A mix of well-bred turfers take the stage on the lawn, as usual there’s a Kitten!
The Skinny:
Lawn Ranger has a great name and put in a solid effort at Keeneland in last race. Consistent to start career and races near the pace. Should be well positioned but not sure he can finish with a fast quarter. Like this guy long-term but may be up against it in this spot.
Startup Nation disappointed in last race as the favorite at 3/5. No real excuse in that race. With Anticipation was a strong race and may be ready to more forward off that effort. Last race had nothing left for the stretch run after being in a strong spot turning for home.
Imperia is well-bred, Cocoa Beach was an outstanding mare on all surfaces and drew away in the Pilgrim stakes, could be hitting his stride. Expect a big effort. Last race finished strong on the turf course and may be developing at the right time. Outside post a bad draw and will force him to lose some ground on this turf course.
Luck of the Kitten has been consisten in all four races and should like the distance and the course. Kittens have done well on the Santa Anita lawn during the meet and run on any turf surface. Imposing physically and well-developed muscles he should have the stamina.
The Great War has 7 races and with the layout of the European courses may be better suited on a tighter course in America. Last race picked up a big win sprinting. Has ran in some stakes races and been well supported at the windows.
War Envoy is entered for Aidan O Brien with solid class – having run in 3 graded stakes. Big effort coming from this guy. With 3 Grades races on his schedule already he has proven class and has carried weight in all 7 career races.
Aktabantay has a perfect pedigree for this distance and last race was a Grade 1. May prefer firm footing and G3 win was with 127 pounds and defeated a 5 horse field with a nice stretch drive. Have a feeling this will be a big race from him.
Hootenanny has danced all the turf dances so far and run favorably in all them. So far with 4 sprint races and now has to stretch out. Small jump in class off the 2 month layoff and not facing horses over a new distance. Will probably be low odds.
International Star was impressive at Woodbine in the last race and broke his maiden at Belmont earlier this summer. Has turned it around since stretching out and new running style. May be getting good at the right time.
Offering Plan is one of several horses entered by Chad Brown in this race. Chad Brown does well with young turfers and this horse has only 2 races, losing to Imperia in last race. Seems to last the stretch punch that some of the other horses have shown.
The Choice:
Aktabantay should like the distance and I like his tracking speed and finishing ability in a race that could get a contested and face pace on paper. Imperia impressed in last race and could improve off Pilgrim effort. This race is usually pretty formful. I can see several horses winning this race and expect a close finish.