{"id":6384,"date":"2008-08-08T01:12:29","date_gmt":"2008-08-08T01:12:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=6384"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=6384","title":{"rendered":"The Medical Corps – 3YO Filly Dirt Mile"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

Introduction to International Medical Corps (IMC)<\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Well, here we are again for one of the most exciting days in the SIM!\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This year, the 3YO Filly Dirt Mile runs in the name of The International Medical Corps (IMC.)\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The IMC was established in 1984 by volunteer doctors and nurses and is a global, humanitarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through health care training and relief and development programs.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The IMC differs from other groups because it works to ensure that crisis-stricken communities are able to care for themselves long after programming has ended. By offering education and training to local populations and medical assistance to people at highest risk, and with the flexibility to respond rapidly to emergency situations, IMC rehabilitates devastated health care systems and helps bring them back to self-reliance.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The International Medical Corps is certainly a worthy cause, and fits nicely within the 2008 Equinics theme.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

3YO Filly Dirt Mile \u2013 A Race History<\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

2000 – The Artemis Classic<\/B><\/v:imagedata><\/v:shape><\/SPAN><\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

\u00a0<\/P>

In 2000, the inaugural running of this race, the field was open to older mares as well as three year olds.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The winner of The<\/B> Artemis Classic<\/B> was Rack<\/B><\/st1:PlaceName> Park<\/st1:PlaceType><\/B><\/st1:place>, who won in a time of 1:33<\/st1:time> and 4, and earned a Speed Figure of 121!\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s the only favorite to win this race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This race was run in September and didn\u2019t contain any of the spring classic winners.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This was Rack<\/st1:PlaceName> Park<\/st1:PlaceType><\/st1:place>\u2019s only GI win (common theme alert.)<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

2002 – The Private Account Mile<\/B><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

In 2002, after a smashing success in 2000, the Equinics was expanded to include additional races, and the 3YO Filly Division was given their own dirt mile race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The Private Account Mile<\/B> was run in February of 2002 and was won by Ms Slew<\/B> in a time of 1:35 and earned her a Speed Figure of 109.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This was Ms Slew\u2019s sole GI win, and although the race was filled with a nice group of young 3YO fillies, none went on to win any of the spring classics.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

2004 – The Puttin’ On The St. Moritz<\/B><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

2004 may offer the best comparisons to the 2008 race as it was run in August and contained both the 2003 Breeder\u2019s Bowl Juvenile winner, Du Drop Bai<\/B>, as well as the 2004 Bluegrass Oaks Winner, Texas Tornado<\/B>.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The winner, though, was Eek A Cat<\/B> who established Summer Equinics time and speed records for the 3YO Filly Division by running 1:34<\/st1:time> flat and posting a monster 120 SF!\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Though Eek A Cat went on to run 3rd<\/SUP> in the Breeder\u2019s Bowl Distaff, the Puttin\u2019 On The St. Moritz<\/B> was her only GI win and the highlight of\u00a0her career.<\/P>

2006 – The Jerry Bailey<\/B><\/v:imagedata><\/v:shape><\/P><\/SPAN>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Jerry Bailey<\/B> was run during the next Winter Equinics, in early February 2006.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Again, a quality field of up-and-coming 3YO Fillies were entered, and the winner was Biter Hollandia<\/B> who came home in 1:35<\/st1:time> and 4 and earned a 97 SF for her efforts.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Although Biter Hollandia went on to run in the Bluegrass Oaks and other major races, the Jerry Bailey was her career highlight and sole GI win.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Of the other runners, 3rd<\/SUP> place finisher Northern Red<\/B> went on to win the 2006 Chestnut Stakes.<\/P>

2008 – The Medical Corps.<\/B><\/v:imagedata><\/v:shape><\/SPAN><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

