Stranger Danger takes aim at Dye Job feature
Stranger Danger, an American-bred dark bay gelding, who was an encouraging winner on his debut event 49 days ago, seeks win number two when he takes on rivals in the Dye Job Sprint feature at Caymanas Park today.
The promising galloper, from the barn of champion trainer Wayne Dacosta, showed touches of class when he got up in the nick of time to beat stable companion American Invader by a head, going fiveand-a-half furlongs (1,100m) on October 20. Stranger Danger was slowly into stride, but burst open in the straight for the emphatic win in a good time of 1:06.0.
Stranger Danger took a backseat, instead of rolling forward like during his workout gallops in the mornings, allowing leader American Invader to show the way with her usual dash of speed. For a second it looked like American Invader would prove hard to overhaul, but once jockey Orlando Foster got Stranger Danger to change through his gears, the Buffin - Casual Kiss offspring was unstoppable.
With that experience and with the Dye Job half-a-furlong (100m) longer, it should be much better off for Stranger Danger, who is very difficult to oppose. Leading rider Anthony Thomas will be in the saddle.
The Dye Job, a Restricted Stakes event for native-bred and imported two-year-olds, will venture over six furlongs (1,200m) for a purse of $980,000. The race is positioned as the seventh event on the 11-race card with a post time of 2:15 pm. First race is at 11:20 am.
While it looks like a walk in the park for Stranger Danger, one should not underestimate the challenges from others, especially with a Trophy race at stakes as there are seven other rivals in the line-up that are ready to go.
Stranger Danger has stable companions American Invader, Time For A Kola, Riddim Up and Don Julio as back up if he should put any foot wrong here. However, of his stable companions, only American Invader looks likely to pose a challenge.
American Invader, a chestnut filly, has raced twice, winning on debut in September and then finishing second behind Stranger Danger after leading from the off in tearaway fashion. With an extra half a furlong to travel, it seems American Invader should again fall victim to her stable companion, but with first-time Lasix being administered, she will have to be caught.
Trainer Anthony Nunes has two runners — Juice Man and Universal Boss — in the mix of things and both are expected to run well here given the nature of the race.
Universal Boss, a full-brother to the talented Patriarch, showed a touch of class when winning on debut (November 7) travelling over five furlongs (1,000m) on the round course. Looking a little rough around the edges, Universal Boss, however, was the consummate professional and scooted clear to post an emphatic victory by just under three lengths in a good time of 1:00.3. Now Universal Boss moves up by one furlong (200m) and only time will tell if he is able to deal with that quick adjustment. One thing is for sure, he is going to make a brave bid here.
Juice Man was no match for stablemate Corazon in the Pick-3 over seven furlongs (1,400m), in which he finished third, but he was seen coming on well in the straight. Six furlongs is about right for Juice Man, but against the foreigners his task is not easy.
Shackleville is the other runner in the race but nothing can be said for this first-time runner from the stables of Fitznahum Willimas.
Also on tap is the $900,000 Andrew H B Aguilar Memorial Cup, a maiden special weight event for native-bred two-yearolds over one mile (1,600m).
Supreme Soul, half-brother to Bigdaddykool, makes his debut here and based on his preparation, he should get off the mark right away. Duke, Cairo and El Gringo are all capable of landing a blow here, but the race for them is for second money.
Ones to watch
Race 1) Twilight Heroine/general Mubaraak/born To Live
Race 2) Mrs Awesome/freedom For Eds/explosive Charge
Race 3) Transition Time/dunrobin/ Lady Carmen
Race 4) Shalini’s Gold/jammin/ Key Witness
Race 5) Storm/stir It Up/cup O Tea
Race 6) Stranger Danger/ American Invader/universal Boss Race 7) Supreme Soul/duke/el Gringo
Race 8) Foot Soldier/late N Drafty/dusseldorf
Race 9) Reign Over All/ Camouflage/genuine Article
Race 10) Cerasini/pure Heart/best Adivce
Race 11) Resurgence/k J Express/ackee Pie