The What A Summer Stakes is set to take place at Laurel Park, featuring a purse of $100,000 for fillies and mares four-years-old and upward. The race will be run over six furlongs on dirt, and only horses that have not been permitted Lasix within 48 hours of post time are eligible. The race offers a lucrative prize distribution, with 60% of the purse going to the winner, 20% to second place, 10% to third, 6% to fourth, 3% to fifth, and 1% to sixth.
Top Contenders:
- Kant Hurry Love (P#4):
- Trainer: David P. Duggan
- Jockey: Luis R. Rivera, Jr.
- Pedigree: Kantharos – She’s All Love (by Langfuhr)
- Analysis: Kant Hurry Love is the morning line favorite with a strong record on dirt. She has shown consistent performance and has the potential to handle the distance well3. She is unbeaten since Duggan added blinkers, which have helped her focus and improve her performance.
- St. Benedicts Prep (P#6):
- Trainer: Linda Rice
- Jockey: Jaime Rodriguez
- Pedigree: Flatter – Line (by War Front)
- Analysis: St. Benedicts Prep has shown versatility in running styles and has the potential to perform well in this race. She won a high-level allowance at Aqueduct on Jan. 2 and has been impressive in her recent starts.
- Ms. Bucchero (P#2):
- Trainer: Diane D. Morici
- Jockey: Xavier Perez
- Pedigree: Bucchero – Give Glory to God (by Mutakddim)
- Analysis: Ms. Bucchero has shown promise in recent races and has the potential to perform well in this race. She was a pace-pressing winner of Laurel’s Willa On the Move on Nov. 29 and has shown game performance.
- Spencerian (P#1):
- Trainer: Hugh I. McMahon
- Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco
- Pedigree: Irish War Cry – Cursive (by Straight Talking)
- Analysis: Spencerian has shown consistency and has the potential to perform well in this race. She won the restricted Politely over course and distance on Dec. 21 and has been impressive in her recent starts.
- Happy Clouds (P#5):
- Trainer: Ryan A. Gillespie
- Jockey: J. D. Acosta
- Pedigree: Paynter – Two to One (by Yesbyjimminy)
- Analysis: Happy Clouds has shown potential and could be a dark horse in this race. She will need to run a strong race to challenge the favorites.
Race Strategy:
- Kant Hurry Love is likely to set the pace from the rail, which could give her an advantage if she can maintain her speed.
- St. Benedicts Prep and Ms. Bucchero will be looking to stay close to the front and make a move in the stretch.
- Spencerian and Happy Clouds will need to find a good position early and conserve energy for a strong finish.
Conclusion:
The What A Summer Stakes promises to be an exciting race with several strong contenders. Kant Hurry Love and St. Benedicts Prep are the top picks, but horses like Ms. Bucchero and Spencerian could surprise if they step up their game.
