Race 12 on this week\u2019s Let\u2019s work through the formguide for this event:<\/P> Drawn in the inside gate we find Multiple Mainiac<\/B>. She\u2019s virtually incapable of running a bad race, having missed the board just four times in her twenty start career. She failed in her first race which was on affected ground, then at her first black type try, her only try on the dirt and in her only other \u2018failure\u2019 she ran fourth. The super<\/B> team have given this filly plenty of time to mature, with her only other black type appearance in a Delpenn Restricted Stake<\/I>, where she ran second. She certainly has to be taken on trust here, as she faces several seasoned Graded performers, and she\u2019ll need a career best speed rating to feature in the finish, but with advantage of the inside draw, she a better proposition than her price may indicate. She\u2019s had a solid grounding at the lower level, and has earned her place on the higher tier. A scratchbred four year old daughter of Unbridled\u2019s Song \/ Danehill \/ Damascus<\/I>, Multiple Magic<\/B> would need lots of luck, and everything to go her way. Having said that, it would come as no great surprise to see her add value to the exotic payouts.<\/P> Grand Ridge, <\/B>lining up in barrier 2, returns to Graded racing after being sent back to the lower level to reclaim that winning feeling. A winner of her first three, and then a stakeswinner not long after, she developed a serious case of seconditis, finishing runner up four times in six starts. She now remembers what that winning feeling is like once again, having made short work of her last two allowance appearances, with winning margins of three, and four and a half lengths. So, on the positive side of the ledger: She\u2019s won five of sixteen, including one black type event. Of concern is her one tilt at the Graded stuff, where she finished a well held sixth, albeit against Grade 1 company. That experience can have done her no harm. A daughter of Encosta De Lago<\/I>, Grand Ridge<\/B> is the third, and by far most successful, progeny of the dual Grade 1 winning, A Grade mare Kiki\u2019s Moon Dancer<\/B> (Forty Niner \/ Storm Cat).<\/I> She clearly lacks nothing genetically and her last start proved she can cover the ground in the sort of time likely to be required here. The only question Grrm<\/B> needs an answer to, is that surrounding her ability to perform at this level. She\u2019s capable of gaining a handy sit just off the pace, and deserves plenty of respect at enticing odds.<\/P> Monsun JR CB, <\/B>drawn 3, has been absent from the winner\u2019s circle for a long time, after winning seven of her first eleven starts. She last saluted the judge back in July 08, and since then has raced eight times, making the podium on just one occasion. Therein lies both the bad and the good news. Yes, she\u2019s been winless for eight runs, but she has collected a check in five of them. And that one visit to the podium: Last start. At this track. Over this distance. In the Grade 1 Zipperhead Specia<\/I>l. That was a strange sort of race, with the winner, Miss Sullivan<\/B>, stopping the clock in a relatively slow 1.42.4, and with this runner holding her position throughout to finish less than three lengths astern. If this event is run at the pace expected, she\u2019ll need to do a bit better than recent efforts to rate a winning chance, but she\u2019s established that the class poses no threat, and that she needs to be treated as a fair chance. Monsun JR CB<\/B> is a daughter of Monsun<\/I> and is the only offspring of G rated mare Jack\u2019s Fas CB<\/B> (Fasliyev \/ Dixie Brass<\/I>). Breeder \/ trainer Themole<\/B> knows that this girl needs everything to go right this week for her to be among the main contenders, but connections can expect another solid performance, with reasonable expectation of her covering expenses.<\/P> Blue Pak<\/B> lines up in barrier 4, and is looking to take the next step in a career which has been a slow and steady climb to date. It took her a long time to register that initial black type victory, which came at her sixteenth, and most recent, outing. Prior to that that, she\u2019d shown excellent ability when racing in allowances, but had hit the board just once in five attempts at the higher level. Was this the confidence winning boost she needed? Will she need more experience in the Graded ranks before tasting success at yet another higher target? I guess we find out this weekend. On a positive note, she\u2019s won three of her last four, registering triple digits in each victory, and looks to have gained the maturity needed to be a force in this sort of racing. Blue Pak<\/B> is a scratchbred daughter of Empire Maker \/ Sadler\u2019s Wells \/ Seeking The Gold.