Stayers' Watch: La Prevoyante Handicap, the W.L. McKnight Handicap · 14.12.08

Presious Passion sprinted to an early lead in the W.L. McKnight Handicap on Saturday, and went on to win the 1 1/2 mile Grade II turf race for the second consecutive year at Calder Race Course. The 5-year-old gelding broke sharply and never looked back, although Picou nearly pulled even at the quarter-pole. But that horse faded down the stretch and Presious Passion went on to win by two lengths in a time of 2:25.64. Logic Way chased the winner down the stretch and finished 3/4-lengths ahead of Always First.

Earlier in the day at Calder, Herboriste outdueled J’ray in a thrilling stretch drive to take the 1 1/2 mile La Prevoyante Handicap (gr. IIT) by a neck. Herboriste had raced in third earlier in the race, while J’ray was 10th out of 11 fillies and mares until she began picking off rivals around the final turn. The two race-mares took over in the stretch and opened up on the rest of the field. Herboriste finally edged clear in the deep stretch for the win. Lamentation finished third, six lengths back. Time: 2:25.47.

Champion Stayer Award standings — update:

  1. Champs Elysees — 26
  2. Grand Couturier — 20
  3. Church Service — 18 (10)
  4. Big Booster — 16 (10)
  5. Herboriste — 13
  6. Warning Zone — 12
  7. Interpatation — 11
  8. Muhannak — 10 (10)
  9. Da’ Tara — 10 (10)
  10. Marsh Side — 10
  11. Conduit — 10
  12. Dancing Forever — 10

Based on her wins in the La Prevoyante and the Dowager Stakes, and in-the-money finishes in the Orchid Handicap, Cape Henlopen Stakes, and two other 1 3/8 “near-marathons” this year, Herboriste could be considered the best female stayer in North America. According to trainer Michael Matz she is due to be bred next year — hopefully she will pass on her stamina to her foals.

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What do you think?

  1. Delosvientos did a masterful job in a snow storm at Aqueduct yesterday (New Year’s Eve) to climb back in the ratings

    — Dr. Timothy Yatcak · Jan 1, 10:38 AM · #

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