El Kabeir enters the Withers Stakes as the only stakes winner. El Kabeir is actually a 2-time winner with titles in the Jerome and Kentucky Jockey Club. The rest of the field all have maiden wins. Classy Class and General Bellamy are the only additional horses who have participated in a stakes race.
The Skinny:
Classy Class was impressive in maiden breaker at Belmont. Ran wide and was pushed early into the pace of the Remsen. The final margin of defeat was deceiving as Classy Class prompted the pace on the outside and was 3 by 3 lengths at the 1/16th pol before dropping back the last portion of the race. Speedy pedigree and inside post and Irad Ortiz. Have a feeling he may be the speed of the speed in this race.
Far From Over earned a hard-fought victory in a tough MSW race at the Big A, prevailing in a stretch-long duel with Net Gain and Tencedur who came back to win. Five workouts in January and one on Dec. 28 should have him fit. Looks like a router and pedigree says the distance. Expensive 550K yearling. Lots to like in this spot.
March picked up a hard found win in last race after running against speed bias in debut. Another who hits hard and probably will come from just off the pace.
Tencedur has a speedy pedigree but has run routes in both his races, seems a tad slow for this group, but still room to improve in 3rd lifetime start. Taking a stand against.
Unrivaled picked up big win at Parx in last race, but now steps up in class. Started his career at Indiana and has experience edge on some rivals. Been facing small fields and is in form. Would need other horses to not show up to win.
General Bellamy is slower than many of these horses and his lone win was on a speed biased track sent to the lead on Nov. 29th. Needs to stay closer to the field to have a shot. Capable of improving but not sure he can turn the 12 length difference on El Kabeir
El Kabeir comes in as the heavy favorite. But this field is tougher than the Jerome. Rated that day and has drawn outside again. Needs to prove he can handle a little more pressure on the Engine with faster fractions. Formidable.
Fair Value:
Classy Class 4/1
Far From Over 4/1
El Kabeir 2/1
The Choice:
Classy Class gets the inside post and has been training well, an aggressive ride and 3rd lifetime start has an upset chance he is the choice to pull the small upset. Far From Over is the 2nd selection.