Race 8 – Selene Stakes, Grade 3 (1 1/16 mile, all weather) for three year olds
The filly version of the Marine stakes earlier on the card with a few strong contenders.
#1 Owlette – Ran a nice race last out at 6f in preps for this. She has four lifetime wins and two seconds in six starts. Has only gone this far once and ran second as a heavy favorite. Ward doesn’t run many out here, but has a quality filly here.
#2 Saratoga Vision – Has yet to break her maiden, but has still earned 10 times her purchase price. Which is good for investors, but not good for bettors. Looks like a filler to me.
#3 Livin in the Six – Trainer DePaulo is only 2% in first time routers. This horse just broke her maiden and will look to win on the front end. Will take some out of #1, but can’t see this horse winning. Coul.d hang on for a piece of exotics.
#4 Diamond Sparkles – One of the Casse trio in this race, this War Front filly certainly has potential, but hasn’t done much yet. Most racing has been on turf including the only win she has in GB. Will look to run late, but I think she is probably better suited as a turf horse.
#5 American Tap – The most likely of the Casse group, she has a win over the surface. This is the first time trying a route so the later running style could come into play.
#6 Two Sixty – This looks like a rabbit entry for the others, but this horse can hold her own having won 416k lifetime. Maybe those days are behind her, but should try to push the pace.
#7 Merveilleux – Another front running type who has proven herself at the distance has a great shot to get her first graded stakes win. She has been working very well since the last win.
This horse features a lot of speed. Looking for a heated battle on the front end between Owlette and Marveilleux. Two Sixty is likely to be right there with them and Sartoga Vision and Livin in the Six just off the pace with American Tap and Diamond Sparkles trailing. As it heats up I expect Owlette and Marveilleux to remain on the lead while American Tap makes a run at them. My top choice will be #7 Merveilleux who is proven at the distance to hold off the challenge.
Selections: 7-5-1…