{"id":56864,"date":"2022-02-10T20:39:07","date_gmt":"2022-02-10T20:39:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=56864"},"modified":"2022-02-10T20:39:09","modified_gmt":"2022-02-10T20:39:09","slug":"g1-vermont-is-4-lovers-a-big-test-for-this-field-going-9-furlongs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=56864","title":{"rendered":"G1, Vermont Is 4 Lovers: A big test for this field going 9 furlongs."},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Vermont (VT)<\/strong> Saturday, February 12, 2022 — 2:30:00 PM EST | Race ID : 2781503<\/strong><\/td>    <\/td><\/tr>
<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
VT IS 4 LOVERS
<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Grade I \/ Group 1 – Sponsored<\/em> – Purse : $500,000<\/strong><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Restricted to 3 Year Olds<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
9 Furlongs | ~1800 Meters | One Mile and and One Eighth<\/strong><\/td>Fast Dirt<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This week we are headed to Vermont to preview the G1, Vermont Is 4 Lovers.  This race has been held annually in February for many years and one that many players and their 3 year old horses look forward to each season.  This race in the past has had many horses that have gone on to qualify and participate in the Bluegrass Derby in May.  We have a full field of fourteen horses that all look to be up for the challenge and that appear well matched.  This year’s race like those of the past should shape up to be a very exciting event.  The odds makers have formulated and posted their morning line and the post positions have been drawn.  Let us now take a preview of the horses that will be competing in this year\u2019s running of the G1, Vermont Is 4 Lovers here in Vermont.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1<\/strong><\/td>LONGING FOR CHANGE<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>asrstar5<\/a><\/td>B Ball<\/td>5<\/td>2<\/td>80%<\/td>$137,980<\/td>39.00<\/td>9\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This is a Brown Colt that is a scratch bred (MEDAGLIA D’ORO x SEATTLE SLEW x KINGMAMBO)<\/strong>.  He ran third in the G1, End Of The Line Futurity back in September.  He then came back out to run in November in the G1, Breeders\u2019 Bowl Juvenile of which he did not have a good showing in this field and finished far back in tenth.  He then came back out to run in his most recent race which was on 12\/25\/2021 in California in an Owner Restricted Listed Stakes, ASR Championship 2 Yr Old Dirt at the distance of 8.5 furlongs.  He shot out of the gate quickly and found the spot of which he likes, which is on the lead.  He held that lead throughout until the final strides of which he was caught late to finish second by a head with a 101 speed rating.  He has his eye on the prize in Vermont and his owner is calling in jockey, B Ball from China to come in and take the mount up top with his horse for Saturday\u2019s run.  With a good start look for this horse to go for the lead when they break from their gate representing the All-Stars Racing residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2<\/strong><\/td>BOX OF JUSTICE<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>givenpanther<\/a><\/td>R Sailor<\/td>4<\/td>3<\/td>75%<\/td>$97,740<\/td>20.00<\/td>6\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we have a Chestnut Colt that was sired by Justify<\/strong>.  He has only been off the boards one time in his four career starts and that was in his Maiden d\u00e9but, so let\u2019s throw out that race. His next time out he broke his Maiden, and it has been all good luck for this horse since.  He picked up an Allowance win next time out in Texas and then he came back out for his most recent start in California on 12\/25\/2021 going 8.5 furlongs in a Listed Stakes, Mary Wanna Smoke Dirt Juvenile.  He lingered way back for the first three calls of the race, but when he came out of the final turn, he found a big bolt of energy as he made his stretch run for the wire.  Over eight back at the third call he closed to get to the wire first by a quarter with a 106 speed rating.  Flying in to take the ride in this race we will see jockey, R Sailor in the saddle when they make their way out in the post parade.  Look for a late closing effort out of this horse when they turn for home representing the GR Simsters residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3<\/strong><\/td>EL MANDAMAS<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>maclones<\/a><\/td>B Bauder<\/td>6<\/td>4<\/td>100%<\/td>$195,130<\/td>39.00<\/td>9\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Coming out next will be this Roan Colt who was sired by Tapit<\/strong>.  Back in September he went 8 furlongs in Arizona in the G3, Cryogenics Juvenile and got up with a nice closing win to find his way to the winner’s circle.  He then ran second in an Allowance race in New Mexico.  This leads up to his most recent start on 01\/07\/2022 in British Columbia where he ran 8.25 furlongs in a $44700 NW3x Allowance.  He stayed just off the lead in this race and found what he needed to get to the wire first by one and three quarts with a 96 speed rating.  He is jumping up in Class for this Vermont outing and the owner is calling in a familiar jockey, B Bauder to saddle up again with his horse.  They paired together nicely together in British Columbia and the owner is in hope for another good performance.  This pair will saddle up in the paddock and make their way over to their gate draw representing the Latinos Del Mundo residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4<\/strong><\/td>PAC TWELVE NORTH<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>gunbow<\/a><\/td>N Bonus<\/td>7<\/td>3<\/td>86%<\/td>$206,970<\/td>48.50<\/td>10\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we see a Roan Colt that was sired by Mckinzie<\/strong>.  