January 16th the Grade 2 El Encino Stakes heralds the return of Blind Luck, 2010’s best 3-year-old-filly and heavy favorite to win an Eclipse Award for her 2010 heroics.
Blind Luck beyond a doubt will be the most anticipated performer of the weekend. After her stellar, tough-as-nails campaign in 2010 that saw the 3-year-old filly win a slew of races across the country that included Grade 1 wins in the Kentucky Oaks, Las Virgenes, Oak Leaf and Alabama Stakes as well as winning the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes and Delaware Oaks. Now she returns as a 4-year-old looking to maintain her dominance over her generation as well as establishing herself as a leading older female runner.
In her last start Blind Luck finished second to Unrivalled Belle in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (Gr.1) as the favorite after failing to catch Unrivalled Belle with her patented late run. A filly small in stature, Blind Luck more than makes up for her physical shortcomings when her running abilities are on display. She is as consistent and brilliant as they come and if she performs anywhere close to her form from last year fans should be in for a treat.
More t come later…[polldaddy poll=4380917]
These are difficult situations to grasp. The annual debut in a two turn race. The objective races are much bigger down the road for Blind Luck. She's the class of the field, but her running style and fitness puts her at a disadvantage over the new surface.
ReplyDeleteIs Blind Luck worth 3/5 odds?
Your move. :-)
It is difficult a lot of times to make a debut in a two turn race but I think Blind Luck is coming in in great shape. I think she's worth the odds at 3/5, though I'm not betting on her, just rooting for her! :)
ReplyDeleteSWITCH did the difficult thing earlier in the meeting, a win after a big Breeders' Cup showing which was made even more difficult with the speed of the main track. BLIND LUCK has only had a few months away from racing but, IMHO, not enough time away after that ambitious 3y.o. campaign that should make her Champion 3y.o. Female. In fact, she's never really been out of training with works every 6-8 days since 11/19/2010. No way she can be bet to win w/ confidence, at best BLIND LUCK is a saver if you can find a price horse to pair her with.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the entries MALIBU PRAYER, coming off a troubled trip 2nd in the La Brea with a five pound weight break from BLIND LUCK, looks like the one to beat. There appears enough speed (ALWAYS A PRINCESS, CHAMPAGNE D'ORO, IT TIZ), and P. Val in the mix on another filly, for a contested pace and a predictable race shape that will aid her late run.
Interesting Rob,
ReplyDeleteYou could be right but I'm still pretty confident that she'll win. Now of course I'll probably be eating my words after this weekend! :)
Malibu Prayer is my second choice, I also think Champagne d'Oro is capable of big things when her form holds up, she's a little unpredictable.
As a long shot I'd probably choose Always a Princess.