Handicapper's Corner: 2020 Marshua's River Stakes (G3)

Munchkin's Marshua's River Stakes

By: Michael Amo, ThoroFan Chairman

The Marshua’s River Stakes (GIII) is the eighth race on Saturday’s card and offers a good field of fillies and mares with 4-year-olds being the youngest and a 7-year-old the oldest. 

Most have been off for a number of weeks suggesting they are ready to begin their 2020 campaign.  All have shown ability to traverse the 8.5-furlong turf course. However, none have won at this level. Magic Star, the Chad Brown filly that cost the owners $500,000 at Keeneland 2017 sale, needs to show that her big win last August in Saratoga was not a fluke. 

This a competitive race that could surprise.

Here is the field:

1.  Malkia (Animal Kingdom) is making a big jump in company. Not likely will she be a factor in this race. Maybe another day.

2.  Piece by Peace (Declaration of War) picks-up a top jockey John Velazquez. Last two races suggest she can handle the grade three company. Distance may be her only weak point this field. May be in the money.

3.  Magic Star (Scat Daddy) Looked like a special horse last August in Saratoga. But was no challenge for the field in her fall attempt. She has been off since that race (77 days) and may need one before she is really ready. Need to be cautious with this one. 

4.  Sweet Bye and Bye (Sky Mesa) is a home bred that has shown she can handle this level on the turf. She performs nicely on the lead or from off the pace. Last race was disappointing, although it could have been a function of a year of too many races. With six week of rest she should be a contender.

5.  Andina Del Sur (Giant Causeway) is another home bred that is well suited for this race, especially if the pace is heated. She shows that she does her best running late. Javier Castellano returns as her jockey when last time she upset the favorite, Sweet Bye and Bye, who is back for revenge.

6.  Maroubra (Lawman - FR) has a lot to prove, but she has a couple of things going for her. Her French breeding and early races prove the turf and distance will not be a problem. She is conditioned by Cherie De Vaux who learned her craft of training turf horses under the tutelage of none other than the master, Chad Brown. Could surprise for a piece.

7.  Munchkin Money (Freud) has solid turf credentials passed down by her sire, Freud. Although she has not run in grade three company, she has competed in races with serious purses and done well. She has 2 wins in 3 starts over the Gulfstream turf. Tyler Gaffalione who is very familiar with Gulfstream Park courses, picks up the mount. A little improvement over her performance in the Yaddo Stakes in Saratoga could put her in the Winner’s Circle.

The pace should be honest with a couple having early speed. However, the race should really get exciting as they turn for home. Velazquez on Piece by Peace will be trying to go wire-to-wire, if she can handle the last half furlong. Andina Del Sur and Sweet Bye and Bye will be blasting at the end and will be too much for Piece by Peace. The old girl at 7, Munchkin Money, will be guided perfectly by Gaffalione to a three-way finish. 

Here is how the race should finish:

1.  Munchkin Money (#7)

2.  Andina Del Sur (#5)

3.  Sweet Bye and Bye (#4)

4.  Maroubra- FR (#6)

Handigamble:

$20 to win on # 7 (Munchkin Money)

$40 to place on #7 (Munchkin Money)

$1 Trifecta Box --#7/#5/#4/#6

$5 Exacta Part-Wheel #7 over #5/#4/#6