Golden Rod preview

Dan Illman|Nov 25, 2006

November 25, 2006
Churchill Downs - Race 9
Golden Rod Stakes (Grade 2)
1 1/16 Miles
2-year-old fillies
Purse $200,000

LADY JOANNE failed to eat into CHANGE UP's winning margin in the stretch of the Pocahontas, but she was getting to that one in the gallop-out, and may be better-suited to the extra distance of the Golden Rod. There should be enough speed to to set her up, and she shows a pair of bullet workouts in preparation for this start. She seems to be a filly with considerable upside. Change Up's only bad race came in the slop at Arlington, and she made a premature yet powerful four wide move to the front in the Pocahontas. Trainer Steve Flint is on a tremendous tear at the Churchill Downs meet, but his charge will have to navigate two turns for the first time on Saturday. HIGH HEELS makes the important third start of the form cycle, and may work out a nice pace-tracking, ground-saving trip from the inside post position. She is only a maiden winner, but did earn stakes-placed status earlier in the year at Ellis Park. COHIBA MISS is 2-2 around two turns, but all of her lifetime wins have come when allowed to settle on the lead. With TIME'S MISTRESS and CHANGE UP in the lineup, Cohiba Miss may not be able to gain that easy early advantage.

Selections: 1. Lady Joanne 2. Change Up 3. High Heels

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