Book Review stretches long for the Imperial Gesture Stakes
The 3-year-old Giant’s Causeway’s filly, Book Review, has been dwelling in short distance races, ranging from 6 to 7 furlongs, with one exception of a mile in between, and the temptation would have been justified if her connections had opted for her to run
in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita this November.
It makes sense, since Book Review is exiting victory in the $400,000 Charles Town Oaks at seven furlongs, which also happens to be the Filly and Mare Sprint, but after given more than usual amount of thought toward filly’s next start, it was decided to stretch
her out.
Trainer Chad C. Brown and owners Gary and Mary West chose to run their sophomore filly in the $85,000 Imperial Gesture Stakes at Belmont Park on 24 October, 2012, over two turns, 1 1/16 miles, a race strictly exclusive for 3-year-old fillies who are yet
win a graded stakes race.
The Imperial Gesture Stakes also serves as a stepping stone toward the Grade 1 Gazelle Handicap over 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on 24 November, 2012, and for that the Imperial Gesture proves worthy of a prep race.
“Trying her against a salty group like that out there at Santa Anita where that track might play to speed, and she definitely comes from off the pace, we didn’t think was the right move for her right now,” Brown said. “Maybe experimenting going longer and
pointing to a race like the Gazelle will be the lesser of two evils. If it works out, it could be pretty rewarding for her.”
The only time Book Review ran beyond seven furlongs was when she ran in an allowance optional claimer at Belmont Park, right after breaking her maiden at seven furlongs on her third attempt also at Belmont Park.
In the allowance optional claimer, Book Review finished a strong second to, Questing, who consequently went on to establish at graded stakes level, and further landed Grade 1 Coaching Club American Stakes, and then the Grade 1 Alabama Oaks.
“I think trying her at a distance around one turn is a fair compromise, and let’s see if she gets the mile and a sixteenth. And if she runs well in here, we’re really looking to try her in the Gazelle,” Brown said.
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