The Robert Lewis brings out several contenders from Southern California on the Triple Crown trail. Impressive maiden winner Peace will be the most likely favorite with maidens Regulate and Blame the Rider adding to the vast field. I’ll Have Another completed the Robert Lewis/Kentucky Derby double.
Contenders:
Peace picked up a visually impressive win in a maiden race at Santa Anita on a day when the track was playing slow and demanding. He won easily in that spot over a suspect field but galloped out strong and has posted regular workouts since that win. All I’m saying is you have to give Peace a chance. Son of Violence should hit hard in this spot, but the ultimate goal may be slow development. He can win, but I wouldn’t expect his best effort in this place. Blinkers added.
Shivermetimbers lost by six lengths in the Sham and checked going into the turn when the leaders were kicking away. He may have bounced from the hard effort defeating Peace two races back. Recent works indicate he is holding form and his tactical speed should keep him in the top three around the oval. He has lost two highly rated McKinzie in two races by seven lengths and lost in a fast maiden race to Talent Scout. Expecting a strong effort, and 8.5 furlongs should be within his scope.
Inscom has a dirt pedigree and has started a career with four turf efforts. Son of Distorted Humor out of Lemon Drop Kid mare should be able to eat dirt, and his running style and closing kick could make a good transfer. Tyler Baze jumps on for this race and has two workouts in January to get ready for this race.
Pepe Tono closed with a rush picking up his diploma in a highly touted maiden race. Came with a sustained full run and finished with a strong gallop out. Son of Bedemeister out of A.P. Indy mare is bred to cover ground on the dirt. With only two lifetime starts he still has room to improve and should be tough in this spot. Needs a steady pace to be his most effective. Overall this looks like the strongest
Fair Odds
Peace- 8/5
Shivermetimbers 7/2
Pepe Tono – 8/1
Inscom – 12/1
The Selection:
Peace looks like the most likely winner in this spot; he has a pace to run into and has been progressing on all his efforts. Look for continued improvement and his ability to relax and should get him a good trip in this spot.