Matriarch preview

Sunday, November 26, 2006
Hollywood Park - Race 8
Matriarch Stakes (Grade 1)
1 Mile (Turf)
3-year-olds and upward, fillies and mares
Purse $500,000.

Don't think that PRICE TAG beat much two back, but she did face a pair of next-out group winners in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret in her final European outing. Juddmonte homebred makes first start for Frankel (30% wins, $2.87 ROI over the past five years with first-time imports in graded stakes according to Formulator 4.1 stats), receives Lasix for the first time, and should benefit from a very hot pace up front. READY TO PLEASE was compromised in her turf debut by the moderate pace set by favored winner Quite a Bride. She is really bred to appreciate the turf, goes out for one of the best trainers in the world, and will get more pace to attack here. MEA DOMINA likely will be part of that quick pace (along with POMMES FRITES, CAMBIOCORSA, RIVER'S PRAYER, and ATTIMA), and that could compromise her late kick. Grade 1 winner loves this distance, and should appreciate returning to Southern California. POMMES FRITES makes the important third start of the form cycle, and she came from just off the pace to win the Athenia last time out. Can't dismiss Billy Mott in these big turf races. SOCIETY HOSTESS has won five of her last six starts while fellow in-form runner BEAUTYANDTHEBEAST has the right running style for this race.

Selections: 1. Price Tag 2. Ready to Please 3. Mea Domina