Taking a Stand Against Nyquist in FrontRunner Stakes
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Mt Veeder winning the Contender Stakes at Los Alamitos on Sept. 13 and has a chance to upset Nyquist on Saturday in the FrontRunner Stakes. (BENOIT photo)
This edition of the FrontRunner Stakes on Saturday at Santa Anita Park attracted a field of eight runners including multiple stakes winner Nyquist, who brings a 3-for-3 record into this race from the barn of Doug O'Neill. In his most recent start, Nyquist pulled away to a convincing win the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity, but I landed on a different colt as my top choice.
Mt Veeder was my pick in the Del Mar Futurity before he was scratched from the race. His connections instead waited to run in the Contender Stakes at Los Alamitos and he emerged with a victory to remain unbeaten in two starts. Now, I’m just hoping he doesn’t scratch out of this race because I’ve been waiting for these two runner to meet.
What makes this race interesting is that neither Nyquist nor Mt Veeder has tried stretching out to a two-turn race, so this will be the first time for both horses going 1 1/16 miles. They both showed elite talent in sprints, but can they handle the added distance in the FrontRunner?
The FrontRunner is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” race for the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, guaranteeing the winner a starting spot in the race. There also is a good chance the FrontRunner winner ends up as the favorite, or at least one of the favorites, for the Juvenile.
Let’s take a look at the field:
#1 Go Long: He tried the turf in his most recent start and finished sixth in a field of 11 on the turf when going a mile for the first time. His only win was on this dirt main track when sprinting at Del Mar. I think he’s in too tough of a field to make an impact.
#2 On Fire: Finished third in his debut and then won his second start when stretching out to a mile at Del Mar. He showed good tactical speed to stay close throughout, and I think he’s going to get better with each start. I’d use him in the trifecta.
#3 Blameitonthelaw: His debut win was visually impressive, and I wouldn’t rule him out based on his most recent performance. He’s adding blinkers, and I think he’s a top contender to win.
#4 Nyquist: He’s 3-for-3 and looks to be getting better. The distance is a question and he will be pressed early if he decides to go to the lead.
NYQUIST WINNING DEL MAR FUTURITY
BENOIT photo
#5 Hollywood Don: He is a proven turf runner who has two wins going a mile and comes into the race fresh off of a stakes win. He’s getting better with each start, and I think he will like the dirt just fine.
#6 Rare Candy: He finished a well-beaten fourth behind Hollywood Don in their most recent matchup. I just don’t think he can turn the tables on him or a few of the others.
#7 Swipe: If it wasn’t for Nyquist, he would be coming into this race with a three-race winning streak. Like a few others, this will be his first try around two turns and he will be picking up the pieces if there’s a speed duel up front.
#8 Mt Veeder: I was disappointed he scratched out of the Del Mar Futurity but he returned with a nice win a little less than two weeks ago. I think there is plenty of talent here and his pedigree suggests he should have no problem with this distance. My pick to win.
Betting Strategy
$10 win: #8 Mt Veeder ($10)
$1 trifecta: 8 with 2,3,4,5 with 2,3,4,5 ($12)
Total: $22
$300,000 FrontRunner StakesSaturday, Santa Anita Park, Race 5, 5:30 p.m. ET1 1/16 miles, dirt, 2-year-olds
PP
Horse
Jockey
Trainer
Owners
Odds
1
Go Long
Fernando Perez
Keith Desormeaux
Barrows or Brehm or Desormeaux, et al
20-1
2
On Fire
Gary Stevens
Simon Callaghan
Arnold Zetcher
12-1
3
Blameitonthelaw
Tyler Baze
John Sadler
Doubledown Stables
5-1
4
Nyquist
Mario Gutierrez
Doug O'Neill
Reddam Racing
6-5
5
Hollywood Don
Brice Blanc
Peter Miller
Rockingham Ranch
4-1
6
Rare Candy
Joe Talamo
David Hofmans
Tarabilla Farms
15-1
7
Swipe
Kent Desormeaux
Keith Desormeaux
Big Chief Racing
5-1
8
Mt Veeder
Martin Garcia
Bob Baffert
Bolton & Stonestreet Stables
6-1