Race 8 – Eclipse Stakes, Grade 2 (1 1/16 mile, all weather) for four years old and upward
This race is taking the back seat to action in New York however there are multiple graded winners in this field of seven.
#1 Uncle Bull – Was crushed in the Hollywood Derby in November and has been on the shelf ever since. Ran great in an optional claimer on the AW here before that start, but seems to be outclassed unless some major growth has occurred. Works indicate that is possible.
#2 Avie’s Flatter – Won a graded stakes at Keeneland last April while gearing up for the Canadian Triple Crown where he finished in the trifecta in each race but didn’t win.
#3 Solidify – A late running type coming off an optional claiming win would need a lifetime effort and a breakdown to make it happen today.
#4 Mr. Ritz – The even money morning line favorite ran second in this race last year. He has been off since November and has never finished out of the money on an AW track. He will be involved early; very likely involved late too.
#5 Cooler Mike – Has almost won a cool half million in his career. He is second off the layoff and coming off a solid bullet workout, but doesn’t quite look fast enough without some help here today.
#6 Skywire – While this horse has had some nice races in the past it seems something went off the rails after being favorited in the Queens Plate and ran 11th of 14. Perhaps nothing went off the rails and this guy was way overrated going in to that race, but there is a noticeable drop off since then.
#7 Journeyman – Is appropriately named having run most recently in Tampa. He does come off a win and a bullet workout…however I think this one is out of his league from a win standpoint. Could help the exotic payouts with a late run.
Today is the day Avie’s Flatter wins a graded stakes race in his native country. I expect him to sit just off of the pace and push in the stretch run for Contreras who knows this track as good as anyone. Mr. Ritz should create fantastic pace to run into but it isn’t out of the realm of possibility that he wires the group. The price horse play here is Skywire who likes to run into pace and should be ready to go today.
Selections: 2-4-6