It will be a cold winter day on Saturday in New York as 12 distance runners will look to take victory in THE BIG APPLE(G1) with a total purse of $750,000.<\/p>\n
While a few passing snow showers will eventually clear out by post time, a fast track will await the competitors who will be running a distance of 14 furlongs.<\/p>\n
This race will feature some of the best long distance racers in the Sim, some of whom met one another in THE BREEDERS BOWL DIRT MARATHON (G1) their last run.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s take a look at the field:<\/p>\n
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1) EASY RIDE <\/b>(13-1)<\/b><\/p>\n
4yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
22 – 9 – 4 – 3 (.727) – $359,164<\/p>\n
Jockey: P Harzheim<\/p>\n
Owner: lawnbowler<\/b><\/p>\n
CANDY RIDE x EASY GOER x UNFUWAIN<\/p>\n
By lawnbowler<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
A winner in his last two events at the open allowance level adding to his total of five for 2016. It looks as though he did not have to overexert himself in those last two contests both run over off tracks in New Mexico. Therefore, look for the colt to be fresh heading into this race taking his second career shot in a grade one race.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
2) CRYNAFORMER <\/b>(13\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
4yoBay Colt<\/p>\n
15 – 5 – 3 – 3 (.733) – $248,246<\/p>\n
Jockey: S L Ledwith<\/p>\n
Owner: durkastan4<\/b><\/p>\n
STREET CRY x DYNAFORMER x STORM BIRD<\/p>\n
By durkastan<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
He has yet to threaten yet at the graded level, but does have some impressive wins at long distances.\u00a0 His experience at this level is a plus, and there is certainly a breakthrough race in every horse of this class. The son of STREET CRY could certainly be the surprise package in this event.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
3) SLIP OF THE TOUNGE <\/b>(9\/2)<\/b><\/p>\n
5yo Light Grey Horse<\/p>\n
17 – 8 – 4 – 1 (.765) – $924,369<\/p>\n
Jockey: M Kelly<\/p>\n
Owner: mtkfever<\/b><\/p>\n
UNBRIDLED\u2019S SONG x SEATTLE SLEW x ALYDAR<\/p>\n
By mtkfever <\/b>in Kentucky<\/p>\n
Scored a resounding win in the BREEDERS BOWL DIRT MARATHON (G1) by 3 1\/2 lengths after opening up an even more impressive lead in the middle portion of the race. Now a good number of his rivals in BB Marathon are looking to take another crack at the champ here in the Big Apple. He is familiar with the track winning here back in June in the CROOKLYN HANDICAP (G2). The odds makers are certainly respecting his recent victory and success in New York installing him as the second co-favorite.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
4) LIMESTONE <\/b>(12\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
12 – 6 – 4 – 0 (.833) – $317,615<\/p>\n
Jockey: C Matas<\/p>\n
Owner: newmarket5<\/b><\/p>\n
MALIBU MOON x PLEASANT COLONLY x SIR IVOR<\/p>\n
By newmarket5<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
Limestone will enter the gate in the Big Apple on the heels of a four race win streak. Now making the trip across the Atlantic his last win came in Ireland\u2019s, THE KEGSTAND (G3), run over two miles on the dirt, back in late October. We will see how the colt responds to his first contest facing grade one company.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
5) DIGITAL DECEPTION <\/b>(30\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
10 – 5 -2 – 1 (.800) – $207,936<\/p>\n
Jockey: R Radzinski<\/p>\n
Owner: durkastan4<\/b><\/p>\n
STREET CRY x DYNAFORMER x STORM BIRD<\/p>\n
By durkastan<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
The sophomore son of allowance-winning mare, DIGITAL DELUSION, holds a very stout record for early in his career. However, he has only jumped into action above the allowance level just once. Give him credit, he has shown he can raise to the level of his competition as his percentage indicates.<\/p>\n
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6) LITTLE COLUMN B <\/b>(7\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
5yo Bay Horse<\/p>\n
28 – 13 – 5 – 5 (.821) – $3,145,140<\/p>\n
Jockey: K Banner<\/p>\n
Owner: pbcash1<\/b><\/p>\n
ADMIRE MOON x SEATTLE SLEW x SILENT SCREEN<\/p>\n
By lenny6 <\/b>in Japan<\/p>\n
The 2015 BREEDERS BOWL DIRT MARATHON champion is looking to bounce back from a disappointing showing in the 2016 edition finishing 14th. Prior to that, he was riding high after a win in THE MONSTER MASH (G1) in Spain back in mid-September. He has shown remarkable consistency over his career, and his previous start is hopefully just a minor setback. At 7\/1, he is certainly worth a look for bettors looking to cash in, especially if he is able to find his stride.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
7) MEGA JUNGLE <\/b>(odds)<\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Roan Colt<\/p>\n
18 – 8 – 2 – 2 (.667) – $314,445<\/p>\n
Jockey:<\/p>\n
