Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup Challenge & Grade 3 Perryville
October 10, 2008
The Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup is clearly anyone’s race. There is no clear pacesetter in the race, but Storm Mesa looks like she could make the front if jockey Eddie Martin, Jr. asks her to. I don’t know if she can get the mile and one eighth distance, but I expect her to be in the mix. Ariege has been flying late, and missed Backseat Rhythm by ¾ length last out in the Grade 1 Garden City Handicap. This will be the farthest she has ever gone. I think giving her the extra distance was a good decision by trainer Robert Frankel. Alan Garcia has been masterful in his two races with her, and I expect him to give her another great ride in this race. I also like the daughter of Kingmambo, Sefroua. She was third and raced willingly in her first start in the United States, which was a Grade 3 event. Trainer Graham Motion has decided to use lasix for this race, and ace Ramon Dominguez will be in the irons.
1st- Ariege (3-1)
2nd- Storm Mesa (6-1)
3rd- Sefroua (20-1)
Eaton’s Gift looks nice in the Grade 3 Perryville at Keeneland. He is a proven runner over the polytrack, breaking his maiden at Keeneland, and finishing third in a minor stakes there. Calvin Borel will have the mount for the first time. He will be racing on the front end, but Hatta Fort will be chasing from the back. Most recently fourth in the Kentucky Cup Sprint, Hatta Fort looks to be improving. Julien Leparoux will retain the mount. Keep an eye open for him. John Ward’s colt, I’m So Lucky is the clear favorite. He was third in the Grade 1 Kings Bishop last out in his first attempt in graded stakes company. If he runs back to that race he should have his way with this field.
1st- Eaton’s Gift
2nd- Hatta Fort
3rd- I’m So Lucky
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