Delaware Park 22 July 2006
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SECRET PASSION has been knocking hard on the door in recent months, making the frame in a tougher contest here last time, well clear of fourth-placed Advantage Jack. He is taken to capitalise on the drop in class at the main expense of Cobblers Son, who was third when switched to this venue last time out and is still improving.
Lucky Duck was ahead of Red Lava when finding one too good over C&D last time out and looks sure be thereabouts again, but it could pay to side with KIBO. Mark Shuman's charge opened his account with plenty to spare over C&D latest. He remains on an upward curve and should have more to offer on his third start after a lay-off. Elsewhere, Kid Carson has claims if putting his latest run behind him.
BLAZING CIARA failed to justify favouritism in higher grade almost a fortnight ago, but had previously won a similar race to this by nine lengths. She is worthy of support in her bid to atone for that disappointment. An easy winner in lower grade a month ago, Ms. Elaine looks the biggest danger, while Yellow Diamond appeals as best of the rest.
Beaten only a neck in a similar C&D event when last seen, HARDTOBETHEBEST is fancied to make a winning debut for new connections. Fast Market is an obvious danger as he bids to complete a C&D double at this level, while Kipper's An Angel is a threat to all if having one of his better days.
Monster Blues faded in the closing stages last time, but had previously won a maiden claimer in good style and would surely be involved in the finish if repeating that effort. Narrow preference is for SHADY AFFAIR, however, as she recorded a new career-best when third in a similar C&D event earlier this month and could now be heading the right way. Edger should be monitored for support as she is dropping in grade.
State Of Art has put in two good efforts on turf and looks open to further improvement while Little Vicar and Starship Skywalker have won better races on dirt and must be given good chances on their debuts on grass but it's another newcomer to the turf that catches the eye. DANCEHALL FEVER was an easy maiden winner before finishing second in a valuable race. He's open to plenty of improvement after just three starts and if he's fully wound up on his seasonal debut, should prove too good.
This should go to PASS THE TEQUILA, who has won twice and been placed twice in his five starts, landing a tougher race over C&D with some ease last time. He's impossible to oppose here. The speedy Crafty Brutus, winner in this grade last time, looks the main threat but Ready And Waiting, a winner in a weaker contest last time but open to further improvement, can go close.
The highly-tried Ice N Lemon's ability to handle the turf must be taken on trust but What A Warrior has won his last three starts - all on grass - and can be given a chance despite stepping up in class. Diabolical has won on turf on dirt recently, his wins sandwiched round a run in the Preakness. He's a classy sort with claims, but ROCK LOBSTER appears to be on an upward curve and gets the vote today.
VOODOO PRIESTESS looked out of her depth on her debut but was much improved next time when a close second in this grade over C&D. With further improvement to come, she should go one better today. Tricky Destiny was only beaten a nose in a similar contest last time but is starting to look exposed and Mocha Latte, second in this grade latest and open to further improvement, could be a bigger danger.