So, what does 2008 have in store for us?\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Well, 17 runners is a tie for the second largest field ever assembled for this race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Easily, the current version of this race is the most accomplished, sporting four Grade I winners and six Graded winners in the field.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>2008 also boasts the best field ever entered for this race, with the top 3, and 6 of the top 30, ranked fillies from the Classic division, and the second ranked filly from the sprint division among those in attendance.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Not that any of this information matters for the 3YO Dirt Mile for fillies!\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This race has become the \u201cCareer Highlight Maker\u201d in that each previous winner has made this their one and only career GI win.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Will 2008 continue this trend, or will one of the more accomplished runners finally step up and take charge?\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Let\u2019s find out:<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Field:<\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

<\/SPAN>\u00a0<\/P>

<\/SPAN>\u00a0<\/P>

PP1 \u2013 HOOSIER PROSPECTOR \u2013 26\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Afleet Alex x Raise A Native x Seattle<\/st1:place><\/st1:City> Slew<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Kentucky<\/st1:place><\/st1:State> Horsemen<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Buzzfarm<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 102<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 102<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

<\/SPAN><\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

The Good<\/B> \u2013 Hoosier Prospector enters this race off a career-best run, and two consecutive wins in rather easy fashion.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Both were at 8 furlongs in easy allowance company, and she\u2019s very lightly raced with 4 wins from 7 races.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She likes to run close to the pace and has shown the ability to sit a little further back and still get the job done.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>HP has only missed the board once and is poised to run another career effort here.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Even if she runs a career best, will it be good enough?\u00a0 <\/SPAN>That\u2019s the real question.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Hoosier Prospector hasn\u2019t ever seen Stakes company, let alone accomplished, G1 fillies like she\u2019ll see on Saturday.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s likely going to be further back than she\u2019s used to and will have to certainly prove she\u2019s salty to get the job done.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Although she\u2019s never run in a stakes race, her last showed she\u2019s got the goods as she soundly beat a stakes winner and a graded winner.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>With the one-hit-wonder mojo that this race provides, she is one of a handful that may earn everlasting glory if the big 3 don\u2019t show up.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP2 \u2013 LUCKY\u2019S TRIPLE XXX \u2013 23\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

A.P. Indy x Unbridled x Mr. Prospector<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Ohio<\/st1:place><\/st1:State> Thoroughbred Racing<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Naracing9<\/P>

Lifetime High SF – 102<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 100<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The Crowded Garr Handicap \u2013 8.5F Open Stakes \u2013 96 SF<\/P>

The Your Prospector Stakes \u2013 7.5F Opens Stakes \u2013 102 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Impeccable pedigree and 7 of 9 in the money while routing on the dirt.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>7 wins from 15 races proves she\u2019s not afraid to finish first.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s also working on a really nice short\/long\/middle race distance set-up, running 7.5F two back and 9F in her last.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>To me, dropping back to 8F spells Yahtzee, so she should be ready to give a top effort.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad<\/B> \u2013 Lightly raced in terms of stakes attempts, and her last was her first time testing the waters in graded company and that ended in disaster.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Maybe the two-week turnaround had something to do with it, but she\u2019ll have to run a career-best effort to earn a medal here.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>If you believe in the short\/long\/jackpot scheduling theory and are buying this race\u2019s history of outsiders making the bettors lose whatever hair they have left, then she\u2019s not without a shot. <\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP3 \u2013 VHEISSU \u2013 8\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Speightstown x Saint Ballado x Round Table<\/P>

Residency \u2013 EAAA Racing<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Astinator8<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 109<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 106<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The Painted Girl Stakes \u2013 8F Open Stakes \u2013 106 SF, beat Black Flag Flying<\/P>

The Cevian Stakes \u2013 7F GI \u2013 109 SF, beat #1 ranked sprinter Miscalculation<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Lots to like.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Vheissu has never missed the board with 7 wins, 2 places, and 2 shows in 11 lifetime starts.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s not afraid of anyone in this field, as she has beaten GI caliber fillies a few times already in her short career.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>In two starts at 8F, she\u2019s got a really nice open stakes win and a GI third place finish.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She is well rested and kicking down the stall doors this week.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>There isn\u2019t much to knock here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Vheissu\u2019s only got 1 win in three attempts routing while she\u2019s won 6 of 8 sprinting, so she may be better sprinting long than routing?\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Tough to sell that one.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Curses and race history aside, she\u2019s one of a handful that has a legitimate shot here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Look for her to be absolutely flying late. <\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