This colt has seven prior starts and has found the boards in six of those races.  His two most recent starts have looked good for him and two back we saw him get the win in West Virginia in a Listed Stakes, Tunaman Dirt Juvenile.  He started moving up at the third call and went on to get the win by two and a half.  Then he came back out for his most recent start on 12\/26\/2021 in New York where he traveled 8.5 furlongs in the G3, Purchased Race For Stockswami.  Again, this horse stalked the lead and then took control by the third call of the race and went on to get the win by a stride at the wire with a 102 speed rating.  The owner liked what he saw out of this horse in his last two starts and will give him an opportunity here in Vermont to prove himself against this field of contenders.  He will get the services of jockey, N Bonus from Illinois to come in and saddle up for the mount.  The jockey should be seeking to keep this horse close to the front throughout this race when they break from their gate representing the Empire State Racing residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5<\/strong><\/td>CURSE OF THE MAGIC<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>aaafarms<\/a><\/td>R Case<\/td>7<\/td>4<\/td>71%<\/td>$154,699<\/td>24.50<\/td>10\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Out next we have this Brown Colt that is a scratch bred (INTO MISCHIEF x A.P. INDY x ALYDAR)<\/strong>.  Every owner has to like seeing their horse on a hot streak and this guy has three wins in a row and will be looking for number four here in Vermont.  He picked up an Allowance win in Kentucky back in September and then got another Allowance win in Florida in October.  Then came this horse’s most recent trip to the track when he ran on 12\/04\/2021 in Delaware in a Listed Stakes, Wizard Of Winter Dirt Juvenile.  He again showed up ready to go in this 8.5 furlong race as he moved up coming into the third call.  Down the stretch the run was a good as he powered his way to the front to get the win by a quarter with a 98 speed rating.  Coming to Vermont the owner is calling upon jockey, R Case from out of New Jersey to come in and take the trip with their horse.  Look for this horse to stay back mid pack early in the race and hopefully find a kick later when they come out representing the Empire State Racing residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6<\/strong><\/td>GIANT EXAGGERATION<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>padrebri18<\/a><\/td>J Piotrowski<\/td>6<\/td>2<\/td>50%<\/td>$189,370<\/td>36.00<\/td>9\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we have a Brown Colt who was sired by Exaggerator<\/strong>.  Without a Maiden or Allowance win in this horse\u2019s second race of his career he got up in a Listed Stakes, Vilnus Kid Dirt Juvenile in Kentucky.  Since that win all of his races have been at the Graded level.  He has been close to hitting the boards in several of those Graded starts and he cashed in for the prize when he ran last August in the G3, Buckeye Juvenile in Ohio.  His most recent trip to the track came on 12\/12\/2021 in California when he ran 8.5 furlongs in the G1, Movieland Futurity.  This horse likes to close late and he did put up effort in this one but could not get on the boards with a fourth place finish some four strides back.  He is now coming to Vermont and this added half furlong in distance may suit this horse and his running style.  He will have jockey, J Piotrowski coming in from Pennsylvania to take the mount up top.  If this horses fires in this race look for him to make a big move when he comes  down the stretch representing the GR Simsters residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7<\/strong><\/td>GRIZZLEHIDE<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>greymoor<\/a><\/td>R Radzinski<\/td>5<\/td>3<\/td>80%<\/td>$138,676<\/td>20.00<\/td>13\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Out next we will see this Bay Colt that was sired by Ghostzapper<\/strong>.  Another horse entered in Saturday\u2019s race that is on a hot streak with three wins in a row and seeking to make it number four.  On this horses third attempt he broke his Maiden going 8.5 furlongs in Kentucky.  He came back out in Kentucky in October and nailed down a gate to wire win in an Allowance race.  This lead up to his most recent start that come in Ohio on 12\/05\/2021 when he ran 8.5 furlongs in a Listed Stakes, Gulliver Dirt Juvenile.  He was challenged for the lead in this race but did not give up.  He found his way to the front from just off the lead by the time of the third call.  He went on to hold that spot and got up for the win by three quarters at the wire with a 97 speed rating.  He now gets a shot to jump up in Class here in Vermont and show his owner what he has in his first Graded start.  In the saddle we will see jockey, R Radzinski from New York coming in and to mount up in the paddock with this horse.  He looks to get his horse out quick and be at or near the lead in this race when they break from their post draw representing the GR Simsters residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8<\/strong><\/td>KUBOTA MANJU<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>givensake<\/a><\/td>M Perez<\/td>7<\/td>5<\/td>86%<\/td>$383,370<\/td>84.63<\/td>7\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we have a Light Grey Colt who is a scratch bred (MEDAGLIA D’ORO x STORM CAT x MR. PROSPECTOR)<\/strong>.  This horse has done very well for the owner picking up five wins in seven career starts.  