Grade 2 $200,000 Dogwood All About Pace

Category :: News

With a field of 11 set to contest the featured Graded 2 Raven Run October 17 at Keeneland, bettors with an opinion will be licking their lips as a fair price seems assured.

In a seven furlong race lacking a true pace presence, 5/2 morning line favorite Bar of Gold should get a favorable trip after a pair of runner-up finishes stalking the pace in the Grade 1 Test at Saratoga and Grade 2 Prioress. The John Kimmel trainee has speed figures among the best in the field and figures to find a spot close to the early leaders breaking from post 2 under Jose Lezcano. With 3 wins in 7 starts, Bar of Gold could break through with her first graded victory in a decidedly easier spot than her last two starts.

Ella could take them a long way

At 8/1, Miss Ella could also benefit from a soft pace and has a seven-furlong win over the Keeneland dirt, winning the Grade 2 Beaumont in April in just her second career start. This year, the Graham Motion-trained filly has just a single win in four starts, but is rounding back into form after winning a listed stakes last out at Saratoga. She will be without regular rider Joel Rosario with Trevor McCarthy in the irons breaking from post 5.

Chide needs quick pace

The late-running Chide (5/1) made an impressive closing move September 19 at Churchill while running second in the Grade 3 Dogwood behind an impressive effort from Super Majesty. If the fractions heat up, her chances improve.