10th-GP, $46k, Alw, 4yo/up, f/m, 1mT, post time: 5:05 p.m. ET
Previously trained by Alain de Royer-Duper for the Wildenstein Family, AKATEA (IRE) (Shamardal) looms a handful for this group of three-lifetime allowance rivals with anything close to a repeat of either of her two most recent efforts. Winner of the Listed Prix Finlande in her first go against winners last April, the chestnut, now owned by Joe Allen, crossed the line second in the G3 Prix de Lieurey at Deauville last August, but was demoted to 10th. She faced males in her last couple, finishing second to G1 Poule d'Essai des Pouliches winner Ervedya (Fr) (Siyouni {Ire}) and ahead of 2014 GI Breeders' Cup Mile hero Karakontie (Jpn) (Bernstein) in the G1 Prix du Moulin in September. Most recently third, beaten 3/4 of a length, in the G1 Prix Daniel Wildenstein on Arc weekend Oct. 3, she adds Lasix for the Stateside debut and the 3-1 on offer on the morning line will be a mere pipedream. Akatea descends from the female family of GI Breeders' Cup Classic winner Arcangues and MGISW Angara (GB). Bride to Be (Candy Ride {Arg}), a daughter of GSW Cat Chat (Storm Cat), has a record of 4-2-2-0 thus far, can be a factor, but will likely need to improve off a local allowance tally Feb. 28. TJCIS PPs
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