The Mucho Macho Man Stakes has a new name for 2015 and 9 have entered racing at the 1 mile distance.
The Skinny:
Dekabrist is entered after racing last week at Tampa Bay, he has 8 lifetime races, he has lost his last 4 races by an average of over 16 lengths. The Mad Russian saddles.
Ami’s Flatter has 5 workouts over the Pmm surface after running on Polytrack at Woodbine. Pedigree says distance should be no problem and this trainer and owner have teamed up with success in the past. Big win in maiden debut at 7 furlongs and think he is very live in this spot. Trainer does well with young horses. This mare and family have produced several runners.
Bluegrass Singer drew away to a 4 length win last race against some salty horses, cuts back in distance and has the speed to stay close to the pace if not on the lead. Dangerous in this spot with the quick turn-around and has already run over the surface. Figures to be on or near the lead turning for home.
A. Rod Again has the same owner, trainer and mare as General A. Rod who did well in this race last year. Powerful maiden victory at Churchill Downs after running evenly at Kenneland. Comes from off the pace and will be running down the lane.
Twotwentyfive comes in off-form and too slow for the main contenders. Will have to improve, does run from behind, but not sure he wants to go 1 mile against some solid horses. Not sure he fits with these.
Honest picked up a big win at the Shore in September. Has good speed and chased the fast Souper Colossal in debut race. Could be part of the pace mix early but I expect him to weaken late. Looks like a “prep” race – pop and stop.
Juan and Bina chased “White Chocolate” – AKA Mr. Jordan in the last race. That race was a solid finish off some slow fractions. Has two 1-mile races and look to run from mid-pack in this race.
Brother Bobo closed down the lane in last race to miss in Buffalo Man Stakes. Picked up a big speed figure in that last race and may be ready to run a big race in 3rd lifetime start. Son of Kantharos has the right running style for this 1 mile race.
Mawthooq was hammered at the windows in the last start going off at 2/5 and winning by 10 lengths. Chased a fast Ready for Rye in debut race. Full brother to Machen who won the Derby Trial and ran well in several stakes at the Fairgrounds. Very talented. Will probably be the favorite. Gets first lasix and also runs on dry surface for the first time. I like this horse, and believe Mawthooq has the most long-term talent but will be over-bet in this spot.
Fair Odds:
Mawthooq 2/1
A. Rod Again 6/1
Ami’s Flatter 5/1
The Choice
Ami’s Flatter has a solid pedigree and connections that are capable of moving horses up in class. Like the poly to dirt move and the workouts lately are fast and consistent. Ami’s Flatter is the choice, with Mawthooq running on a dry surface the 2nd selection.