A full field of 12 horses for the Spiral Stakes. A mix of turf and synthetic horses come in for the 500K purse.
The Skinny:
Royal Son is a son of Tiznow who may be getting good at the right time. Has always indicated potential but Sam F Davis flop was a mystery. Went wire to wire in last race. Should control the pace near the lead, has some fight and should be able to dictate the fractions in a race that will come down to the best closer. Runs better on the lead and inside draw should put him in good position early. Faces more overall pressure than last race.
Big Family ships up from Florida and will be outclassed in this spot.
Watchyourownbobber comes in with back to back wins at Gulfstream on the turf. Fit and in form. Fits in the mix turning for home, but ultimately think he is a little over his head in this race.
Wireless Future big win in last race in Louisiana, steps up in class. Fit and speed figures put him in the mix. Last 2 races have been significantly improved and this is the horse that can put pressure on Royal Son on the front end. Surface should not be an issue.
Another Lemon Drop tries the synthetic for the first time and fist class wise. Turf race in last was a solid effort and he should be closing late. His top races are very capable of winning this and like the stretching out after the strong close on the turf race. Price will be right and should like the distance.
Conquest Typhoon ran in the El Camino Real stakes at Golden Gate. Did not get the best ride that day and was up on the pace early in that race. Held on well and expect him to run better in this spot with a different trip.
Firespike did not fire in the Battaglia. Is better than effort. Capable of showing a better effort and has a small shot. New jockey in the saddle and best race is to come from off the pace.
Magic of Believing picked up a nice win at Oaklawn Park. Closer running style and breeding should put him in the mix. Has a good juvenile foundaton. Not sure if he has the turn of foot on the synthetic that is needed. But 9/1 is a fair price.
Metaboss went from last to first with a big move at Golden Gate. Faces much tougher horses in this race including some other closers. Have a feeling he may be overbet. Facing a better group of horses than last race and running on a different surface.
Task Force Glory has some turf form, but did not run well in last race. Gets another shot. Best race is to come from mid pack. But that style fits several other in this race. Long shot.
Dubai Sky has won 3 in a row on the turf and this son of Candy Ride is the class of the race. Recent works have him sharp and loves a good fight. Expecting a strong race and definitely has the class and is in perfect form coming into the race. Outside post could hinder him to a wide trip early.
Fair Line:
Royal Son 7/2
Another Lemon Drop 6/1
Conquest Typhoon 6/1
Metaboss 7/2
Magic Of Believing 9/1
The Choice:
The tote board should offer a few shots in this race. Another Lemon Drop is my top selection. Has a running style that is versatile, can make a move to get into position going into the turn and should like the 9 furlongs. Conquest Typhoon would be the 2nd selection.