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Sat January 4th, 2025 |
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Stakes Spotlight
Oaklawn Race 7
Post Time 3:24 PM CST
MOCKINGBIRD STAKES:
#7 SHISOSPICY showed a lot of class on debut and despite
coming up short in the Fern Creek Stakes on the win end, validated that effort
and then some staying on through a fast pace as the BOS. That early speed and
class could present and edge in this field and even with others in this field that
have shown early speed they could get cooked trying to keep up with her in the process.
#1 LADY CRUSH showed a lot of ability on debut something
they will look to translate here stepping up in class to stakes company and on
this circuit. As far as making the lead first out, that was a function of just
being better than the others on the day and with this just a second start there
is opportunity for them to develop their true runstyle.
#2 G W’S GIRL holds the edge on speed figures and class over
many of today’s rivals though will exchange for surface experience with this event
a main track debut. Just catching the 12/22 work, she handles the dirt though
was working solo without any other horses around, a different scenario that
what she will find on race day.
Oaklawn Race 9
Post Time 4:22 PM CST
SMARTY JONES STAKES:
#5 MO QUALITY has been as advertised so far showing a lot
ability with a BTL effort on debut, something of a taxing effort (HARD) for
most horses though came right back the following month with the maiden score
making a WIDE MOVE from the outside post. They will be tested for stamina in
this first race around two turns while in against winners though as good a time
as any to start off the sophomore campaign. Junior Alvarado aboard last out has
a few other calls on the card though this being the reason they are in town
today.
MO QUALITY should present value with #1 KALE’S ANGEL coming
off a strong win though for the Advent Stakes was upgraded with the shorter
distance and stretching back out today has that question mark especially at
shorter odds. Their stablemate #7 CURVINO is best suited to the two turn
distance and has the edge on surface/distance experience though must get faster
coming in a little lighter than others in this field.
The Brad Cox #6 HOT PROPERTY likely to take up the role as
the favorite. While they won at first asking around two turns (and flattered
with place finisher Seattle Road breaking their maiden - albeit a blanket
finish) they did benefit from a Very
Slow early and late pace while clear late still all out to the wire. They will
be tested on this circuit and against winners though does appear intent for the
connections and like Alvarado in town to ride this does appear the reason Prat
is here as well.
#3 OPTICAL will also be tested for two turn stamina though
worth noting the clear TROUBLE+ EXCUSE back in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at
KEE in October. #8 COAL BATTLE fought and prevailed to win the Springboard Mile
just three weeks ago and while a strong effort on the day (B+) the timing and
all around rise presents some hurdles here.