<\/o:p><\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

PP4 \u2013 CHAMPION FLOWER \u2013 18\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Flower Alley x Tough Knight x Bold Ruckus<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Blazing Saddles<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Meguire2nd<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 102<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 86<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The Civil Cap Memorial \u2013 7.5F Open Stakes \u2013 85 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013<\/B> Champion Flower has been consistent in her career, hitting the board 11 of 13 lifetime.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s also shown that she can run near the pace as well as a bit off the pace, and that versatility will certainly be necessary this week.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Although she\u2019s raced 13 times, she\u2019s been given a pretty light schedule in 2008 and should not have any fatigue issues.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>She\u2019s only routed once, in a mile G3 in December, and that one saw her run 7th<\/SUP> in a rather slow time compared to her best efforts.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Champion Flower hasn\u2019t had her picture taken in 2008, posting only one win in the last 9 months.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>CF\u2019s lone attempt at the GI level ended badly for her as she finished a career-worst 10th<\/SUP>.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Unfortunately, I don\u2019t think this one will be LOL\u2019ing her way to the bank this week.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP5 \u2013 LELU\u2019S GREY GHOST \u2013 26\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Macho Uno x Unbridled\u2019s Song x Capote<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Alpine Turf Club<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Eddie08<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 102<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 102<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013<\/B> Lelu\u2019s Grey Ghost is very lightly raced; Saturday will be only her 7th<\/SUP> start.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s shown the ability to win from off the pace and on the lead, so she\u2019ll be able to adapt her game to whatever happens early in this race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s coming off of a nice race at 9.5F, so dropping back to 8F may have her primed for a big effort.\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013<\/B> Her lone stakes attempt was at a mile distance and it was far from great.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>In that one, she found herself up against a quality field, and was much further back than she\u2019s used to.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She was beaten by over 14 in that one, and that race alone scares me enough to question her class this early in her career.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>She\u2019s on the outside looking in, even with the career-highlight-maker history of this race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Tough to like for the win, but stranger things have happened.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP6 \u2013 NEHI ORANGE \u2013 6\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Unbridled\u2019s Song x A.P. Indy x Alleged<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Pastures of Green<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Hillhouse<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 107<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 103<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

Mother Story Handicap \u2013 8F GI \u2013 98 SF<\/P>

Vermont Is For Lovers \u2013 8.5F GI \u2013 105 SF, beat Black Flag Flying<\/P>

First State Oaks \u2013 8.5F GII \u2013 107 SF, beat #1 ranked Sabbath Point<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013<\/B> When you\u2019re ranked #2 in the division and are coming off a win over #1, things are very good.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Nehi Orange has been good since the beginning of her career, earning a Breeder\u2019s Bowl Juvy entry spot last fall where she finished 5th<\/SUP>.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Her career really took off late last year where she put together back to back GI wins in dominating, front-running fashion.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The spring didn\u2019t go so hot, but her last two hint at rejuvenation.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Her last was most impressive as she beat Sabbath Point and proved that there isn\u2019t anyone she can\u2019t beat if she runs her race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013<\/B> Not much to say here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>When she doesn\u2019t get an easy lead she\u2019s not as likely to run well, and this field has some definite, albeit unproven speed.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Although she\u2019s in great form and coming off a career effort, I don\u2019t see her shaking loose with an uncontested lead.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>If I\u2019m wrong, it\u2019s over.<\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

<\/SPAN><\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

PP7 \u2013 FLAPPAGE \u2013 37\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Vindication x Fappiano x Hoist The Flag<\/P>

