AMERICAN GRADED STAKES
PREVIEWS
| WITHERS S.
(G3), 3RD-AQU, $150,000, 3YO, 1M, 1:56 P.M. (EDT), 4-29 |
|
| 1 |
LUXEMBOURG, 3, c, by Wild RushFashion Editor, by Deputy Minister O-Buckram Oak Farm; B-Triad Stable (Ky) |
| 2 |
ROB’EM BLIND, 3, c, by Robyn DancerFortunate Vision, by Fortunate Prospect O-Team Stallion Stable; B-Farnsworth Farms & Gerald Robins (Fl) |
| 3 |
BERNARDINI, 3, c, by A.P. IndyCara Rafaela, by Quiet American O-Darley Stable; B-Darley (Ky) |
| 4 |
DOC CHENEY, 3, c, by Saint BalladoLady Melesi, by Colonial Affair O-My Meadowview Farms; B-G Watts Humphrey Jr (Ky) |
Impressive maiden winner BERNARDINI (A.P. Indy) is the likely favorite in
Saturday’s $150,000 Withers S. (G3), but we’ll try to beat him with LUXEMBOURG
(Wild Rush). Trained by Richard Dutrow, Luxembourg didn’t make his seasonal
debut until March 4 at Gulfstream Park, rating nicely over the speed-favoring
strip before pouncing three wide on the far turn. He easily drew clear to a
four-length decision, earning a solid 98 BRIS Speed rating for the maiden score,
and tackled winners next out in a one-mile allowance/optional claiming event at
Aqueduct. Luxembourg pressed a slow pace from the start over the sloppy track
and showed excellent acceleration to leave behind his rivals at the top of the
stretch, eventually winning by four lengths. He received a 101 Speed rating and
is the only member of the field to have earned a triple-digit number. We’ll give
the edge to Luxembourg.
Bernardini hasn’t started since March 4 and had everything his own way last
time at Gulfstream. He appears to own plenty of talent, winning by 7 3/4 lengths
last time after hitting the gate at the start, but will have to spot seasoning
to all three of his rivals and has reportedly dealt with some minor health
issues over recent months. He’s trained well for this start and it won’t be a
surprise to see him win anyway, but we’ll try to beat him.
The cut back to a one-turn mile looks favorable for DOC CHENEY (Saint Ballado).
He didn’t run well in his last two attempts around two turns, but won his first
two starts sprinting before finishing third in the seven-furlong Pasco S. at
Tampa Bay Downs. Trainer Nick Zito is usually very dangerous with
three-year-olds and Doc Cheney may show more now that he’s out of Florida. He’s a
candidate for a minor upset.
ROB’EM BLIND (Robyn Dancer) gets part often but doesn’t own the Speed numbers
to challenge.