Handicappers will be challenged to come up with a clear favorite in Saturday’s opening day $35,000 Bienvenidos Stakes at Turf Paradise, the quality goes that deep.
A 136-day meet will run from Oct. 17-May 8, with racing conducted primarily on a five day a week basis, Saturday thru Wednesday. Post time will be 12:55 pm.
In the Bienvenidos, run at 6 ½ furlongs, six of the nine entrants have won stakes. Two of the nine – Absolutely Cool and Jamaican Memories – have finished third in this event, the former in last year’s running and the latter in 2013.
Speed is in abundance with four of the nine looking to dictate the pace, thereby making it tempting to go with one of the confirmed closers.
The speed horses:
Bourbon Sense: Coming off a runner up finish in Ruidoso Down’s Thoroughbred Cup at 1 1/16 the 8-year-old scored a wire-to-wire win in Arapahoe’s Classic at 1 1/8 miles in his prior start. His best effort locally at the Bienvenidos’ distance was a third place effort in April of this year.
Omar: One of two (the other is Countercyclical) entered by last meet’s leading trainer Robertino Diodoro, the 6-year-old has four victories locally, including a win in the Caballos del Sol and a third place effort in the Phoenix Gold Cup.
Gamblin Jack: Coming out of Hawthorne via Canterbury Down, the 5-year-old has won five of eight starts at the distance.
Ankeny Hill: The probable favorite due to his recent double fourth place finishes in two Del Mar stakes and his southern California form, the 5-year-old finished fifth in the Phoenix GoldCup after leading until deep stretch.
The closers:
Redsolocup: The Washington bred is coming off a win in Emerald Downs’ Chinook Pass stakes at the 6 ½ furlong distance.
Jamaican Memories: The 7-year-old relishes the local course with a record of 32-4-5-13. However, he’s been out since August and may be in need of a start.
Absolutely Cool: The veteran at 8-years-old and one with a stellar local resume: 24-6-7-7.The winner of this year’s Phoenix Gold Cup, Absolutely Cool knows how to come galloping late.
A 136-day meet will run from Oct. 17-May 8, with racing conducted primarily on a five day a week basis, Saturday thru Wednesday. Post time will be 12:55 pm.
In the Bienvenidos, run at 6 ½ furlongs, six of the nine entrants have won stakes. Two of the nine – Absolutely Cool and Jamaican Memories – have finished third in this event, the former in last year’s running and the latter in 2013.
Speed is in abundance with four of the nine looking to dictate the pace, thereby making it tempting to go with one of the confirmed closers.
The speed horses:
Bourbon Sense: Coming off a runner up finish in Ruidoso Down’s Thoroughbred Cup at 1 1/16 the 8-year-old scored a wire-to-wire win in Arapahoe’s Classic at 1 1/8 miles in his prior start. His best effort locally at the Bienvenidos’ distance was a third place effort in April of this year.
Omar: One of two (the other is Countercyclical) entered by last meet’s leading trainer Robertino Diodoro, the 6-year-old has four victories locally, including a win in the Caballos del Sol and a third place effort in the Phoenix Gold Cup.
Gamblin Jack: Coming out of Hawthorne via Canterbury Down, the 5-year-old has won five of eight starts at the distance.
Ankeny Hill: The probable favorite due to his recent double fourth place finishes in two Del Mar stakes and his southern California form, the 5-year-old finished fifth in the Phoenix GoldCup after leading until deep stretch.
The closers:
Redsolocup: The Washington bred is coming off a win in Emerald Downs’ Chinook Pass stakes at the 6 ½ furlong distance.
Jamaican Memories: The 7-year-old relishes the local course with a record of 32-4-5-13. However, he’s been out since August and may be in need of a start.
Absolutely Cool: The veteran at 8-years-old and one with a stellar local resume: 24-6-7-7.The winner of this year’s Phoenix Gold Cup, Absolutely Cool knows how to come galloping late.
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