Solid yet not spectacular group going nine panels for 1.3 million and our crystal ball likes SOUTHLAWN. Pioneer of the Nile filly gaveled down to Masterson for 290K goes to Norm and he debuts her in June, impressive given the pedigree. Some here will recall Masterson campaigned the monster TEPIN and although not the program trainer (Papa was) he was the only owner that supported and moved his horses to the son.
In her Louisville unveiling going 5 1/2 somehow she was favored over eventual 2yo champ who is also entered tomorrow. Would venture betting that cross, that distance, would be akin to attending a baseball game and betting on a no hitter and a triple play occurring. Filly shows nothing. Six works later pretty bay tries two turns, green, in Henderson, race comes off, six scratch and she beats a modest bunch with shades. Then a series (3) of poor efforts, a pair on the weeds earns the Winstar bred a seven week sabbatical.
During this benching Southlawn had a minor and very common throat procedure (Myectomy) that improves a horse about 15% of the time; this was one of them. Entered in a two turn, 50k. optional Nw2 she sits comfortable then powers away by many. She was at the clubhouse turn before the balance of the field hit the finish line. Three solid, well held morning drills later, she enters the FG Oaks with Reylu on the reride drawing the rail. Courageous miss takes dirt alters late and cold cocks a quality bunch. Ships in has a nice breeze, an exceptional work, then a nice breeze. Dead red, the one to beat.
Yet there are others, (usually are in Grade'1's) and the major competition likely is the filly she just beat! PRETTY MISCHIEVVOUS could not be any better bred, very sharp conditioner and the best barn in our lifetime (and I'm old) adds blinkers after six in the money races, $500K in earnings with a graded heat in her pocket. At all racing jurisdictions when blinkers are added starter approval is required. Back in the day we would work out of the gate an eight of a mile so the clockers did not record the event as a work, nowadays those shenanigans are much more difficult to pull off yet occur regularly. At any rate this high-quality miss has worked twice in the hood at churchill and we cannot recall a sophomore filly working any better in six decades of handicapping this race. Major player, 14 hole no issue.
As for vertical enthusiasts in no particular order ; How will Bottanical handle dirt, can favored ( 4 for 4,, 2 bends dirt) Wet Paint continue against better? and lastly, not lyin, Peter and Peter's Arrogate lass will be on the board somewhere at a juicy price.
Enough for now, will post the big race after a bit. bbb
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