As we start to transition towards the final few months of the season, it’s always exciting to watch the youngsters get tested with new challenges. The Cup and Saucer Stakes for 2-year-olds routing on the grass has really produced some nice champions and served as a Breeders’ Cup prep at times. Recent winners include the filly Dixie Law, My Boy Prince, and Scorching who have all carved out successful racing careers. Every participant in this field has questions so let’s have a look at a couple that may be worth a play: Sunday Race #9 Top Selection: #4 Bunyan 6-1 Beautiful-looking colt ran a deceptively good third on debut as he broke from post 12, travelled wide and raced green down the lane. However, he certainly found another gear once he got himself together and was closing ground quickly with every stride. He gets a much better draw this time, and the added ground should suit him perfectly. His sire Hard Spun was a multiple graded stakes winner going long on both dirt and synthetic, and his progeny has earned over $31M routing on the grass. Fraser Aebly gets the call (which we talk about below) and won the Soaring Free for Kevin Attard this season with De la Renta. Great value at 6-1. Wildcard #7 Whatta Move 15-1 This fella has caught my interest for a couple of reasons. Firstly, this is where we find Pietro Moran who was up for top selection Bunyan’s debut, it looks like those jockeys swapped mounts – so who had choice in this race? Secondly, I am not fooled by this guy’s record as I think he needs more distance. His sire Classic Empire won 2 G1’s as a juvenile including taking down the BC Classic at Santa Anita by a neck over Not This time. Thirdly, he is sibling to talented filly Classic Q who is a G1 and G2 winner on the turf. Lots of positives to think about. Longshot #3 Mo Cookie 12-1 She comes out of the uber-tough G1 Natalma which in all fairness was a rather aggressive spot for her, but why not take the chance? She broke slowly from the dreaded inside post, raced a little greenly down the lane and had to remove Lasix (which she adds back here) in order to compete that day. While this group isn’t any easier as she faces males, she should benefit having that mile race on the grass under her belt. Pace-dependent filly will need some honest fractions to chase, and the only front runner in the field looks to be her supplemented stablemate – Sunny’s Rainbow. The Play: $20 win #4 and ex 4/3,6,7,10 = $28 Good luck and safe trips. Share This:Share