Owner: purse77<\/b><\/p>\n
MEDAGLIA D\u2019ORO x DROSSELMEYER x STORM CAT<\/p>\n
By purse77<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
The descendant of allowance winner, JACK TO A KING, has wins in three of his last four including two stakes wins in a row at 12 furlongs. The colt has shown an upward trend in SP figures since the summer. Now stretching out another quarter mile, we will see if this sophomore runner has the gas tank to run the longer distance.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n
8) CRITIC SILENCER <\/b>(9\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
4yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
19 – 5 – 4 – 3 (.631) – $271,166<\/p>\n
Jockey: N Bonus<\/p>\n
Owner: mrxrayz20<\/b><\/p>\n
DAIWA MAJOR x UNBRIDLED x NIJINSKY 2ND<\/p>\n
By mrxrayz15<\/b> in Japan<\/p>\n
Went wire-to-wire his last time out in the PRINCE MURF DIRT ENDURANCE (ST) prompting a promotion to the grade one ranks. The son of stakes-winning mare, FLAWLESS TRIBUTE, has yet to stretch out to 14 furlongs, but has performed well at the longer distances over the course of his career.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
9) VODKA DANCER <\/b>(14\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
5yo Bay Mare<\/p>\n
18 – 2 – 3 – 2 (.389) – $89,693<\/p>\n
Jockey: J Bachand<\/p>\n
Owner: houma<\/b><\/b><\/p>\n
HARBINGER x NUREYEV x ROBERTO<\/p>\n
By houma<\/b> in Japan<\/p>\n
The only female in the field has one win in 2016 and it happened\u00a0 back in March in a restricted allowance event. While that may not seem encouraging, it looks as though owner\/breeder houma <\/b>is hoping to catch some magic in a switch in surfaces, this being only her second career race being run on dirt. The daughter of lightly-raced mare, FAST ROBE, is looking for a third career win.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
10) I HAVE IT <\/b>(25\/1)<\/b><\/p>\n
3yo Brown Colt<\/p>\n
12 – 3 – 6 – 1 (.833) – $144,199<\/p>\n
Jockey: Z Ayya<\/p>\n
Owner: victoryland<\/b><\/p>\n
LOOKIN AT LUCKY x DYNAFORMER x A.P. INDY<\/p>\n
By spinround<\/b> in Kentucky<\/p>\n
The three-year-old son of allowance-winning mare, WITH LIME BROTHER, is looking for a second win in a row after taking a restricted allowance race last time out. This is his first try at a stakes event, let alone one of the top long distance races on the calendar. However, the upward-trending colt could be a factor if he is able to run a career time in the Big Apple.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
11) HAACK\u2019S ROCKET <\/b>(9\/2) <\/b><\/p>\n
5yo Bay Horse<\/p>\n
24 – 18 – 1 – 1 (.833) – $3,015,846<\/p>\n
Jockey: J Selden<\/p>\n
Owner: erenotto<\/b><\/p>\n
AWESOME AGAIN x UNBRIDLED x NIJINSKY 2ND<\/p>\n
By ottox <\/b>in Kentucky<\/p>\n
The winner of last year\u2019s edition of the Big Apple and top ranked dirt long runner worldwide; red hot HAACK\u2019S ROCKET has won seven of his last eight with the only recent blemish occurring in the BREEDERS BOWL DIRT MARATHON (G1) his last time out. In fact, he has only been held out of the winners circle six times in his career, and two of those have occurred in both of his BB Marathon appearances. The co-second favorite will be entering the gate looking for 6th career grade one win.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
12) THE FINISHER <\/b>(7\/2)<\/b><\/p>\n
4yo Bay Colt<\/p>\n
21 – 11 – 4 – 0 (.714) – $560,415<\/p>\n
Jockey: T Small<\/p>\n
Owner: grrm3<\/b><\/p>\n
DUBAWI x KRIS S. x MISWAKI<\/p>\n
By grrm3<\/b> in England<\/p>\n
A winner in five of his last seven, including running an impressive 120SP to take the DISCO MARK DIRT MEMORIAL (ST) his last race. While he has only faced listed stakes company the last few races, the times do not lie \u2013 he can run. A bump up to grade one company to face the best in the business will be a true test for this colt, and the odds makers like those chances making him the program favorite.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
It is hard to argue with the resume of HAACK\u2019S ROCKET who will be looking to get his stride back after a disappointing run in the division\u2019s marquee event.<\/p>\n
THE FINISHER is in great form, and will certainly challenge for a spot at the top of the pack.<\/p>\n
CRITIC SILENCER will hope to take the early jump out of the gate, and will certainly be in the mix at the wire.<\/p>\n
LIMESTONE has been running great, and is a strong pick for the BTB LONGSHOT SPECIAL.<\/p>\n
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While most of the patrons at the track will have sought shelter to watch this year\u2019s running of the BIG APPLE due to freezing temperatures. It will certainly be a race to remember, as one of these horses looks to finish their 2016 on a strong note.<\/p>\n
Happy Holidays to all, may you enjoy the season and best wishes to everyone. We\u2019ll seeya in 2017!<\/p>\n
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Derbyfever.com PP\u2019s\u2026<\/p>\n