Tonalist’s Shape seeks G1 glory
After Tonalist’s Shape failed to sell as a yearling for a mere $45k and for $60k as a 2-yearold, she seemed to take the rejections personally. Turned loose on the track, the daughter of Tonalist proceeded to win her first five starts, including the Forward Gal (G3) and Davona Dale Stakes (G2) this winter at Gulfstream Park.
Following a puzzling seventh in the Gulfstream Park Oaks (G2) and a minor stakes win at the same track, Tonalist’s Shape finds herself with a big shot to add a G1 victory to her resume as the likely favorite in today’s 1 1/8-mile Coaching Club American Oaks. The 3-year- old filly has reeled off a series of strong works in preparation for the race, including a bullet three furlongs on Wednesday.
Antoinette is the only one of her five opponents to have won a stakes at any level, and that came in an ungraded race as a 2-year- old. The Hard Spun filly has finished third in her last three outings, most recently in the Wonder Again Stakes (G3) at Belmont.
A pair of lightly raced fillies who appear to be on the improve should have their supporters today. Crystal Ball exits a 6¼-length maiden win at Santa Anita on June 14. Paris Lights, in her first try versus winners, was best in a 1 1/16-mile allowance three weeks ago at Churchill Downs. Altaf and Velvet Crush complete the short field of six.
Hall of Fame Stakes
The morning-line favorite in today’s 1 1/8-mile National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2) is Money Moves at 4-5. The Todd Pletcher trainee has won both career starts, the last a 2 ¾-length allowance on March 27.
Decorated Invader and Gufo, two sons of Declaration of War with recent G3 victories, are the most accomplished horses in the Hall of Fame field. Both are trained by Christophe Clement. Decorated Invader, winner of the Pennine Ridge by 4 ¾ lengths, has won 4-of-6 starts. Gufo, who set a course record in taking the Kent Stakes at Delaware Park, is on a fourrace winning streak.
Bill Mott’s seven Hall of Fame Stakes wins – including Casa Creed last year – are the most of any trainer. Chad Brown horses won the previous four runnings, however (2015-2018), and looms a threat today with Domestic Spending. Last out, the English-bred son of Kingman finished stoutly to get up by a neck in a Belmont allowance.
Baffert goes for ninth Haskell
It’s been a rough few months for Bob Baffert. First there were injuries to top horses Charlatan and Nadal, the latter career-ending. Next came a suspension after two of his horses tested positive for a banned substance this spring at Oaklawn Park. On Saturday, the Hall of Fame conditioner looks to get things going in the other direction when he saddles probable favorite Authentic in the $1 million Haskell Stakes, a race he has wonan astounding eight times.
Authentic broke his maiden at first asking, then won his first two graded tests by a combined 10 lengths (the Sham and San Felipe) to become an early Derby favorite. Stretched out to 1 1/8 miles in the Santa Anita Derby, the son of Into Mischief was no match for Honor A. P. in the stretch, losing by 2 ¾ lengths.
Authentic’s toughest opponent in the Haskell will likely be Dr Post, who was a rallying runner-up in Tiz the Law’s Belmont. The son of Quality Road maybe more comfortable going a mile and an eighth than is Authentic. With plenty of speed signed on, Dr Post should also enjoy a favorable pace set-up.