Season 33 The Bouquet Stakes Preview (Leg 1 of the Triple Crown)

A field of 7 fillies race tonight for the Bouquet Stakes offering trainers this season added purse money (25Kc) with a 25Kc bonus to the winner. If your horse has a little AMERICAN PHAROAH or HOF race mare SHEZA TROLL, DD has 200Kc and a Triple Crown trophy for the clean sweep. With this race preview this space attempts to sort out this talented field. Let's meet the field.

#1 TAYLORCANTBESTOPPED

Ran like a horse that couldn't be stopped earlier this season winning 7 of her first 8 races. While she made the winner's enclosure a cozy spot to get her picture taken, she did it against softer mid level claiming foes and was aided with some small fields. While she's failed to make an impression on the class hike of late, the stretch out back to 8 panels should help in her mission to return to form. She'll need to improve a bit to contend for a podium spot, however, she does own 4 wins at the mile distance and is capable of getting a slice should one of the favorites falter.

#2 HEART THROB

Finally graduated 3 back in her 9th career start, after sharing against tough foes in her juvenile season. She followed up her maiden-breaker with a nice score next out against winners in a D Division over the turf. The speed rating didn't come back fast, but it did show this filly may be maturing at the right time. As a juvenile she did finish 3rd to entrymate LA TOUR MAGDALA in a Champ Classic Qualifier, so she does have a bit of class to contend with this group. Needs to improve here for top honors, but could sneak into the exotics if she gets the trip.

#3 LA TOUR MAGDALA

Was late to the party last season as a juvenile and may have been the only reason she didn't get a chance to show her talents in the Champ Sprint final. While she had to settle for Champ Sprint Conso winner, she did qualify for the Classic final and finished a solid 4th after enduring a difficult trip. She get's the troublesome post draw again, but has plenty of early pace to reach the fence with the shorter field. She enters tonight's contest off a strong wire to wire score in her last by open lengths. Likely to strike the lead early and may prove best if she can hold on.

#4 METEMPSYCHOSIS

Has been feast or famine for this Cold Dog Soup runner in her sophomore campaign. The Mystic Mile winner has split her 6 starts this season and banked nearly 62Kc with the limited workload for her connections. Her speed figures compete with these in here, and she's enjoyed some success at 8F winning twice in 4 starts. Her strong late kick should be on display again tonight if she can stay within striking range of the leader.

#5 TITLE POTENTIAL

Was a late starter for her connections, racing just 3 times a juvy, but won all 3 contests in impressive fashion. Since turning 3 she's been facing strong Champ Classic and Route Qualifier foes this season, running big each time winning 4 times and placing in 4 others. Her last race 2 back at this distance was her best race to date, stopping the clock in 1:34.55 and recording a snappy 99 speed figure. She's going to need another hot pace to make her run, but if she gets it she could be along for a bigger slice.

#6 OHMYDAYS

Has been brought along this season facing allowance and division foes in all 10 of her starts. She's conquered the A division ranks now, and is finally making her stakes bow tonight. Her last race is a throw out for me as her best work has been at these classic distances. The speed figs are a bit light against this group, however, she's still a very talented filly and her connections don't nominate a horse in a big race unless they think they can win. Will get the pace to run at tonight, and could be her "day" if things fall apart.

#7 CARELESS MARIA

This Q trainee has enjoyed another solid season for her connections, winning 4 times in 13 tries and banking nearly 115Kc in her sophomore campaign. She exits a sharp 6F open length victory in a snappy 1:08.26 defeating Champ Sprint Qualifier foes. The "Q" may also stand for Quick as this runner may have the quickest turn of foot in the division. She seemingly changes leads on "cue" and kicks clear from her opponents in just a few strides. She draws outside tonight, but will be floating away from there in hopes of saving ground around the first turn. Strong contender for top honors.