Following a productive 2-year-old campaign, Seize the Grey is set to return to the races in tomorrow’s opener at Oaklawn Park, a first-level allowance going 1 1/16 miles. With five races under his belt last year, it was decided that following his third-place finish at Keeneland, a mental and physical freshener would do Seize the Grey a world of good ahead of his 3-year-old campaign. With three months at Highlander Training Center in Texas, the son of Arrogate was able to get a month of turnout in addition to a solid foundation before being shipped back to "The Coach."
With four works at Highlander and three official breezes at Oaklawn, Seize the Grey will realistically need the race but we expect him to improve with a race under his belt. However, trainer D. Wayne Lukas felt it was a great starting point ahead of his 3-year-old campaign with this race being a shorter field and the timing of it.
The Lukas barn has been pleased with your colt’s training, highlighted by a sharp five-furlong drill last week and is excited to see him back in the starting gate tomorrow. He will break from post position #5 in a seven-horse field and the race has a post time of 12:00 p.m. CT. With Nik Juarez in the irons for the first time, Seize the Grey has been slated as the morning-line fourth choice at odds of 9-2. Good luck to all owners!
Horse-by-horse analysis:
#1 Gewurztraminer (20-1): Co-longest shot on the board. Auction price-restricted maiden special weight winner as a 2-year-old was then sold for 250K in the Fasig Tipton horses of racing age sale. Since joining the Riley Mott barn and stretching out in distance, he has not been able to take a step forward. Expect him to be forwardly placed but don't imagine he will be around late.
#2 Mikealicious (20-1): MSW winner at a mile here at Oaklawn two races back, but then was beaten 9+ lengths in an allowance last time out. His numbers are on the slower side, but trainer Mike Maker is always dangerous.
#3 Maximus Magic (15-1): $50,000 maiden claimer winner two back at Oaklawn. Was beaten over 20 lengths in his first try against winners. Don't see it here.
#4 Imperial Gun (9-5): Impressive MSW winner going 8 1/2 panels at Oaklawn on Dec. 31 for trainer Steve Asmussen. Gets top jockey Tyler Gaffalione and is tactical. Does lack some experience in this field, but is the horse to beat if he can repeat that last effort. Also worth noting he will receive Lasix for the first time.
#6 Footprint (5-2): Kenny McPeek brings this consistent son of Dialed In. Slow from the gate, but has a nice turn of foot. Third beaten a head in an allowance last time and we know the distance won’t be an issue. McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez took two stakes together here earlier in the month. Can not be overlooked.
#7 Blown Cover (2-1): $650,000 yearling purchase by Gun Runner and debut MSW winner at Horseshoe Indy going a mile. Beaten double digits last time out in an allowance at Fair Grounds, but has the right to be in the mix. Improving in Beyer Speed Figures each start but still seems a touch slow for the winning end of things. Expect him being a factor in the early stages as well.
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