Counterforce benefits from Bachelor's race flow
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The prospective race shape of the $150,000 Bachelor Stakes on Friday at Oaklawn Park could work out favorably for Counterforce, who is making his stakes debut after just two starts but might get a setup, and he’s drawn perfectly, too.
Counterforce also has the home-field advantage. He won his debut here March 5, then just missed in an allowance race last time out March 25 while finishing more than nine lengths ahead of the rest of the field.
“He’s a very fast horse that I think should be unbeaten,” trainer Steve Asmussen said Wednesday. “This is a good spot for him. He didn’t win the other day, but we’re acting like he did,” Asmussen said, referring to moving him into a stakes race.
Counterforce will be ridden for the first time by Florent Geroux. He has six rivals in the Bachelor, a six-furlong race for 3-year-olds that goes as race 7.
The likely speed is provided by three shippers. I Will Score, in from California, turns back after a pair of route stakes. Titanium Point, in from Arizona, blasted rivals by a combined 19 1/2 lengths in his two victories. Morning Fire, in from Florida, is a two-time stakes winner and is the most experienced horse in the race with 10 starts.
Will Munnings, like Counterforce, is based here and has won his last two starts, including the Gazebo Stakes on March 26, but will have to flee the rail with plenty of speed to his outside.
Bachelor, Race 7
KEY CONTENDERS
Counterforce, by Smart Strike
Last 2 Beyers: 93-81
◗ He is drawn nicely in post 6, and with the speed in the race, he should work out a trip similar to what he enjoyed in his debut.
◗ His figure last time out tops this field.
I Will Score, by Roman Ruler
Last 3 Beyers: 70-90-90
◗ He is unbeaten sprinting, so this distance should be far more to his liking. He also gets significant class relief, having faced Danzing Candy, Mor Spirit, and Exaggerator last time out in the San Felipe at Santa Anita.
◗ He adds blinkers for this race, and Martin Garcia takes over for the first time.
Titanium Point, by Concord Point
Last 2 Beyers: 82-73
◗ This is a big step up after racing at Turf Paradise. It’s hard to fault both of his wins, as he set quick fractions and powered clear in both of his starts, though that was against competition inferior to what he faces here.
Morning Fire, by Friesan Fire
Last 3 Beyers: 89-89-90
◗ The winner of the Spectacular Bid at Gulfstream last time, he has won twice in his last three starts, the lone loss coming when he was sent two turns against Destin in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa, and even then he acquitted himself well, finishing third in a highly rated route.