El Afortunado to continue winning ways under new management in Sir Howard Stakes
The road to the Triple Crown continues on Sunday with the 28th running of the $1.2-million Sir Howard Stakes, a Restricted Allowance II contest for native-bred three-year-old colts and geldings going 6 furlongs (1,200m).
The Supreme Racing Guide takes a look at the six runners and their chances of winning.
1. KINDRED SPIRIT: (3 b c by Key to Power – Wings of Hope) – The only maiden runner in this line-up and that should remain the same after the race is over.
2. EL AFORTUNADO: (3 b c by Bern Identity – Urgent Appeal) – Got off the mark from the second time of asking over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m) on January 21. El Afortunado came from behind runners to win the race impressively going away by 7 ¾ lengths in a time of 1:08.4. The final time wasn’t all that firing, but the manner in which he accelerated in deep stretch suggested that El Afortunado should be a good one in the making. Now taking orders from Anthony Nunes, El Afortunado is expected to reward his new connections right away.
3. WHIZZ KIDD: (3 b c by Northern Giant – Mayken Joy) – Won going 5 furlongs (1,000m) round by a short head in a time of 1:02.4 on February 18. In this small field, Whizz Kidd is expected to run well.
4. BIG GUY IN THESKY: (3 b c by Natural Selection – Graville Greta) – Was expected to figure on last when finishing in fifth place by over 14 lengths over 7 ½ furlongs (1,500m) on February 20. Big Guy In TheSky, who has been working well, should be on the premises when the race is being decided.
5. CURLIN’S NOON: (3 b c by Perfect Curlin – Noon It Is) – Released the maiden tag on February 22 over 6 furlongs when beating Roaring Thunder by a head in a time of 1:15.3. Against these, Curlin’s Noon is going to find repeating a tall order.
6. RIDGE LINER: (3 b c by Dreamliner – Ma Grande) – Was an easy 4 ¾-length winner over the straight course on February, beating Truly Begotten Sun in a time of 1:02.0. Ridge Liner is expected to run well but a winning one is, however, not on the table.