Nice Field Shaping up for Saturday's Swaps Stakes
 

Great to see 3-year old colt stakes action heat up again.

From today's Hollywood Barn Notes:

"Behindatthebar, who broke his maiden at Santa Anita in February, could face seven rivals in the Grade II Swaps at 1 1/8 miles on Cushion Track. Other probable starters are Colonel John (Garrett Gomez), Dixie Chatter (Richard Migliore), Madeo (Mike Smith), Nownownow (Julien Leparoux), Tres Borrachos (Tyler Baze), Trevor's Clever (Joseph Talamo) and Two Step Salsa (Martin Pedroza)."

There looks to be some nice betting opportunities in this race if you do not like Colonel John. I am interested in finding out what the rest of you think.

How about Harlem Rocker? Not in it? ANY BIG 3 year old race this year absolutely MUST include this super horse. :rolleyes:

Madeo and Two Step Salsa in a match race. You can toss Madeo's last race. I favor Madeo (neck win.)

two step looked great last out.

Definitely a stronger edition of this race then last year, I can see 4 or 5 that could get it done in that race.

Yes Madeo was ridden like a 1-5 shot in his last, but the fact he did not win like a 1-5 shot would be a huge concern to me.

Thought he was going to be running in some real turf races.

now now now, not only is he still in America, he is scheduled for a synthetic race?

why why why?

He was in Europe but finished last of 5 in the 2000 Irish Guineas and was transferred back to the States.

Thanks.
Guess he couldn't hang with the Irish 3yos

I say why not? These tracks play very favorably for grass horses so why not take a shot in the second biggest 3yo race in California? If he doesn't do well, regroup and head to the 3yo races on the turf at Del Mar. Nothing to lose by trying this.

Agreed. Especially now that he was given a shot on the turf.

I know you are poking fun and thats okay, but the year is long and if not this year perhaps next year HR may turn out to be one of the best 3 yr olds of this crop. Only time will tell...

You could make this exact statement for EVERY 3yo out there this year.

I will take Dixie Chatter in this one. The added distance should be to his liking. As far as Nownownow, I never understood why they sent him across the pond anyway.

True, okay if what you want is a non fence sitting statement not that I thought I was sitting on the fence. I believe if HR is properly spotted(ie. no more polytrack races) and he stays healthy he will go on to being remembered as one - two one of the best 3 yr olds of this crop.

I think they learned quite a bit from that race.

I knew what you meant. I was just messing with you. Actually, I was trying to illustrate that with this crop, they are so mediocre that with any slight improvement from any of them, they would jump to the front of the class.