Let’s try to topple Ginger Punch in Grade 1 Phipps
2007 Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Ginger Punch has won 2 of 3 since her aforementioned biggest accomplishment, but she might be a tad vulnerable in Saturday’s Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Handicap at Belmont Park.
The Robert Frankel trainee was all over a tepid early pace before taking over in Churchill’s Grade 2 Louisville on May 2nd, and she cracked on a legit pace versus undefeated late runner Zenyatta in Oaklawn’s Grade 1 Apple Blossom before that.
Noted hoof specialist Ian McKinlay has patched a recent quarter crack for Ginger Punch, and I am not sure she is currently as good as she was last fall/winter. I also believe that she is better at nine furlongs (3-4), as opposed to 8.5 panels (2-5).
Mistical Plan, Cowgirls Don’t Cry, and Spectacular Malibu ensure honest splits, and Ginger Punch could be vulnerable to a stretch attack.
Ginger Punch is coupled in the wagering with sharp late runner Spring Waltz, but the latter reportedly will not go in this spot unless something is amiss with her well-known stablemate.
That leaves a pair of entrants, and I’ll side with Golden Velvet. The Kiaran McLaughlin trainee exits her 2nd Grade 3 tally, a sharp stalk and pounce score at Hawthorne on April 19th. The overseas transplant is 3 for 5 in this country and easily nabbed her lone local outing. Fresh Darley runner should trip-out in this spot.
Moon Catcher is a versatile multiple stakes winner, but she has only fired in one out of five graded tries. Clement took over the training duties this year, and Edgar Prado tries his hand. She rates a longshot gander.
Photo Credit: Newscom
Tags: Ginger Punch, Grade 1 Ogden Phipps Handicap, Saturday June 14 2008Related Stories
POSTED IN: Handicapping, Horses, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Trainers
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