Sanford Stakes
July 22, 2008
Ready's Image takes the 2007 edition of the Sanford Stakes
Sanford Stakes (Grade 2)
#1 Officer Ipod- First out winner from the barn of Anthony Dutrow. He won in wire-to-wire fashion in a time of :59 for five furlongs. The son of Officer will retain the services of Ramon Dominguez. I am a big fan of Dominguez, so that is a plus for me. There is no telling what type this one is, but he is going to have to adopt a new running style, or he will get burned up on the front end.
#2 Dagnabit- Undefeated winner of the Tremont is the lone stakes winner in the field. He should lay off the early pace, and make a move towards the top of the stretch. I’m not too impressed with his speed figures. I would definitely use him second and third, but I’m not sure if I would use him on top.
#3 Desert Party- This son of Street Cry is a $2.1 million purchase, owned by the famed Darley Stable. He was much the best first time out, earning an ESF of 93. He will have Edgar Prado in the irons for this one, and should be in the thick of it.
#4 Notonthesamepage- This colt is faaaaaast. He broke the Churchill Downs track record last out going 4 ½ furlongs, while earning an ESF of 107. Wesley Ward has him working like a machine. I’m kind of surprised to see Elvis Trujillo up, but he is capable. If this colt runs back to his last race its all over but the crying. You have to use this colt in all spots.
#5 Bullion Cache- Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez will hook up for this colt. Johnny is going to have to rate this guy, because Notonthesamepage will burn him up if he tries to go with him. These are two-year-olds and anything can happen, but I don’t see it happening for this son of Seeking The Gold.
#6 Vineyard Haven- Earned a very hefty ESF of 98 en route to a first time win at Calder. After that impressive win he was purchased by Bobby Frankel. That says something to me, and it should to you too. Frankel is one of the best trainers in the game and if he thought enough of this colt to purchase him, he is in with a shot. He is one of many with a chance to take this one.
#7 Phosphorescent- Robby Alborado and Dale Romans will hook up for this colt. He is the only colt in the race with a win at 6 furlongs and he took that race from the 9 hole. I like his running style and he should be in the race late. I’ll be throwing him in my exotic tickets.
1st- Vineyard Haven
2nd- Desert Party
3rd-Dagnabit
Plays:
$1 Trifecta (3,6/2,3,6/1,2,3,6,7)