Residency \u2013 East-West Connection<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Zipchippy<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 99<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 N\/A<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013<\/B> Flappage is the lightest raced of all entrants in this one, running only four times prior to Saturday.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Her speed figures have gotten faster all four starts, and have gotten faster as she\u2019s been asked to run further and as she\u2019s been asked to take on stakes company.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Her pedigree screams mile or better, so the jump in distance shouldn\u2019t be a problem.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013<\/B> More issues with seasoning than anything else here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Flappage has never routed and has never seen anything close to the talent she\u2019ll see here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Both stakes attempts were good, but neither were wins.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Two week turnaround doesn\u2019t help either.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Don\u2019t see this gal having an impact on the outcome of this race, although she has a bright future ahead of her.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Tall, tall order on Saturday.<\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

<\/SPAN><\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

PP8 \u2013 SABBATH POINT \u2013 6\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Seeking The Gold x Seattle Slew x Damascus<\/P>

Residency \u2013 DelPenn National<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Malekfarms<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 108<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 97<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

Fantasia Handicap \u2013 8.5F GII \u2013 101 SF<\/P>

Fantasy Stakes \u2013 8.5F GII \u2013 108 SF<\/P>

Bluegrass Oaks \u2013 9F GI \u2013 107 SF<\/P>

Black Middle Flower Stakes \u2013 9F GI \u2013 108 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013<\/B> Number 1 ranked – everything is just peachy here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s beaten the best many, many times this year, and done it in smashing fashion.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Sabbath Point has been good since day one, earning a spot in the inaugural World Cup off of her debut win.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s shown endless amounts of moxie at the highest level possible and an ability to race well off almost no rest whatsoever.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She gets a chance to stamp the Classic division her personal playground, and at the same time, put Nehi Orange and Black Flag Flying on the outside looking in for end of year awards.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Her trainer.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Just kidding.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>AFC has done a wonderful job with this gal.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The only knock is the heavy schedule she\u2019s been asked to complete.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>This will be her 10th<\/SUP> race in 2008, and the wear and tear factor has got to kick in sometime, doesn\u2019t it?<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Barn has three, yes I said three, Equinics entries this Saturday.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Either DelPenn is really thin, or Malekfarms is clicking on all cylinders.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>I\u2019ll go with the latter as this trainer is on the short list for Trainer of the Year.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The Pick.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP9 \u2013 GOLD FOR THE GRAVE \u2013 12\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Dynaformer x Pine Bluff x Mr. Prospector<\/P>

Residency \u2013 The CR Racers<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Cougar<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 106<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 106<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

Leopard Stakes \u2013 8F GIII \u2013 106 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>One of the more intriguing runners in the field, Gold For The Grave has been almost perfect since switching to the dirt three races back.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>After smoking a mile allowance in her first dirt start, GFTG romped in the GIII Leopard Stakes and then finished a hard-charging second in the Smackdown GI at a mile.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s hit the board 9 of 11 routing and is a stakes winner on turf at a mile as well.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Very dangerous. <\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

<\/SPAN><\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

<\/B>\u00a0<\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Not many negatives here as this gal has been handled beautifully.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She may not be able to make up the ground if she finds herself back more than 10 lengths, a distinct possibility with the speed in here.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>If this race isn\u2019t won by one of the big three, look no further than here for your winner.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Hello World.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP10 \u2013 BLACK FLAG FLYING \u2013 5\/1 Favorite<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

A.P. Indy x Forty Niner x Blushing Groom<\/P>

Residency \u2013 GRSimsters<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Simsters1<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 107<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 105<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

Movieland Starlet \u2013 8.5F GI \u2013 99 SF<\/P>

Santa Jezebel Stakes \u2013 8.5F GIII \u2013 99 SF<\/P>

Smackdown \u2013 9F Restricted Stakes \u2013 107 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Black Flag Flying enters this race off a career-high SF and a win over #1 Sabbath Point.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s been consistent her entire career, hitting the board in 11 of 12 career races.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s proven she can win against the best of competition and should get a great pace to try and run down in this one.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Her Trainer.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Not kidding.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s been consistent, but seems to really hate getting her picture taken on big race days.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Black Flag Flying should be in a position to earn a minor medal for the Defending Champion GRSimsters, but winning the gold would be a stretch for her on Saturday.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP11 \u2013 BELLISSIMA G \u2013 8\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Dixie Union x Storm Cat x Buckpasser<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Rash<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Buxpasser<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 107<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 103<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The Ghoul\u2019s Gold Challenge \u2013 8F Open Stakes \u2013 103 SF<\/P>

