Can Cicuna cook the field in Sanford Stakes?
By: Laurie Ross, IMTBreds
The Sanford Stakes was unveiled at in 2019 and renamed the
Sanford in 1913. Man O’War suffered his sole defeat in the Sanford. 53 years
later, a big Chestnut colt named Secretariat captured the first of his 14
stakes victories in the Sanford. A few years later, Affirmed showed a hint of
things to come in the race.
Only five colts were entered in the 2019 Sanford Stakes (G3),
including two from the first crops of Constitution and Bourbon Courage. The six
furlong event is the first of a trio of Saratoga’s graded stakes on the dirt
for 2YO colts.
All except Memorable exited their last start as winners.
CUCINA has recorded the best work tab, with three bullet breezes
since May. In his second start, he fought hard in the stretch and prevailed by
a neck over a sloppy Belmont track, in a race originally scheduled for turf. He
could go to the post as the favorite, but trainer Mark Casse will decide the
morning of the race whether to run the colt or possibly wait until next month
for a turf stakes. Cucina’s dam was in the money in her only two starts, over
dirt and mud. The colt hails from the same distaff line as Kentucky Derby
winner Giacomo. Cucina’s second generation includes blacktype
earners over dirt and turf.
TOMATO BILL beat softer company at Delaware in his debut in May, and
may be one of the most well-conditioned colts in the field after three
consecutive 5 furlong breezes at Saratoga. His half-sister Workaholic
is a stakes winning sprinter and their dam is Group 3 stakes placed in Brazil.
Second dam Summerly won the Kentucky Oaks, and was third in the
Golden Rod as a 2YO. Tomato Bill’s third dam Hear I Go also
placed in the Golden Rod.
MEMORABLE regressed in the Tremont Stakes after winning his maiden.
He’s had a series of slowish works, but could improve in the Sanford. Many
times, a last out maiden winner can regress in their next race. Now that he has
that out of the way, let’s see if he can live up to his illustrious pedigree. The
son of Uncle Mo has a stamina oriented pedigree. His second
generation is filled with blacktype winners, including 2002 Irish Champion 2YO Tomahawk,
Starlet (G1) winner Dream Tree, Ashland Stakes (G1) winner Well
Chosen, who bore multiple G1 stakes winning turf router Telling,
and Travers (G1) winner Golden Ticket.
BY YOUR SIDE is a member of multiple G1 winner Constitution’s
first crop. The colt has the pedigree to stretch out to middle distances. In
his 5 1/2-furlong debut, By Your Side settled a couple of lengths off the pace,
and made a late move to get up by a nose. He’ll appreciate the extra distance,
and if a speed duel develops, he’ll be one to watch. There’s some minor blacktype
scattered through his pedigree, most notably, Hollywood Starlet (G1) winner Pure
Fun and G3 wining sprinter Heavenhasmynikki.
RAGING WHISKY is making his first start for Doug O’Neill
after a maiden victory at Santa Anita. He’s from the first crop of Bourbon
Courage, whose sole stakes win was in the G2 Super Derby at 1 1/8-miles.
There isn’t much blacktype in the first few generations of the colt’s distaff
line, however top turf miler Designed For Luck and West Virginia
Derby winner Macho Macho are found in the third generation.
Raging Whisky’s third dam is G1 stakes winner Fantastic Look.
SELECTIONS
#3 CUCINA (8-5)
#4 TOMATO BILL (9-2)
#1 MEMORABLE (6-1)
HANDIGAMBLING
A five horse race isn’t a good
betting opportunity, and if Cucina scratches, prospects for a positive ROI are
even worse. I suggest saving the money and betting on Nicole Neulist’s
selections in the Arlington Handicap.
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