THE KETEL ONE BALLERINA STAKES
GRADE I
PURSE $500,000.
For Fillies and Mares Three Years Old and Upward
Seven Furlongs
#1 Special Relativity
R Diodoro D.Cohen 120
If your game is ‘horse for course’, this may be one you want to take a look at.
4 for 4 at the Spa. The last one being right here in an overnight stake
at this distance Jul.31st. The knock here is twofold.
She would have to take a big step forward to compete here. She hasn’t seen the likes of these runners to date. Also, her speed ratings have been a notch or two below GI caliber types. You have to like the fact that Diodoro can get them ready,
Cohen is familiar with this horse and she should be a decent price.
#2 Come Dancing
CF Martin J.Castellano 122
If the track comes up ‘wet’, they’ll be tripping over one another to get to the windows to play this one. Versatile runner short or long. GII &GIII winner.
Couldn’t run late with ‘Bisou’ in the GI – O.Phipps last out.
After going off at .80cents to a $1.
Recent bullet works say she’s a ‘go’ from the inside.
CF Martin upset a nice field earlier in the meet, and
Castellano gets the first time assignment.
#3 Pacific Gale
JC Kimmel I.Ortiz Jr. 118
Just one win from 13 starts the last two years. She has been competing in GII & GIII
races his last seven races. But hasn’t shown any affinity for the winners’ circle.
Looks to be long odds here, even with Irad, who sticks with this mount.
Stranger things HAVE happened…
#4 Separationofpowers
C Brown JL Ortiz 122
Broke her Mdn here at Sar by 11 ¾ back in ’17. Followed it up last year
with a win in the GI Test. No doubt she’s had some issues
with only five starts in the last two years. But it looks as tho Chad has her primed
for this race at his preferred distance. Klaravich stable continues their run
to take down leading owner at the meet.
#5 Mia Mischief
SM Asmussen R Santana 124
Setting aside the Breeders’ Cup Sprint at CD in Nov ’18,
she has been a consistent sort against top competition.
Speed figures put her right there and Santana knows her well.
Biggest obstacle is getting hooked in a suicide speed duel.
GI winner is the logical high weight and may take some beating.
#6 Minit to Stardom
JM Camejo A Cintron 122
Star Guitar Filly (cue the music) won the prep for this,
On the front end, at long odds, in race horse time.
Stumbled at the start in the Test GI last year, rushed up and faded late
at odds of 9/2 against the winner Separationofpowers.
If you are not familiar with trainer Camejo and owner Brittlyn stables
… you should be. This high win % combination ships in for the reason
…Not the season.
#7 Dawn the Destroyer
KP McLaughlin JR Velazquez 118
Trainer KPM having a uncharacteristically dull meet.
This daughter of Speightstown seems a bit up against it.
Figures to sit back and let the speed develop in front of him,
But hasn’t shown that closing kick since the ‘Interborough’
back at Aqu in Jan.
improvement needed.
*analysis*
I believe Mia Mischief gets to the front early in this race.
But I do see Minit to Stardom pressing her from just off her flank.
If Come Dancing decides not to give up her rail position
… it’s a party.
JL Ortiz’ best play would be to sit off the pace here. Rushing
Separationofpowers up into a 4 way shuffle would certainly
be a daunting task. I look for him to ease back, work out the trip,
tip to the outside at the quarter pole and set sail.
Separationofpowers Wins.
Minit to Stardom grudgingly gives way and settles for 2nd
At a price.
And Mia Mischief picks up the Show honors.
#4. #6. #5.