The Stormy Project Stakes \u2013 8F Open Stakes \u2013 97 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Bellissima G has won 7 of 18 lifetime and has a few mile stakes wins under her belt.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She likes to sit right behind the speed and should have ample speed to chase on Saturday.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The last time she went from a sprint to a mile, she jogged home for an easy win.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Six of nine in the money while routing on dirt says she certainly can get a piece on her best day.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>She\u2019s making her 11th<\/SUP> start this year.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Yikes.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s had a few nice races in Graded company, but when she\u2019s faced Grade I competition, some of which are running in this race, she\u2019s been outclassed every time.\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Bellissima G will find herself a little too far off the pace than she requires to run well, and I have my doubts that she\u2019ll be the one to continue this race\u2019s sole-GI win history.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP12 \u2013 KORNSNAKE \u2013 12\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Sadler\u2019s Wells x Mill Reef x Secretariat<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Northwest Racing Circuit<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Korn<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 106<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 100<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The Vengeful Storm Challenge \u2013 9.5F Open Stakes \u2013 106 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Impeccable pedigree.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>All four wins have been wire-to-wire, so if she\u2019s leading after the break you can expect good things.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Her last, a 5th<\/SUP> in the Smackdown GI at a mile, wasn\u2019t a bad race and if she can build on that experience, she could be in the mix late on Saturday.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Although she has proven quite capable when she gets the lead, Kornsnake is a different animal when she gets beat out of the box.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Her three attempts at Graded company have yet to yield a board hit.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot –<\/B> There is other speed in here, mainly Nehi Orange, and I have a feeling Kornsnake is going to have to win from off the pace to get the job done here.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Doubtful, but with her pedigree, I would certainly look for Kornsnake on the grass in the near future.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP13 \u2013 WONDERGIRL GITTE \u2013 13\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Mountain Cat x Polar Falcon x Nodouble<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Benelux<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Karlch<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 107<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 100<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The East A La Slew Memorial \u2013 8F Open Stakes \u2013 86 SF<\/P>

The Ms. Prospector Challenge \u2013 8F Open Stakes \u2013 98 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Four of this gal\u2019s first five attempts at 8F on the dirt yielded career-high speed figures.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s won a few stakes at a mile, and enters this race off of her fastest two career races.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Two back, she finished less than two lengths behind Vheissu in a Grade I at 7.5F.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Wondergirl Gitte, although certainly competitive at times, has only crossed the wire first once in the past nine months.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She has two wins in seven lifetime route starts, and has missed the board those other five attempts.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>WG looks like she is better sprinting than routing and may even like the grass better if given the chance.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Longshot at best.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP14 \u2013 VIRTUALLY INSANE \u2013 29\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Bernardini x Forty Niner x Storm Cat<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Great Plains<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Redturkey<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 98<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 98<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>VI has hit the board in 11 of 14 lifetime and is 1-for-1 routing.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s been brought along slowly, with only one career stakes attempt, and is at that point in a horse\u2019s career when it\u2019s time to break out.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She likes to be on the lead, but has proven that she can win from off the pace and that might be necessary this weekend.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s out of the mare Equinsanity, and that\u2019s gotta be good karma.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>She\u2019s never earned a triple digit speed figure, and she\u2019s never seen anything like the competition that she\u2019s up against in this one.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Although she\u2019s come from off the pace to win, when she\u2019s put further than a few back she\u2019s not finished well.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Although she certainly can outrun her long odds, she\u2019s still being asked an awful lot and is doubtful to help Great Plains medal here.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP15 \u2013 LURSA \u2013 6\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Cat Thief x Northern Dancer x Miswaki<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Minnesota Downs<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Wenlock<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 107<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 102<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