<\/I> Trainer Wiz<\/B> has brought her along patiently thus far, and if she gets a handy run a few lengths off the pace, she could be in a great position to work home at the business end. A big run will not surprise and she represents value at the price on offer.<\/P> Joint Effort, <\/B>drawn 5, is one of several who have chosen this tough ask in their attempts to reach the next level. With impressive wins, registering triple digits, in each of her last two, this sort of race certainly looms as the logical next step. It is of some concern that her only black type win came in an owner restricted stakes against only a handful of opponents, but owner restricted races don\u2019t come any tougher than those at DelPenn<\/I>, and that race did carry a half million dollar purse. Prior to that, she took out a rich allowance at this track, so she obviously knows her way around. Joint Effort<\/B> is a scratchbred daughter of Storm Cat \/ Seattle Slew \/ Alydar<\/I>, owned and trained by Arse2007<\/B>. She\u2019s currently racing in the best form of her career, and while her ability to mix it with some of her established opposition is problematical, her current excellent form provides plenty of cause for optimism among her connections.<\/P> Gate 6 is the starting position for Running Scared<\/B>, a grand old (forgive the \u2018old\u2019) mare who is enjoying a second lease of life, despite never having really surrendered the first one. She\u2019s always been very good, and as she embarks on her fourth year on the track, she\u2019s determined to show that the so-called maturity curve is for wimps. She\u2019s never far away, and despite having just the solitary Graded victory trophy, she\u2019s scored a bucket full of near misses at the top level. The \u2018dry patch\u2019 (at the end of her first \u2018lease of life\u2019) was perhaps frustrating for connections, but many trainers would envy the formpage. She didn\u2019t win for almost twelve months from August 07, but in that time earned plenty of money, and scored triple digits virtually every time she went to the track. More recently, she\u2019s won three of her last four and her last start 110 proves she still has plenty to offer. Running Scared<\/B> is a scratchbred six year old daughter of El Prado \/ Roberto \/ Raise A Native<\/I>. She may have won just the single Graded race for Crazyjoe<\/B>, but she\u2019s banked over 1.3 million dollars by running top races in high class events. She won\u2019t be far away in the run, and her place on the second row of betting simply vindicates her credentials.<\/P> Faus Pas, <\/B>has <\/B>drawn 7, and if I\u2019m looking for a one word description, that word has to be BIG. Big strike rate, with eleven wins from twenty six. Big bank book. $359k mightn\u2019t be huge in the overall scheme of things, but for a horse whose only attempt at graded racing was an unsuccessful trip to the Equinics<\/I>, she\u2019s been a most solid and consistent earner throughout her career. But the biggest big belongs to those recent speed ratings. 111 and 113 at her last two simply mean that, if she can bring those numbers to the track against better class opponents, she\u2019s going to give this a real shake. As already mentioned, she\u2019s only had the one tilt at Graded racing, but her black type scorecard has already secured her a future \u2018C\u2019 rating in the breeding barn, with three wins and a further three placings at ungraded level. A daughter of Forestry<\/I>, she\u2019s the first, and most successful of three offspring of moderately performed Seeking The Beat II<\/B> (Seeking The Gold \/ Deputy Minister<\/I>), although lightly raced half sister Brume Retina<\/B> (Danehill Dancer<\/I>) looks to also have a bright future. Mharris<\/B> has been patient in framing the career program for Faux Pas<\/B>. I\u2019m a little concerned to find she\u2019s the early favorite, considering the lack of Graded experience, but she\u2019s got nothing left to prove at the lower levels, and gives every indication that she\u2019ll achieve even greater success in better races as a five year old. <\/P> Otto Arc<\/B> lines up in barrier 8, and although she was a tad disappointing last time out, her three runs prior stand her in excellent stead for this event. She won each of those three, an allowance and two ungraded stakes, by a minimum of two lengths, and all in impressive times. In fact, a repeat of that 1.41.4 she ran three starts back will put her right in the mix for this. Otto Arc<\/B> is a scratchbred five year old daughter of Sadler\u2019s Wells \/ Kingmambo \/ Buckpasser<\/I>. She\u2019s taken a bit of time to reach her best, needing seven starts to break her maiden, then progressing steadily through the allowances before stepping up to black type racing for the first time in August 08. Now a winner of eight from twenty one, she\u2019s done enough to convince Baracoon<\/B> that she deserves a shot at the higher level, and her recent racing proves that she should be able to handle the transition. Early tactics will be interesting. She likes to lead, but but doesn\u2019t need to, and trying to lead here may be suicidal. Look for her to try and slot in not too far off the pace, in the first three or four, and await her chances in the stretch.