AMERICAN
GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS
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LOUISVILLE H. (G3), 10TH-CD, $100,000, 3YO/UP, 1 1/2MT, 5:29 P.M. EDT, 5-23 |
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| 1 |
MY HAPPINESS (ARG), 8, h, by Festin (Arg)Maria Patricia, by Forlitano (Arg) O-Fritz McTarnahan; B-Thomas Michael Tribolet (Arg) |
| 2 |
GANGBUSTER, 4, c, by LangfuhrFoxcaller, by Beau Genius O-Allshouse Racing Stable LLC; B-Mike G Rutherford (Ky) |
| 3 |
TRANSDUCTION GOLD, 6, G, by Formal GoldMoondust Mink, by Great Above O-Kim and John Glenney; B-Dr. & Mrs. John Glenney (Ky) |
| 4 |
SILVER MOUNTAIN, 4, c, by Victory GallopCountry Cruise, by Riverman O-Sundance Thoroughbreds; B-Scott Goldsher (Ky) |
| 5 |
ALWAYS FIRST (GB), 8, G, by Barathea (Ire)Pink Cristal, by Dilum O-Merriefield Farm; B-D B Clark and A L and Mrs Penfold (GB) |
| 6 |
WHY TONTO, 4, c, by Indian CharlieWhy So Much, by Northern Baby O-Starlight Stable LLC; B-T F Vanmeter & L B Vanmeter (Ky) |
| 7 |
BRASS HAT, 8, G, by PrizedBrassy, by Dixie Brass O-Fred F Bradley; B-Fred F. Bradley (Ky) |
| 8 |
SPICE ROUTE (GB), 5, h, by King’s Best—Zanzibar, by In the Wings (GB) O-Harlequin Ranches; B-Usk Valley Stud (GB) |
| 9 |
THABAZIMBI, 4, c, by Empire MakerAletta Maria, by Diesis (GB) O-John A Chandler; B-Chandler John A. Dr. (Ky) |
Recent Elkhorn S. (G2) romper SPICE ROUTE (GB) (King’s Best) is the one to
beat in Saturday’s $100,000 Louisville H. (G3) at Churchill Downs. Last seen
dominating the Elkhorn at Keeneland for Roger Attfield, the gelded chestnut
boasts a big edge in BRIS Prime Power (173.7) and has posted triple-digit Speed
figures in four of his last six outings, so we see no reason why he can’t win
this race by open lengths under Shaun Bridgmohan.
The wildcard in the field is the well-bred THABAZIMBI (Empire Maker), who
romped over an allowance field at Keeneland most recently. Conditioned by Bill
Mott, the bay colt might be a cut below these on paper, but his pedigree and
connections are impeccable, and he gets the services of Julien Leparoux. We’d
use the board when gauging the win chances of this horse — if he’s well-bet that
could be the telling sign.
GANGBUSTER (Langfuhr) has always been a decent performer but really stepped
up last out, drawing off by 10 3/4 lengths in the Fort Harrod S. at Keeneland for
trainer Keith Desormeaux. The chestnut colt was running in claiming races as
recently as two races prior, but we have a hunch that he always wanted to run at
distances of this nature, and we’ll use him in our gimmicks.
Grade 1 hero BRASS HAT (Prized) was a decent third in the Elkhorn and has
trained like a beast in advance of this, but he’s still winless on turf and the
closer might be compromised by the lack of a true speedster in the field. We’ll
include the gelded eight-year-ld in our trifecta and superfecta plays.
TRANSDUCTION GOLD (Formal Gold) had a strong five-year-old campaign, but the
gelding has not looked like the same runner this time around for John Glenney.
An excellent second in this race a year ago, the Kentucky-bred has very good
tactical speed when he’s right and is eligible to pick up a share with a
perfect trip. SILVER MOUNTAIN (Victory Gallop) was a fine allowance winner over this turf
for Tom Proctor, but the chestnut has yet to prove that he’s graded-stakes
worthy at this stage of his development. With that said, the colt is not facing
the most imposing field ever assembled and might sneak into the exotics picture
at a distance he should adore. Jesus Castanon has the assignment.
ALWAYS FIRST (GB) (Barathea [Ire]) was second in the 2007 edition of this
race and has compiled a sharp 13-5-2-3 mark at this distance for Tom Voss. The
eight-year-old is more than capable of being a major factor in here, but he’s
not as consistent as he once was and might be a step slower than in years past. Stakes winner WHY TONTO (Indian Charlie) should be in the lead against these
for a while, but we’ve been under impressed with his efforts in 2009 for Todd
Pletcher. MY HAPPINESS (Arg) (Festin [Arg]) is winless in eight starts since arriving
in the United States, placing just three times, and we have no interest in him in this
marathon.