Sunday July 2, 2000

The Beverly Hills Handicap
7th @ Hollywood

 

1. Polaire...Nakatani/116...She has won at the distance, albeit on the soft going in Ireland. She'll not get that kind of course here though she did run nicely in her first start on this track.  She pressed pretty soft fractions then finished up nicely. That was a group 2 race in Ireland so class isn't suspect. Only question is spacing. Sure, she's run well because of it but usually there is another reason for odd spacing like this. Such as a physical problem. Cecil winning 4 of 15 at the meet so far.  

2. Happyanunoit...Blanc/121...Two straight second place finishes have taken the bloom off the rose a bit as Astra got to her in the final strides of the Gamely. The pace was soft early but a pretty strong move between 6 and 8 furlongs probably did her in. Not good news that the race was an 1/8 shorter than today's contest and that the effort was probably as good as she has ever run. She was only beaten a 1/2, but if Astra got anything out of that race it could be nail biting time. Frankel continues his hot streak scoring 25% at this meet, and 18% turf. He and Blanc winning 25% from 28 starts.

3. Spanish Fern...Solis/118...One thing's for sure after the Milady: No dirt for this girl! Those hot fractions she got back in November in the Matriarch seem to be the key, especially with the extra furlong added. Now all we have to do is find someone to set them. The only hope looks to be Sweet Life. If she's out there winging, this one has a shot.  

4. Country Garden...Espinoza/114...A game fighter to be sure. I'm not sure she's quite on the level with a few of these. Hard to say it but the switch from Eddie D. is a positive one at this point. Harte 0 for 8 in first starts with him. The distance: No problem.

5. Astra...Desormeaux/120....If not for having to go 4-wide last summer at Del Mar, she might be undefeated. I don't think she'll be beaten here either. She has enough tactical speed to keep her close when the pace is soft, and a deadly late kick when it isn't. The ole' 1-2 punch! Can't argue with the training, the riding, and especially, the breeding.

6. Sweet Life...Delahoussaye/119...Only shot may be to wing it on the front. That served her well last time. But this is no $100k claiming field. Still, this is only her second start of the year and she ran well enough last year to justify a shot. If her new style serves her here, expect plenty more pressure next time.

 

     This is going to be an interesting race. I expect Astra to be the winner when the dust settles though.

      Sweet Life has every right to improve in her second start this year. She might try to steal it. She might be able to!

      Happanunoit could end up the winner or 2nd as well. We've not heard the last from her I'm sure.

     

1. Astra

2. Sweet Life

3. Happyanunoit

Best of luck everyone!

7TH HOL JULY 2, 2000 BEVERLY HILLS H'cap 1:59 1/5
2 HAPPYANUNOIT 121 BLANC B 4.00 3.00 2.10
6 SWEET LIFE 115 DELAHOUSSAYE E J 4.80 2.60
1 POLAIRE 116 NAKATANI C S 3.00
SCRATCHED: SPANISH FERN
$1 EXACTA 2-6 PAID $12.10
$2 QUINELLA 2-6 PAID $20.80
$1 TRIFECTA 2-6-1 PAID $57.10
ASTRA DISQUALIFIED AND PLACED 5TH

 

© 2000 bBra

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