Young Sweethearts Come of Age
By: Michael Amo, ThoroFan Board Member
I recall watching Rachel run and win the Fantasy Stakes at Oaklawn Park in 2009. She won by over eight lengths. Yet burnt in my mind is the saddling. When introduced, the crowd roared, and she stretched out a front leg and bowed for the packed grandstand, looking down with admiration. Now I am fortunate to handicap this race from the Fair Grounds named after her. The temperature for the race will be comfortable with a 22% change of rain. Let's look at the field.
1. Just Singing (Justify) raced nicely at Churchill Downs in a Grade 2 event at the 8.5 furlong distance. With a strong finish to place third and bullet work, she looks ready for this one. Whisper Hill Farm, LLC purchased her at Keeneland for $300,000. Johnny Velazquez gets the ride.
2. Classic Ride (Classic Empire) tries graded company for the first time. Also, an off-the-pace runner may be out of her company level.
3. Bella Ballerina (Street Sense) is undefeated in two races, a MSW and a grade two. Keeps jockey Gaffalione. Home bred by Godolphin (KY). She has been stabled and working at Fair Grounds since January, scoring a bullet at a five-four-furlong workout. Should be strategically placed for a kick in the stretch. Her race to lose.
4. Dancin in Old Town (Tapit) broke her maiden at Churchill Downs at the 8.5-furlong distance last year. Has been working at Fair Grounds with two bullets before her next, which looked like a prep for this one.
5. Powered by Family (Quality Road) enters this race after breaking her maiden at Fair Grounds on January 10th. Home bred by St Elias Racing and West Point Thoroughbreds. Keeps Jose Ortiz, who has been winning at 29% for Cherie DeVaux. A lot to like.
6. Luv Your Neighbor (Constitution) likes Fair Grounds with three second-place finishes in three attempts. Bullet work last weekend. Gets jockey Saez and classic breeding suggests she might surprise.
7. Majestical (Good Magic) Jose Ortiz wins in a MSW race at Fair Grounds on December 27. Deciding to ride another horse, Luv Your Neighbor, raises too many questions to get excited about her.
8. Agrippina (Tacitus) just won her maiden and jumps up three levels for this Grade 2 event. Fundamental questions about her distance ability. A lot to prove.
How will they finish?
For five in the field, this will be their first race as a 3-year-old. The race is loaded with fillies who want to close to win. Most have not tried an off-track, which may be useful if the predicted rain arrives. The pace should be moderate, favoring the front and strategic runners.
6. Luv Your Neighbor (6-1)
3. Bella Ballerina (2-1)
1. Just Singing (7-2)
7. Majestical (4-1)
ThoroGamble
$20 win on: #6 Luv Your Neighbor $20
$40 place on:#6. Luv Your Neighbor $40
$2 Exacta Box: #1, #3 and #6 $12
$1 Trifecta Box: #1, #3, #6 and #7 $24
Enjoy the race but keep the day job!
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