Can Sconsin Make a Splash in the Grade 1 Circuit?
A Possible Comeback for Sconsin
In the realm of horse racing, all eyes are on Santa Anita Park and its thrilling Grade 1 races. However, the return of the talented Sconsin to the track presents another exciting prospect for the older female division. After an 8 1/2-month hiatus, this multiple graded stakes winner is gearing up to defend her title in the Grade 3 Winning Colors at Churchill Downs.
An Impressive Stakes Record
Sconsin, a 5-year-old mare, has claimed five victories throughout her career, and the Winning Colors sprint is one of them. Last year, she triumphed in this race with an impressive 3 ¼-length lead, showcasing her incredible speed. What’s even more impressive is the string of triple-digit Equibase Speed Figures she has achieved in her subsequent races.
Consistent High Performance
After her triumph in the Winning Colors, Sconsin continued to display her prowess on the track. She secured a runner-up finish to Bell’s the One in the Black-Type Roxelana, earning a solid Equibase Speed Figure of 107. Notably, she also recorded a commendable 103 in her fourth-place finish to the formidable Gamine in the Grade 1 Ballerina at Saratoga. To cap off her season, Sconsin clinched a remarkable 107 Equibase figure in the Listed Open Mind race at Churchill Downs.
A Horse for Churchill Downs
Sconsin has proven her affinity for Churchill Downs, winning four out of her five career races at this iconic venue. Her track record speaks for itself, with a 4-2-0 score in seven starts. However, she hasn’t been able to replicate the same level of success elsewhere, with a modest 1-2-1 record in eight starts outside of Churchill Downs. Her sole victory beyond her home turf was a maiden special weight win at Fair Grounds in her second start.
Challenges on the Horizon
As Sconsin resumes her racing career, two main storylines emerge. Firstly, can she continue her dominance at Churchill Downs or adapt her winning strategies elsewhere? This question adds an element of intrigue to her upcoming races. Secondly, there remains the aspiration of conquering the Grade 1 level. While Sconsin boasts a Grade 2 victory at the Eight Belles on Derby Day 2020, she has yet to make an impact in three Grade 1 attempts. Her best finishes have been fourth-place efforts in the Ballerina and the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. However, in the 2021 Madison at Keeneland, Sconsin surprisingly finished seventh, marking her worst career performance.
An Adjusted Strategy
Originally, trainer Greg Foley planned for Sconsin to return to the track in the Madison race at Keeneland in early April. However, he made a strategic decision to give his mare an additional month-plus of rest. Foley explained that Sconsin followed a similar winter break routine as the previous year, taking time off after her fourth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint in 2020. This year, the Winning Colors stakes serves as the perfect starting point for her comeback.
A Competitive Landscape
With the retirement of Gamine, the older distaff sprinting category is wide open in its search for a new frontrunner. Sconsin emerges as a strong contender in this talented field, poised to make her mark and challenge for dominance among her fellow female sprinters.
Conclusion
As we eagerly anticipate the return of Sconsin to the Churchill Downs track, there is an air of excitement and anticipation surrounding the possibilities that lie ahead. With her impressive track record at Churchill Downs and a trainer who has carefully strategized her comeback, Sconsin has the potential to become a force to be reckoned with in the older female division. This season will reveal whether she can break through and claim victory at the elusive Grade 1 level.
FAQs
1. Does Sconsin have a chance of winning the Winning Colors for the second year in a row?
While the Winning Colors is a competitive race, Sconsin’s track record at Churchill Downs and her previous victory in this very race make her a strong contender. Her impressive speed and ability to come from off the pace give her a good chance of securing another win.
2. Has Sconsin ever competed in Grade 1 races before?
Yes, Sconsin has participated in three Grade 1 races so far. While she has yet to hit the board in these high-stakes events, she has displayed consistent competitiveness and finished in fourth place on two occasions. Her performances in the Ballerina and the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint show her potential for success at the highest level.
3. How does Sconsin’s performance outside of Churchill Downs compare to her performances at her home track?
Sconsin has shown incredible dominance at Churchill Downs, with a 4-2-0 record in seven starts. However, her results outside of her home turf have been less consistent, with only one win in eight starts. This raises the question of her adaptability and whether she can replicate her success elsewhere.
4. Who is Sconsin’s trainer and what is his approach to her racing schedule?
Sconsin is trained by Greg Foley, who has carefully planned her racing schedule, prioritizing periods of rest and targeting specific races. Foley opted to give Sconsin an extended break before her return to the track, similar to the strategy employed the previous year. This thoughtful approach aims to optimize her performance and set her up for success in the Winning Colors and beyond.
5. Are there any potential rivals or contenders in the older female distaff sprinting category?
With Gamine’s retirement, the field is wide open in the older female distaff sprinting division. There are several talented contenders vying for dominance, including Sconsin. Other notable contenders include Bell’s the One, who has previously bested Sconsin, and various up-and-coming sprinters eager to make their mark. The competition promises to be fierce and exciting to watch.
