A few more horses entered in this years edition of the Shuvee than last year. Solid field of nine are
competing with no clear standout.
1. Lucky Stride: The Puerto Rican invader has done little wrong, winning 8 of 11 and finishing second in the other three. It’s encouraging to see Jose Ortiz take the mount, but this filly is an absolute unknown. If her price floats over 20-1, she may be worth a flier, but, otherwise, I’m going to wait and see what she can do at this level.
2. Bellera: Her form has been up and down, but there’s no question about whether or not she can get the distance. Her only off the board finish at 9 Furlongs on dirt was when she lost her rider at the start back at Aqueduct. She’s not impossible, but I prefer others.
3. Letruska: She was a bit of a wise guy horse in the Ballerina, where she came up empty against stiffer competition. She has inside position but other speed to deal with. I think she’ll win the early battle, but I’m not sure she wants the full 9 furlongs. Watch to see if the drying out track is favoring speed, if so, upgrade her. Otherwise, I’m trying to beat her.
4. Our Super Freak: She freaked last time dueling the whole way around before yielding last to Horologist in the Molly Pitcher. She’s never come close to sniffing a figure that high before. She now stretches out and finds a faster horse inside of her. She may be able to duplicate that effort, but if she does, she’ll beat me, as she won’t be on any of my tickets.
5. Golden Award: She put forth a better effort in the Summer Colony after easing in the Ogden Phipps two back. I’m not sure which version of her will show up today, so she’s one to watch in the paddock and warming up. Her best chance is being able to rate. Maybe.
6. Nonna Madeline: She was dead game winning the Summer Colony here on 8/5. She’s been patiently campaigned by Pletcher, slowly adding more distance, and getting stronger while doing so. Whether or not Irad is well enough to ride is the big question mark. Either way, I’m using her.
7. Lucky Move: She’s run two of her better races in her career coming off the COVID layoff at Delaware. Her other races aren’t competitive at this level though. I think she’s in too deep here.
8. Another Broad: She’s has a brief freshening after 4 straight dull tries. She has one race in her last ten that would be competitive in this race. She’s not for me.
9. Royal Flag: She was favored in the Molly Pitcher, but sat too close to that hot pace and faded late. She still ran a credible race and reunites now with Castellano. Breaking from the outside post, I’m expecting a more patient ride. I’ll think she’ll learn from that race and get the job done here.
My Picks: 9-6-5