I Said Be Quiet Classic \u2013 7F GIII \u2013 104 SF<\/P>

Priority Princess Stakes \u2013 7F GIII \u2013 106 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Lursa offers many positives as she enters this race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>After switching to dirt five races back, she has yet to run under a 100 speed figure and is currently riding a three race win streak.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s hit the board 8 of 10 lifetime and is averaging more than $100,000 in earnings per dirt start.\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>Although she\u2019s been ultra-fast, she\u2019s run much better sprinting than routing since switching to the dirt.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Lursa has proven she can handle Graded company, but this race will truly test just how salty she is.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She might find herself a little further back than she\u2019s used to as well.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Of the up-and-comers in this race, I like Gold For The Grave a bit more at a mile.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Lursa certainly has the speed to make me eat my words and has a shot to medal if that happens.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP16 \u2013 CARISMATICA \u2013 61\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Powerscourt x Sky Classic x Sunday Silence<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Hispano Parlante<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Zampateste<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 94<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 94<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>At 61\/1, it\u2019s pretty thin in the good column.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Carismatica has hit the board in 5 of 7 on the dirt and her last was a career-best effort at Saturday\u2019s distance.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s lightly raced and has only tested the stakes waters once, so life after the Equinics could prove successful.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>She isn\u2019t a bad filly, but just doesn\u2019t have the resume to realistically compete in this race.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Carismatica\u2019s lone stakes attempt was at 12F, but it wasn\u2019t pretty.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She finished 7th<\/SUP>, beaten by 21.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>This gal has a 100% in-the-money rate while sprinting, and that\u2019s where she might move forward in her career.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>It won\u2019t be in this race.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

<\/o:p>\u00a0<\/P>

PP17 \u2013 WOOMERA \u2013 21\/1<\/o:p><\/B><\/P>

Arazi x Deputy Minister x A.P. Indy<\/P>

Residency \u2013 Queensland Racecourse<\/P>

Owner\/Trainer \u2013 Stickup<\/P>

Lifetime High SF \u2013 104<\/P>

High SF at 8F \u2013 99<\/P>

Notable Wins:<\/o:p><\/U><\/P>

The Jeremey\u2019s Nijinsky Memorial \u2013 8F Open Stakes \u2013 99 SF<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Good \u2013 <\/B>Woomera has been managed quite nicely, hitting the board in 11 of 12 lifetime and 6 of 6 while running on dirt.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She\u2019s got a nice stakes win at Saturday\u2019s distance, and her lone attempt at the Graded level on dirt produced a career-high speed figure.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Bad \u2013 <\/B>The way Woomera has been closing in her dirt races, I actually think a mile is too short for her to give her best effort.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>She is going to easily see the toughest competition she has ever faced, and is probably a few races away from being truly ready for Graded races.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Parting Shot \u2013 <\/B>Probably going to end up off the board, but wouldn\u2019t be a total shock if this race\u2019s history rears its ugly head.<\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

Final Analysis:<\/o:p><\/U><\/B><\/P>

\u00a0<\/o:p><\/P>

The Equinics have certainly grown over the past eight years.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Initially treated with warm fanfare, but lacking in history, these races have grown into the ultimate for all who are fortunate enough to participate.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>The 3YO Filly Dirt Mile, sponsored by International Medical Corps, has drawn a very deep and proven field including the top three fillies in the division.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>I think a hot pace will be established, pushing the front-runners too much too early, and the stalkers and closers will end up taking over when it counts.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Sabbath Point will take the gold, with Gold For The Grave earning silver and Vheissu closing late and winning the bronze.\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Good Luck to all!<\/P><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

#1 Ranked Sabbath Point Ready To Earn Equinics Gold<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":268,"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":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6384","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6384","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\/268"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6384"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6384\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6384"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6384"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6384"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}