<\/P> Gate 9 is the starting position for Game Girl<\/B>. She\u2019s the enigma in the race, as she returns to turf racing after having her last fourteen runs on the dirt. She\u2019s been running more than handy races lately, and both her speed figures, and her class performance levels have been good enough to rate her as a solid chance against this level of competition. But the four turf runs on her formpage came reasonably early in her career, when neither of those factors (speed ratings and class) can be compared or considered with any level of accuracy. She ran first, second, third and fourth in those four attempts. On a positive note, the two better results came over the trip she faces here. But those four also included her first try at stakes racing, with the fourth placing being the result. Since then, however, she\u2019s gone on to establish herself as a genuine Graded quality contender. Game Girl<\/B> is a scratchbred daughter of Stravinsky \/ Mr. Prospector \/ A.P. Indy<\/I>. She can\u2019t be tipped with any degree of confidence, but neither can the Adonis<\/B> bred and trained four year old be excluded from serious contention.<\/P> Wishing Well G<\/B> alights from the 10 gate and although there\u2019s no doubt that she\u2019s capable of producing at this level, connections must be starting to wonder if she\u2019s become a light of other days. Overall, a winner of fourteen from thirty eight and nearly $900k, she\u2019s been victorious in just one of her last half dozen. Of course, that the glass half empty scenario. Go back just two starts and there\u2019s the evidence that she\u2019s still got it, as she took the prize over this trip in 1.41.6. A repeat of that time puts her right into this race. Wishing Well G<\/B> is a five year old daughter of Sadler\u2019s Wells<\/I> from Lure\u2019s Kris<\/B> (Lure \/ Sharpen Up<\/I>), the best performed of the dam\u2019s three progeny to date, although it\u2019s worth noting that older half sister Alluring Niner G <\/B>(Forty Niner<\/I>) won four stakes races. She\u2019s been a multiple Graded stakes winner for Zz<\/B> and is still racing with plenty of heart, if not quite as consistently as she once did. The bookmakers are treating her with plenty of respect, and in a race with lots of speed, she\u2019ll probably be content to sit back and let the others cut away at each other. I\u2019m a tad concerned that she may be nearing the end, but she\u2019s more than capable of making me look foolish for suggesting it<\/P> Merry Turfmas<\/B> is lining up in gate 11, after a fine last start second behind the ultra smart Alayaya<\/B> in last month\u2019s G1- Sexy Muffins Classic<\/I>. A year ago this mare could, at best, be described as a plodding allowance type. Racing inconsistently on the dirt, she could put in a decent run, but she was neither reliable nor high class. Connections persevered however, and their patience was rewarded when, in April, after fourteen runs, she returned for a second tilt at the heritage suggested grass racing. By this time she\u2019d decided which surface she preferred and she has gone from strength to strength since, with her career highlight now being a toss up between the win in the G2-Trash Can Mile<\/I>, three starts ago, or that more recent second last time out. Merry Turfmas<\/B> hails from a fine family, (how Rob<\/B> has ended up owning a well bred filly from a top-flight Keely<\/B> \u2018exclusive\u2019 may be cause for much conjecture!). A daughter of Galileo<\/I>, she\u2019s the fourth offspring of La Run<\/B> (Machiavellian \/ Run The Gauntlet<\/I>), a grade 2 placed producer of two previous black type performers. Now racing in the best form of her career, Cheadle<\/B> has every right to expect another huge effort this weekend. Barrier 12 is the starting gate for Crushing Ignorance<\/B>, and I could find myself in real strife here, if I destroy her chances yet again by selecting her to win. She\u2019s won three of five on the grass, and, as connections are only too well aware, the other two were races where this writer confidently predicted victory. Zwango<\/B> wisely decided to eliminate the possibility of yet another \u2018kiss of death\u2019, by racing her most recently in an ungraded stake, where she had no difficulty in returning to the winning list. Her form speaks for itself. Her last four runs have all returned strong triple digits, and include a win in the G3-Panhandle Oaks<\/I>, the aforementioned, most recent ungraded win, and a solid second placing behind Alayaya<\/B> in the G1-Solstice Oaks<\/I>. Interesting, both this runner, and Merry Turfmas<\/B> finished second, each beaten a length and three quarters, in the two recent Grade 1 victories of Alayaya<\/B>, so we should be in for a mighty contest here. Crushing Ignorance<\/B> is a four year old scratchbred daughter of Pulpit \/ Storm Bird \/ Nashua<\/I>. She\u2019s one of the major threats yet again.