Tough Field Set For HorseRacingPark’s Kent Stakes

This will be the fifth running of the Kent Stakes here at DEL this Saturday and the group of seven runners for this event have a wide mix of talent and that will definitely be tested over this nine furlong distance on the grass. To pick a winner on this day will take some good studying of past performances as well as looking for that angle that some miss far too often.

The event record was set two seasons ago when Thinken Stables’ Jack The Dancer would crush the field on the front end as he would win by some eight lengths at the wire. The betting public missed the opportunity to pounce on this sophomore as he would go off at 66-1 odds in his turf debut and stun the crowd on the day. He would come right back in a nailbiter in the Gr. II Jamaica at BEL where a photo finish would declare him a winner over Boxing Bits.

So what was missed that day to let him go off at long odds? Possibly the facts that he did win the Gr. I SA Derby at the same distance as well as just miss in the $150 CC Jewel at the distance as well. Though he never proved himself in the Triple Crown races, some horses just have a preference to go so far and finding that out takes a talented trainer.

So who has the ability today to shine in the spotlight? Lets take a look at this years field and see if we can narrow it down;

1	Five Minute Man Pumpkin Racing

Out of the same sire that produced Five Fives, this sophomore has earned all his career victories over the grass. Has had two tries at this distance in past Graded company events, but the distance may have proven to be a touch too long for him. Just missed in a miler for Alw22.5 after going under the knife and recent Sept. 4th work at that distance proves he likes it. Should be game early then fade late. Fringe effort.

Works: 21Sep10 DEL 3f fst :34¹ H 1/1  4Sep10 LAD 1(T) fm 1:34⁴ H 1/8

2	Cherry Cake Sailor Ajr Stable

Is definitely at home on the grass as he has gone four for four over that surface. Just seemed to get there two starts ago at just under a mile against Alw22.1 company at SUF , then returned to go just over a mile and won by some four lengths at the same competitive level. This is a major move up from those events but he has the talent for the surface. Would play nicely in an exotic bet so could surprise and steal a minor share.

Works: 21Sep10 DEL 4f(T) fm :47 H 1/1

3	Red Ribot Bayou Star Farm

Has gone six out of eight on the grass in his career and is coming off a photo finish victory up at SAR in the Gr. II Nat. Museum of Racing at todays distance. Though he disappointed in the Gr. III Rogers two starts ago, the betting public still made him top pick in his most recent. A definite contender on the grass, he should be well in contention with this field and deserves some repect. Player.

4	Highlight Sheffler Stables

Has five victories in seven starts on the grass but they have all come at the five eighth distance. He had a bullet work at MTH on Sept. 7th going a mileon the grass, but he is still untested at this length. Should be well on top in the early fractions setting the pace but can Borel maintain a little in the tank to get to the rail down the stretch for the victory. Needs one to judge so will wait and see off this event. Pass.

Works: 15Sep10 PHA 5f fst :59¹ H 3/12  7Sep10 MTH 1(T) fm 1:36² H 1/54  26Aug10 DMR 6f(T) fm 1:10² H 1/7  23Aug10 DMR 6f(T) fm 1:10³ H 3/19

5	Astral Prince Maverick Racing

A swell Auction purchase for this trainer back in March, came off the shelf to win back to back Alw45 and Alw43 events. Made the step up to the Graded company ranks in his next three and did manage to capture the Gr. II American Derby two starts ago going a sixteenth further. Is a bit of an enigma to find the right placing, but can handle going longer then a mile so should be in the hunt down the stretch. Possibilities.

Works: 16Sep10 FG 6f(T) fm 1:12 H 3/5

6	Stealth Fighter Angelos Stable

Has already gained respect by winning the Canadian Triple Crown this season, but he has yet to be tested at todays distance. He did win the Canadian Breeders Stakes going a mile and a half, but that came on a yielding surface and its hard to rate that effort for this event. Was placed in the Gr. I Travers last time out and while he was competitve early, he was in tough company with Five Fives and settled for fourth. Did that event take too much out of him for this race? Could play a factor so judge accordingly.

7	Turfway Express Axeman

Definitely has the name for this surface and his most recent victory in the Gr. II DMR Derby at todays distance proves he has the talent as well. Maybe one in here who could be overlooked come post time and could surprise the field and take the whole enchilada. Has won back to back victories for his new interest since the summer Auction and his trainer is taking no chances keeping R A Baze in the irons once again. Looking for a price.

The Duffers Picks

7 -Turfway Express………..The pairing is two for two and recent time shows class.

5 – Astral Prince…………….If turf stays firm should place well otherwise look elsewhere

6 – Stealth Fighter………….Has proven his worth this season so should be in the hunt.

Show Special: Cherry Cake Sailor

From Trackside

I’m Mc.D.

Written by McDuffy, republished with permission of and first published at – SimRacing Form.