Acorn Stakes Preview: Cathryn Sophia Returns to Action

Likely Winners

#5 Cathryn Sophia – This horse at a mile or shorter…good luck trying to beat her!  She has been an absolute beast, and showed her incredible class last time out to win the Kentucky Oaks at a mile and one eighth.  There is no question Carina Mia can give her a challenge today, but if Cathryn Sophia shows up with her normal race it’s lights out for the rest of this group.  Super talented filly!

#4 Carina Mia – Last time out in the Eight Belles she was so impressive that I think she could at least compete with Cathryn Sophia today at a mile.  Trust me…that’s really saying something as I can’t get enough of Cathryn Sophia going one turn!  However, Carina Mia showed incredible talent in that race, and should handle the extra furlong today just fine.  Expect another solid effort, but just not sure she’s on the same level as the top horse in this race.

Exotic Plays

#6 Go Maggie Go – There is no question that this filly is rapidly becoming a star.  I loved her gutsy effort last time out to win the Black Eyed Susan…but today it’s going to take more than just guts to get the job done.  Competing with the top two in here, especially at this distance, is going to be ultra tough.  She’ll have to run the best race of her life which is possible considering I doubt we’ve seen her best just yet.  Hoping she runs well in here and keeps progressing, but believe she needs longer distances to beat the top two.

Party Crashers

NONE – Nobody is beating one of the top three in this race.

Throw Outs

#2 Off the Tracks – It’s just a really tough test she’s assigned with today to try to beat these monsters at this distance.  In an easier spot she’d be a good play as she’s cutting back in distance which was needed, but not today.

#1 Forever Darling – The bottom line is you have to be pretty special to keep up with the top ones in this race.  Forever Darling certainly isn’t bad, but don’t think she’s good enough to make an impact here.

#3 Paola Queen – Really solid run in the Gulfstream Park Oaks…followed by a really poor run in the Kentucky Oaks.  Would probably bet her back in a race that was a little easier than this one, but this spot is just too tough.