldana<\/B> defeated Zamin Zayraba last time out in the Carlton Fisk, skipping away to a 4 3\/4 length win and a 107 SF. The buckchuck<\/I> trainee has been on a roll, wining four straight stakes, all by 3 1\/2 or more. The son of Dalakhani likes to come from way off the pace, so he’ll be flying out of the final turn. Looks to continue his rise up the ranks of the best turf routers here.
Lay1<\/I> is both the owner and breeder of Whatchoicedoihave<\/B>. The handsome dark bay was a disappointing fifth behind Zamin Zayraba in the Classic last time out, and has been out of action for the past two months, possibly recuperating from an injury. Prior to that, the son of Redoute’s Choice was victorious in the Shimko Classic-G2. His connections had to be doing a raindance – Choice has a 4-3-1-0 record over an off-track, but alas, the race came up firm. Yet another entrant who will be doing his best running in the final quarter mile. Classy closer fits in with this bunch.
Johnny Hates Jazz<\/B> has not yet won a graded stakes, but he has only had three opportunities at this level. Ceclaim1<\/I> has been remarkably patient with this homebred son of Montjeu. The colt has steadily worked his way through his conditions, then made his stakes debut a winning one back in June. Since then, he has finished third in two graded stakes, most recently in the Narrow Land-G3 at this distance (109 SF). Speed figures are competitive with this bunch, and the main knock against him is that he, like the majority of the field, is a come from the clouds closer, so the pace scenario isn’t the best. Still, he is capable of pulling off the mild surprise and graduating to the ranks of G1 winner this weekend.
Rounding out the field is darthclay’s<\/I> Yes Everlasting<\/B> who sports a victory against maiden claimers, and has yet to break into the 80 SFs. Seems ambitiously placed here. Good luck to the horses and their connections!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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