<\/P> Awaiting the starter in stall 12 we see Dubawi Quest<\/B>, scratchbred daughter of Dubawi \/ Rainbow Quest \/ Dixieland Band<\/I>. Once again she provides us with something of a problem as we try to summarize her chances, although as her strike rate becomes less impressive, confidence naturally wanes. She\u2019s only won two from eighteen, not an impressive ratio in this lineup. But on her day, we know she can cover the ground in almost the sort of time required this week. Her last victory was back in June of last year, and her patient connections have raced her just five times since, with ungraded fourth and fifth her best results. Comparing the form lines, it\u2019s almost impossible to see her turning the tables on those rated above her in the qualification order. She has the ability, at her best, to take home a share of the spoils, but she\u2019s been off the pace too often to approach that scenario with any great confidence. Xssessiv<\/B> will be hoping Dubawi Quest<\/B> can better that third placing in the G3-Tai-Bo Stakes<\/I> last May, but that top run is now fading into the mists of time, and there is a lot of very smart competition lining up in this. <\/P> Etrusca<\/B>, drawn the outside, looks to take the next step upwards in her career. Currently racing at her all time best, she put together three consecutive wins before fading last time out, in her first attempt at Graded company. Did she have a problem with the class? Was it the extra half furlong (as we know, so many horses love the mile or eight and a half, but can\u2019t add that extra hundred yards)? Perhaps she just needed the taste of Graded competition before she could measure up to that standard. In any event, supporters are sure to be willing to forgive that last run, and concentrate on the few before, where she looked to establish that she\u2019s got what it takes. Etrusca<\/B> is a four year old daughter of Medicean<\/I>, from Grisella <\/B>(Buddha \/ Kayf Tara<\/I>), a dual stakes placed mare whose only other progeny Marbore<\/B> (Elusive Quality<\/I>) was also twice stakes placed. Strangely, the mare had a year off last season, but with her progeny appearing to be getting better, she may be busy this year. Perhaps the breeder deliberately employs an \u2018alternate year\u2019 strategy, and if so, it looks to work nicely. But I digress. 2aussie<\/B> knows that this mare faces a tough task in this very strong Grade 3 event, but connections still have the right to be confident, as she\u2019s been racing in top form. She represents a genuine chance and a good value bet.<\/P> Summary and Selections:<\/U><\/B> <\/P> The most significant formline in trying to summarise this event, comes from a horse which isn\u2019t here. Despite the frantic efforts of club officials, connections of Alayaya<\/B> have decided to flit off to sunny Crushing Ignorance<\/SPAN><\/B> to win. Sorry Zwango<\/B>, I was planning to spare you the pain this week, but 8\/1\u2026.Hey\u2026Across the board forever <\/SPAN><\/P> Merry Turfmas<\/B> for second. Only the price saves her from The Kiss Of Death.<\/P> Multiple Mainiac<\/B> for third. Good draw. Good Odds. Always runs a good race<\/P> The Market<\/B>:<\/P> 4\/1 \u2013 Faux Pas<\/P> 6\/1 \u2013 Running Scared, Merry Turfmas<\/P> 8\/1 \u2013 Crushing Ignorance<\/P> 9\/1 \u2013 Otto Arc, Wishing Well G<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN><\/P> Qualification Order <\/B>– Class Rating Position:<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Merry Turfmas – 28<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Wishing Well G – 46<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Crushing Ignorance \u2013 50<\/P> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/SPAN>Monsun JR CB \u2013 74<\/P> Otto Arc – 161 <\/P><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Top Field Lines Up In California Grade 3<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":261,"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-7304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7304","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\/261"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7304\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}