The Acorn Stakes - June 11, 2011

Race Conditions:          Grade 1, 3YO, F, 8F, Dirt, Belmont Park

Race Class Par:                            97 
Race Class Rating:                       97
Winner's Time/Quality Rating:    101

Pace:                                            Fast Early, Average Middle, Average Late
Track Bias:                                   Track sloppy and sealed, honest

Race Comments: The 2011 Acorn was not an especially deep or high quality edition. Both It's Tricky and Turbulent Descent distinguished themselves as legitimate Grade 1 quality performers, but the large gap between them and the rest of the field partially reflects the lack of quality behind them.


Notable Performances:

1. It's Tricky - staked the pace of the speedy Savy Supreme, took over into the stretch, and repulsed the late bid of Turbulent Descent to win decisively in fast time. It's Tricky was very impressive at Aqueduct in NY during the winter before disappointing badly with no obvious excuse in the GP Oaks in Florida. This performance moves her to the top of the class with R Heat Lightning. 

2. Turbulent Descent - did nothing to diminish her Grade 1 credentials finishing 2nd, ten lengths ahead of the rest of the field. She just ran into a very good 3YO filly.