The first Saturday in April brings out the Grade 1 Gazelle. A competitive field of six has gathered with an eye on advancing to the Kentucky Oaks.
Sweet Reason will be favored or co-favored at post time. Spring season has been designed as a two start campaign to get to the Kentucky Oaks. Started career with strong rallies as a juvenile and flattened out after closing into a speed biased track on Breeders’ Cup Friday last fall. Some people question her true disposition as a distance horse. She has been working in company with the talented Noble Moon for several works. Wintered at Aqueduct and last race was a much needed tightener against softer competition, expect an improved effort and will be coming from off the pace. Needs a quick pace to fire best effort.
Bird Maker will appreciate the cool weather and new surface. Powerful maiden win last year was a very strong effort and connections do well in New York this time of the year. Golden Rod runner-up effort was a solid move from off the pace. Versatile running style and has been chasing some strong runners in past two races. Expecting an improved effort and look to see her sitting just off the pace and make a winning move going into the turn. Empire Maker adds a solid pedigree mix with Boston Harbor. Home-bred in the Big Apple needs to get first jump on Sweet Reason. Bird is the word on Saturday.
Got Lucky should be ready to fire an “A” effort off the bench and is another who has the pedigree to be an Oaks type winner. Has delivered a couple of races capable of competing with these horses. Should be sitting on a big race and expect her to be close to the pace. Big effort at Belmont last year before running a solid 2nd in a gritty Demoiselle Stakes. Chased a fresh, fit and fast Untapable last time and with that running line will be likely favored.
My Miss Sophia has a win early pedigree with a lot of dirt and mud influence with Unbridled’s Song and Langfuhr. Stretches out in distance and lacks some of the seasoning of a couple of horses. Hard to determine class level. Some late developing fillies may be making a lot of noise at the end of the year.
The Pace:
Got Lucky is capable of being on the lead if not setting the pace. Bird Maker gets first jump on the field. Sweet Reason the closer.
The Choice:
Bird Maker is a horse who might improve dramatically getting off the Gulfstream surface and the cooler weather. Upset chance at a solid price in a small field. Got Lucky moved too late in last race and should be fit in 2nd start.