Apple Blossom Handicap (Grade 1) Preview

Likely Winners:

#2 Untapable (KY) – She may have lost last time, but we’ve seen this game with Asmussen before.  He’s never been a great first time off the layoff trainer, and unfortunately for Untapable she ran into a tough foe in Gold Medal Dancer.  The slop probably didn’t help matters as she looked like she was struggling with the track for most of the race.  However, since that race her workouts have been huge and all signs point to her running a better race on Friday.  The Dudes are big fans personally of Gold Medal Dancer, but you have to think Untapable will improve greatly this time out.  Look for another match race, only this time we expect Untapable to get by Gold Medal Dancer.

#5 Gold Medal Dancer (KY) – Last time out in the Azeri it was supposed to be all about Untapable and her successful return to the races, but Gold Medal Dancer had other ideas!  In a duel that lasted seemingly the entire race, it was Gold Medal Dance that put away the champion in the stretch and prevailed by a half length.  The slop probably helped her cause, as well as having a race over the track, but it was still an ultra impressive win and easily the biggest of her career.  I do believe she’s primed to top that performance last time out, however I think Untapable will improve even more off that last race.  It could be quite a rematch!

Exotic Plays:

#3 Pearl Turn (KY) – She ran two really solid races in the Pippin and Bayakoa, but just wasn’t quite good enough to win.  Last time out trainer William Van Meter dropped her into an allowance to get a victory, and she showed her class winning by a little over a length.  However, its clear that she just can’t hang with the top two in here.  Expect her to give a great effort, but just fall a bit short.

Party Crashers:

#1 Call Pat (KY) – Scored an upset over Sugar Shock and others last time out, and has ran well since Brad Cox took over the training duties.  This is a huge jump up in class today and the numbers don’t match up with Untapable or Gold Medal Dancer, but if anyone at least has a chance to pull the upset it’s this one.

Throw Outs:

#4 Diva’s Diamond (IL) – Hasn’t hit the board in any of the Oaklawn Stakes for older fillies and mares so today looks like a tall task.  Would have to improve by ten or fifteen lengths to have a chance.

#6 Glorys Last Chance (KY) – Ran a pretty decent race last time out finishing third to Pearl Turn in an allowance optional claimer, but this is a different ball game today.  Not fast enough to be close to the top ones in here.

#7 Sugar Shock (KY) – I’ve honestly never been a huge fan of this horse, and I don’t think she can compete at the top level.  Picked against her last time in a much easier race and she finished fourth.  Just can’t see how she makes an impact against this group.