Two races back he was found to have a good day in Kentucky when he ran 8.5 furlongs in the G2, Club Stakes.  He stayed close to the front runners in this race and at the wire he got up for a perfectly timed win with a 100 speed rating.  Then came his most recent start in New York on 12\/26\/2021 going 8.5 furlongs in the G3, Purchased Race For Stackswami.  Again, he tried to stay close and just off the leaders in this race, but he did not find the legs to power through this one when he missed the boards crossing the wire in fourth with a 99 speed.  The owner likes his well-bred horse and is going to give him a much deserved start here in Vermont.  Taking to the saddle we will see jockey, M Perez from Dubai.  He will seek to keep this horse just off the lead early and make a run for it down the stretch when they head out representing the GR Simsters residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9<\/strong><\/td>UPENDO<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>plano5<\/a><\/td>C Orza<\/td>5<\/td>3<\/td>100%<\/td>$224,110<\/td>52.00<\/td>7\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Coming out next we will see this Bay Colt who was sired by Quality Road<\/strong>.  This horse started out his career in three back to back owner restricted races.  But when it came time for him to come out and face open company he proved to be the best in Illinois back in November going 8.5 furlongs in a Listed Stakes, Kristopher S Dirt Juvenile.  Coming from over five lengths back at the third call he weaved his way to the front and got up for the win with a 99 speed rating.  Then came his most recent outing start in New York on 01\/01\/2022 going 8.5 furlongs.  It would be a Happy New Year for this horse in the G3, HNY From RWhisper.  In his stretch run for the wire he found some extra effort in this race to get to the wire first with a 102 speed rating.  He is coming to Vermont with back to back wins and is looking for his third with jockey, C Orza back in the saddle.  This is a very familiar pairing, and this jockey was up top for that G3 win last time out and looks to bring this horse home again on Saturday.  They will be heading out in the post parade and over to their gate draw representing the British and European Racing Club residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10<\/strong><\/td>APESTOGETHERSTRONG<\/td>CA<\/td>3G<\/td>redsox04<\/a><\/td>V Gamble<\/td>9<\/td>2<\/td>67%<\/td>$214,355<\/td>37.50<\/td>10\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next out we will see this Light Grey Gelding that was sired by Graydar<\/strong>.  This horse has not won a Stakes race thus far in his career, but he has been in the hunt a few times to get his first win in a Listed or Grade levels.  In his most recent start, I would have to say he brought forth his best effort thus far when he ran on 11\/20\/2021 in New York.  He traveled 9 furlongs in the G2, The Ransom of which he stayed fairly close to the leaders throughout this race.  He held on and showed a 98 speed rating that day which was good enough to get a second place finish being just one stride back at the wire.  The owner continues to give his horse opportunities to get a Graded win and that is why he is coming to Vermont on Saturday.  The owner is entrusting his horse with jockey, V Gamble who was seeking a ride in this race over in the jocks room.  This jockey will most likely be instructed to keep this horse just off the lead and see if he can find some extra out of this horse when they come down the stretch representing the Northwest Racing Circuit residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11<\/strong><\/td>LIFE ON THE RANCH<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>filly0<\/a><\/td>R Truitt<\/td>6<\/td>2<\/td>50%<\/td>$480,000<\/td>81.00<\/td>16\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we have a Bay Colt who is a scratch bred (COUNTRY HOUSE x WILD AGAIN x BROAD BRUSH)<\/strong>.  The owner of this horse came out confidently bypassing the Maiden and Allowance levels.  This horse first came out in an Owner Restricted Listed Stakes, URC-First Year Sires Stakes Colt Dirt.  He proved to be the best against this big field in his first career start and since that race he has ran all his races at the Graded levels.  He won here in Vermont back in May of last year in the G2, Vermont BB Juvenile.  Two starts back in October he picked up a second place finish in the G1, Sparkling Wine Stakes in New York.  His most recent start came on 11\/06\/2021 when he went 8.5 furlongs in the G1, Breeders\u2019 Bowl Juvenile.  He remained well back in this race and failed to be a factor when he crossed the wire tiring in eleventh with an 88 speed rating.  The owner is looking for a much better performance out of this horse here in Vermont after that disappointment in California.  He is calling upon a go to favorite jockey for this horse, R Truitt from out of Deauville.  The rider has ridden this horse in his two most recent starts and should have a good game plan coming into this race.  This pair will head out to the track in the post parade representing the Universal Racing Club residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12<\/strong><\/td>BOLD LEGACY<\/td>OK<\/td>3M<\/td>layoff<\/a><\/td>K Friar<\/td>7<\/td>2<\/td>86%<\/td>$131,175<\/td>37.00<\/td>17\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next coming out of the paddock we will see this Light Grey Colt who was sired by Den\u2019s Legacy<\/strong>.  Three starts back this horse ran in California in the G1, North Fork Stakes.  He made a big closing move that propelled him to a spot on the boards in third.  