Withers Stakes (Grade 3) Preview

Racing Dudes Picks

Win – 5

Exacta – 1,5 Box

Trifecta – 1,5/1,5/4

Horses to Use in Vertical Wagers – 1,5

Race Shape

Speed –Uncle Sigh, Street Gent, Samraat

Stalkers – Honorable Jungle

Closers – Scotland, Classic Giacnroll

Racing Dudes Projected Order of Finish

#5 Samraat (NY) – When comparing Samraat and Uncle Sigh it really could go either way, but I went with the most established horse and put him on top.  Samraat is three for three, and last time out won a $100,000 State bred Stakes by SIXTEEN lengths.  Nobody has even been close to this horse, and his nature speed could easily run these into the ground.  The waters are sure to get deeper the farther he goes down the Derby Trail, but today I think he’s in with a group that he can handle.

#1 Uncle Sigh (NY) – Two really strong races in a row has some in New York buzzing about the potential this one has.  Last time out was a powerful fourteen length victory over state bred company which earned him a large speed figure.  There is no doubting this will be a jump up in class, but notice that according to most this is a two-horse race between him and Samraat who is also New York bred.  This is the logical spot to put him in, and he’ll have every chance to win.

#4 Classic Giacnroll (KY) – The one thing that might give this one a legit chance in the pace of this race.  Samraat, Uncle Sigh, and Street Gent will most likely all want the lead, and if they go too fast up front Classic Giacnroll could be the beneficiary.  He was only beaten a couple of lengths last time out by Noble Moon, and that horse would probably be favored over the top dogs in here.  In with a chance with the right set up…

#6 Honorable Judge (PA) – Parx shipper has been a monster at his home track, but his only start away from Parx was a tenth place effort in the Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs.  Today is a much easier spot than the Iroquois, but I still can’t get that race out of my mind.  He must prove to me he can do it outside of Parx before I get too excited.

#2 Street Gent (KY) – After struggling badly in his first three races, Street Gent picked it up last time out with a nice maiden score.  He gets thrown into Grade 3 action today, but this field isn’t much so it’s not a bad spot for him.  However, in his last race he was alone on the lead, and that will not happen in this one.  Expect the pace pressure to hurt his chances here.

#3 Scotland (KY) – Even though this race has come up short, being a maiden in a stakes at this point of the year is still not good.  It wouldn’t be crazy to think he might hit the board, but probably will just end up being over matched in this one.