Lady Eli Ready to Roll in Gamely Stakes
By: Laurie Ross, IMTBreds
The Gamely Stakes (G1) Stakes held at 1 1/8 miles over the Santa Anita turf has an extensive history filled with
illustrious stars. The event was held at now defunct Hollywood Park through
2013. The roll call of splendid fillies includes Champions such as Estrapade,
who took on Manila and Theatrical in the
1985 Breeders’ Cup Turf; Toussaud, better known as the dam of Empire Maker,
Chester House, Honest Lady, Chiselling and Decarchy; Hollywood Wildcat,
Possibly Perfect, and Fiji. More
recently, the names of Citronnade, Tuscan Evening, Marketing Mix and Hard Not
To Like have lit the tote.
This year, six very competitive fillies will vie for the Gamely Stakes
trophy. All
eyes will be on Lady Eli as she makes her second start of the season.
The mare won the 2014 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and was denied
victory by a slim nose in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf. In her 2017 season debut, Lady Eli found
trouble during the running of the Jenny Wiley Stakes and just missed the win by
a nose. She’s the classiest and most
talented of the Gamely field, owns the highest late pace speed figure in the
field (102), and has previously won over the Santa Anita turf.
Goodyearforroses (Ire) had a three-race win streak snapped in
the Jenny Wiley, but is back on her home turf. After a so-so record at
Woodbine, the mare settled into the barn of California trainer Richard Baltas. Goodyearforroses loves Santa Anita and is
unbeaten there. She signaled her readiness drilling 4F in 4.8 with Nakatani in
the saddle. Goodyearforroses owns the second highest late pace speed figure of
101.
At 12-1, September Stars (Ire) is one to watch. After an undistinguished
career facing good fillies in England, the four-year-old
daughter of Sea the Stars joined Paddy Gallagher’s barn. She outclassed
optional claimers in both starts this year at 1 1/8 miles and will get a class
test. Her speed figures improved in each start and California legend Gary
Stevens will once again be in the irons.
Pretty Girl has been no match for Goodyearforroses in
her first two starts of the year but was
best of the rest. Pretty Girl ran out of real estate in the one mile Royal
Heroine Stakes last time out but missed
by a fast closing two lengths. Her improving speed figures indicate that she’s
one to include in exotics.
Mokat hasn’t seen the
winner’s circle since last July at Del Mar. She came within a half-length of
victory in the Royal Heroine last time out and has flashed back-to-back bullets,
but Mokat hasn’t finished in the money in
three starts at 1 1/8 miles. Her best
races lie ahead at her favorite track, Del Mar.
Avenge will lead them
on a merry chase from post one, but how long she keep them at bay is anyone’s
guess. The Richard Mandella trainee is making her first start of the season and
has never won off a layoff. She typically needs a few starts to get the legs stretched
out.
Selections
Avenge does her best work on the front end. As a
confirmed front runner, she could do one of two things, either slow the pace
and try to last or get enough distance in
front to outlast the rest. Lady Eli
can be placed anywhere and will likely settle just off Avenge or perhaps in
third place. Her far outside post should offer a clear trip. Pretty Girl,
Goodyearforroses, and September Stars will sort themselves out
mid-pack while MoKat will make one run from the back of the pack.
#6 LADY ELI (4-5)
#4 GOODYEARFORROSES (4-1)
#2 SEPTEMBER STARS (12-1)
#3 PRETTY GIRL (12-1)
Handigambling:
Not a good betting
race. The only hope for a decent payout
is if one of the fillies gets the better of Lady Eli.
$100 bankroll:
$2 Superfecta box #6, #4, #2, #3 = $48
$1 Tri key #6/#4, #2, #3/#4, #2, #3 = $24
$2 Quinella box #6, #4, #2, #3 = $12
$16 - lunch
