Jim Rasmussen Stakes Preview

Likely Winners:

#1  It Happened Again (KY) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 2.32

In a very evenly matched race full of hard knockers, I’m giving a slight edge to It Happened Again.  He threw in a couple of clunkers at Oaklawn this year, but his last race for new trainer Chris Richard was one of the most impressive of his career.  He dominated a decent field of allowance horses, showing a different dimension coming from well off the pace.  The three some of Chris Richard, Terry Thompson, and Maggi Moss are extremely tough to beat at Prairie Meadows so look for It Happened Again to find the winners circle this Saturday night.

#5 Stachys (KY) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 2.70

When it comes to ungraded stakes, Stachys knows how to win them!  He won this race last year with a nice effort, and looks to be in decent position to win it again this year.  He had a minor set back and had to be given some time off, but he came back strong winning his first race of the year at Oaklawn in a decent allowance field.  He then raced in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and finished a very solid fifth in what may have been the toughest handicap race of the season.  This will be his third start off of a layoff, so I expect him to run a big race in this one.  If he gets a little pace to run at, he’ll be awfully hard to handle.  Very little difference between him and It Happened Again in my eyes.

#8 Shadowbdancing (FL) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 2.81

You can never count out this horse out at Prairie Meadows.  Shadowbdancing has hit the board nine of ten times at Prairie Meadows, and has won four of those races including the Grade 2 Cornhusker Handicap in 2010.  His recent form has been pretty solid leading up to this, as he’s hit the board in four out of five ungraded stakes.  He’s always a tough beat over this track so you better put him on all your tickets.

Exotic Plays:

#3 Red Lead (FL) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 2.44

Red Led won this race in 2010, but it’s hard to believe that is his only win at Prairie Meadows.  He’s been close several times however, and he definitely fits in with this bunch class wise.  His two races in 2012 have been ok, but he may not be on top of his game at this point.  I expect him to run decent, but I’m not sure he’s quite as good as the top three I have listed.  Still wouldn’t leave him off my trifecta or superfecta tickets though.

#4 Omniscient (KY) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 2.26

This horse has done his best running against the allowance ranks, but he’s tried his fair share of stakes.  I wouldn’t call him out classed in this one, but I would be surprised if he wins the race.  He’ll run his as well as he can, but I think third or fourth is about the best he can do.

Party Crashers:

#6 P D Q Kiddo (IL) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 1.88

I’m not extremely high on this horse facing open company, but any time you’ve won two races in a row you are doing something right.  PDQ Kiddo was a two length winner in an Illinois bred stakes last time out, and the race before was a winner of an open allowance race.  He’s done his best running against Illinois breds, but he comes into this race with confidence which can sometimes be dangerous.  The competition will be tougher, but the price will be right.  Logical longshot.

Throw Outs:

#2 Flat Black (KY) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 2.27

Looks to be a little out-classed against this group of experienced runners.  Maybe an outside shot at the superfecta if everything goes right.

#7 Prospect Knight (KY) – Racing Dudes Class Rating: 1.59

Another one that looks to be out-classed.  Ran nicely to win a recent allowance at Prairie Meadows, but lacks the talent to compete with this field.