Native Diver Stakes (Grade 3) Preview

Racing Dudes Picks

Win –#1 Game On Dude

Exacta –1,4 boxed

Trifecta –1,2,4 boxed

Horses to Use in Vertical Wagers –1

Race Shape

Speed –Game On Dude, Make Music For Me

Stalkers –Nonios

Closers – Richard’s Kid, Kettle Korn

Racing Dudes Projected Order of Finish

#1 Game On Dude (KY) – Who knows what happened to him in the Breeders Cup Classic, but you have to think Game On Dude will bounce back in this one.  Short fields like this one normally favor horses with speed, and Game On Dude has beat this bunch countless times.  He also returns to the distance in which I believe he excels best.  If he runs his normal race, I see no problems for him.

#4 Nonios (KY) – A three-year old that is improving as we move along, and probably one to watch for next year.  Can he beat the top older horses in California here?  Probably not, but the foundation has been built for Nonios to be a player in these types of races from here on out.

#2 Richard’s Kid (MD) – He’s ran solid races since moving to the bard of Doug O’Neill, but he’s yet to find the winners circle for him.  You have to respect the class of this horse, and if Game On Dude is off his game then Richard’s Kid obviously has a big time chance.  However, he’s been beaten several times by Game On Dude in the past, so it’s hard to get real excited about him.

#3 Make Music for Me (KY) – Has never been able to cut it against Graded Stakes company, but who can blame them for giving it another try after a sharp wire to wire allowance win last time out.  Don’t think he can make too much of an impact, but if he could somehow get loose on the lead, who knows…

#5 Kettle Corn (KY) – I must be crazy picking the defending champion of this race to finish last!  Fact is, I think everyone in the race has a shot at winning, but I just don’t think Kettle Corn is as good as the top three in here.  I do like the connections, and can’t say I’d be totally shocked if he pulled the upset.