2/6 (SA): Las Virgenes S. (G1); Strub & Bob Lewis (G2's)

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

I have to take a shot with Blue Chagall after being humiliated last out at short odds in the Citation. Not much of an excuse, but I thought Gomez moved too early into a soft-pace.

This is his make-or-break race and he might end up an overlay after the Hollywood fiasco.

I agree, Gomez kind of panicked in the Citation and launched that big wide move around the turn only to fall apart. Fluke, on the other hand, enjoyed a perfect trip and got through at the right time.

I think Battle of Hastings will make his presence known as well.

NT

[blackthroatedwind]

Can someone please explain to me how the Las Virgenes is still a Grade 1?

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Can someone please explain to me how the Las Virgenes is still a Grade 1?

I can't vouch for Stardom Bound (although she was a champion) or Golden Doc A, but Rags To Riches and Balance (2007, 2006) went on to win important races.

I wonder in general how long the Graded Stakes Committee gives a race before messing with its rank. Wasn't the Clark changed (one up, one down) two years straight?

[The Indomitable DrugS]

The race has a great history as far as past winners goes...at least when it was run on dirt.

Rags to Riches won the last dirt running of it.

Look at '94 to '00...

'00 Surfside 1st - Spain 2nd - they eventually run 1-2 in the BC Distaff

'99 Excellent Meeting 1st - multiple Gr 1 winner Tout Charment 2nd

'98 Keeper Hill won - later took the Ky Oaks

'97 Sharp Cat won

'96 Antespend over Cara Rafaela and Hidden Lake

'95 Serena's Song won

'94 Lakeway won

Hard to beat that kind of a collection. Winning Colors actually was beaten by Goodbye Halo.

I hear you though ... the synthetic versions of this race have had disgustingly bad fields.

[RolloTomasi]

Originally Posted by The Indomitable DrugS

The race has a great history as far as past winners goes...at least when it was run on dirt.

Rags to Riches won the last dirt running of it.

Look at '94 to '00...

'00 Surfside 1st - Spain 2nd - they eventually run 1-2 in the BC Distaff

'99 Excellent Meeting 1st - multiple Gr 1 winner Tout Charment 2nd

'98 Keeper Hill won - later took the Ky Oaks

'97 Sharp Cat won

'96 Antespend over Cara Rafaela and Hidden Lake

'95 Serena's Song won

'94 Lakeway won

Hard to beat that kind of a collection. Winning Colors actually was beaten by Goodbye Halo.

I hear you though ... the synthetic versions of this race have had disgustingly bad fields.

Serena's Song beat subsequent Acorn winner Cat's Cradle (a CA-bred) and Ashland winner Urbane.

Some decent broodmares pepper '90s renewals. Cara Rafaela (Bernardini), Antespend (Friend's Lake), Urbane (Suave), Rings A Chime (Country Star), Nice Assay (Came Home, AP Assay), Bright Candles (Grand Slam), Serena's Song (Grand Reward), Magical Maiden (Miss Houdini) etc.

Also, Derby hopeful Drosselmeyer is out of Las Virgenes winner Golden Ballet.

Fluke and Great Siege.

Fluke will probably have another perfect trip.

[Alan07]

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...2=-118.034&e=0

Don't get your hopes up for those turf races Saturday!

[SCUDSBROTHER]

Originally Posted by Alan07

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick...2=-118.034&e=0

Don't get your hopes up for those turf races Saturday!

No f'n hand watering for a while.

[SilverRP]

Not just the turf, but the whole weekend card could be in trouble.