Youalmosthadme simply uncatchable in Wednesday’s first race (Coady Photography)
Keeneland, Race 1 – 04/19/2023
By 2YO EdgeMan
KEE1:041923 – Only four baby races into the Keeneland Spring Meet and we’ve already been treated to some terrific performances and today was definitely no exception. Donna Hancock, Richard Royer and Shaun Stone’s Youalmosthadme (#9) turned in a super impressive effort and drew off to score by 8 ½ lengths. Trainer John Hancock had been raving about this big filly by Oxbow and he clearly was ‘spot on’ in touting her. Tyler Gaffalione may as well have left his crop at home as it never saw the light of day during the mere 51.78 seconds it took to complete this walk in the park that earned a rocket-fast EBSF of 94. The winner returned a scant $5.84 for each $2W ticket.
Our Play – #12 Sapphire Nights – broke sharply and lead for a short time before settling into the 3rd spot. She shifted out at the head of the stretch to try to take a run at the leading pair, but was absolutely no match for the winning filly, ultimately settling for seventh place. However, with a little more seasoning, I still think that she has a fine future ahead of her as a sprinter. The only other filly besides Youalmosthadme that was doing any serious running late in the race was the one who checked in third – #3 Krickle. The Maestro was not able to make it four for four, instead finishing second with one of his two runners – #6 Baraye.
More juvenile racing tomorrow at Keeneland – Race 2 is reserved for 2YO MSW open company – check out our ‘Picks, Plays and Pontification’ for that one already up on this fine site. Stay strong, Edgies – we’ve got you covered and we’ll get one soon!