He was then sent back out in the G1, Breeder\u2019s Bowl Juvenile where he hit the wall and failed to fire in his stretch run and lingered along back in thirteenth.  He was then sent out for his most recent trip to the track in Minnesota to run in an Owner Restricted Listed Stakes, The Minnesota Testbarn Juvenile.  He showed a lot better effort in this race and finished up in third with a 93 speed rating.  He is going to need to find his best effort here in Vermont against this field and the owner is calling in familiar jockey, K Friar from Minnesota to come in and see if he can get the job done in this race.  If this horse has a good trip look for a late closing effort when they turn for home representing the Northwest Racing Circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13<\/strong><\/td>GRAND LUKA<\/td>OK<\/td>3G<\/td>acelocal<\/a><\/td>M Isdell<\/td>8<\/td>3<\/td>75%<\/td>$188,500<\/td>21.25<\/td>19\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here we have a Brown Gelding who was sired by Atreides<\/strong>.  This horse has ran several races around one turn successfully which include a 6.5 furlong start back in June in a Owner Restricted Listed Stakes, Hoosier Racing Lexington Juvenile Dirt Sprint of which this horse got the win.  Then he came out in August in the G2, Closest Friend Stakes where he got second going 6.5 furlongs.  Then he got a two turn start in the G3, Cryogenics Juvenile of which he placed third.  He then threw a couple of clunkers which leads us up to his most recent start in Kansas on 01\/12\/2022 when he went 8.25 furlongs in a $19800 NW2x Local Allowance.  He got out of the gate quickly and made easy work of this field when he went gate to wire to get the win with a 90 speed rating.  The owner is going to be looking for this horse\u2019s best effort as he moves back up in Class here in Vermont.  The owner makes a call to Virginia to find jockey, M Isdell available to come in and take the trip with her horse.  If this horse is to have a good trip the jockey will most likely keep this horse at or near the front when they break from their gate representing the Hoosier Racing residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14<\/strong><\/td>TEXIT<\/td>KY<\/td>3M<\/td>texasace<\/a><\/td>A Craig<\/td>5<\/td>3<\/td>80%<\/td>$135,040<\/td>38.00<\/td>12\/1<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our final starter in this race will be this Bay Colt who is a scratch bred (BERNARDINI x SEEKING THE GOLD x STORM BIRD)<\/strong>.  In his first Maiden start is the only time we saw this horse missing the boards, so let\u2019s just throw that race out of the picture.  He came back out in August of last season and made a gate to wire trip and then followed that up with another gate to wire trip in an Allowance race.  Then he came out in October and was attempting another gate to wire trip at the Allowance level where he came in second by a nose bobbing photo finish.  Then came his most recent start in Louisiana on 12\/04\/2021 going 8.5 furlongs in the G3, The Sam\u2019s Town Delta Jackpot.  This rabbit hit the jackpot that day with another good gate to wire trip to get up for the win with a 97 speed rating.  After a nice rest this horse is now being sent to Vermont to see what he can do when he breaks from the far outside gate which he proved he can win from as seen in his most recent start.  The owner is calling upon jockey, A Craig to fly in from Newmarket to saddle up for this trip.  This pair will round out this field here in Vermont as they come out representing the DelPenn National residency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good luck to all owners and horses!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skippy\u2019s Watch List<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2-Box Of Justice<\/strong>:  On a hot streak.  First time starter in a Graded race.  Can he get a win at this level?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4-Pac Twelve North<\/strong>:  Looked good in his last two starts.  Can he get his third win in a row in Vermont?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9-Upendo<\/strong>:  An unusual start to his career but proves he can run.  Can he make it three in a row on Saturday?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarton\u2019s Long Shot<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

14-Texit<\/strong>:  If you are seeking a good looking rabbit in this race that could pay well at the betting window you have to look at this 12\/1 choice in the morning line.  He proved in his most recent trip to the track that he can win from the far outside gate.  All of his wins have come around two turns and is coming to Vermont off a G3 win in Louisiana.  This will be his first start of the season and we hope to see good development out of this horse.  At the price, breeding and record I feel I will have to add him to some tickets when I head to the betting window on Saturday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Vermont (VT) Saturday, February 12, 2022 — 2:30:00 PM EST | Race ID : 2781503      VT IS 4 LOVERS<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83333,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-56864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56864","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/83333"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=56864"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56864\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":56930,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/56864\/revisions\/56930"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=56864"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=56864"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=56864"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}