I feel like every time I turn around here it’s either Juvies or turf - each the bane of my handicapping existence. This one appears to be another race that we can go multiple directions in. I’ll tell you right off the bat that I’m having a tough time separating Bittle Road, Westphalia, and Grand Adventure.
Bittle Road has the morning line favoritism at 7/2 by virtue of an undefeated record in 3 lifetime starts. While I like the way he came back in the Bourbon, count me among those that think that race may have been weaker than it appears. Half the field had a legitimate shot at winning that race as they neared the wire.
Grand Adventure, on the other hand, won a more impressive race in the Grade 3 Summer in my opinion, and did so coming 7 wide and then having the rider lose the whip in the process. The son of Grand Slam is likewise undefeated, and may have the bigger upside.
Of course, liking Grand Adventure means one has to be considering Skipadate as well, as these two finished within a head of each other in the Summer. Also note that Skipadate was within a head of Bittel Road 2 races back. Might he turn the tables on both come Saturday? It’s certainly possible.
Westphalia could be the forgotten man despite being the main Euro-invader and a Grade 2 winner last out at Doncaster (GB). Trainer Aidan O’Brien will likely have this son of Danehill Dancer ready to roll this weekend and I’ll give him the slight edge overall. Admittedly I am torn most between him and Grand Adventure though (while still respecting Bittle Road).
One horse that perplexes me is Coronet of a Baron. Why is this horse in the Juvenile Turf and not on the synthetics? Perhaps trainer Eoin Harty knows something we don’t? I would’ve thought that race was a better fit, but then again what do I know?
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