Dine Stakes a handicapping puzzle
Just call it a “sproute.”
The $50,000 Dine Stakes at SunRay Park on Tuesday brings together eight 3-year-olds at a sprint distance of 6 1/2 furlongs going a route configuration of two turns. It’s a bit of a handicapping puzzle, with none of the entrants proven at the distance and Picasso’s Bro the lone member of the field who has won at two turns. In addition, just two starters have had success at the stakes level, Southern Fire and Atillas Gift.
The Dine, which is restricted to horses bred in New Mexico, also drew the stakes-placed runners Golly Gee and Gator Heat. The race, run on a six-furlong track, leads a nine-race card for Thoroughbreds.
Dine (Race 8)
KEY CONTENDERS
Golly Gee (Last 3 Beyers: 74-68-72)
◗ He will be moving to two turns off a fast-closing second in the $50,000 Road Runner on July 26 at Ruidoso Downs. Golly Gee found himself farther off the pace than usual while chasing quick fractions and could be closer to the leaders in the Dine. He also drew well, getting gate No. 2.
◗ Casey Lambert, who announced Friday that he plans to retire at the close of the Ruidoso Downs meet Sept. 7, is in to ride Golly Gee for Michael Weatherly and trainer Dan Dennison.
Southern Fire (Last 3 Beyers: 66-36-56)
◗ He also exits the Road Runner, in which he rallied for third. Earlier this year, Southern Fire won the $85,000 Pepsi Cola at six furlongs at Sunland Park.
◗ Southern Fire is the highest earner in the Dine field with a bankroll of $87,060.
Atillas Gift (Last 3 Beyers: 65-72-75)
◗ He is yet another member of the field to come out of the Road Runner, in which he finished fourth. Back in May, he won the $60,000 Albuquerque Journal at six furlongs at The Downs at Albuquerque.
◗ Atillas Gift is a half-brother to Alexine, a Group 1 winner who earned more than $468,000.
Picasso’s Bro (Last 3 Beyers: 55-47-55)
◗ He became a winner around two turns in his first attempt, capturing an optional $15,000 claiming race at seven furlongs July 14 at SunRay. Picasso’s Bro is one of just two entrants in the Dine who can claim a win at SunRay. The other is Weappear, who accounted for a first-level allowance over 4 1/2 furlongs July 12.
◗ Picasso’s Bro was a winner at six furlongs March 27 at Sunland.