Acorn Stakes 2011

7.34 Belmont

TVG Acorn Stakes (Grade 1) (3yo Fillies) (Dirt) (3yo) Winner £115,385

Pick: Turbulent Descent (win)

Her Smile: Started the year with two creditable but average efforts, first when coming well beaten second in the Comely Stakes at Aqueduct when she was 2 1/4 lengths behind at line; Always behind pace in Kentucky Oaks and had only two behind, so doesn’t make too much appeal here despite this being easier spot.

Turbulent Descent: Top juvenile; Broke her maiden last October during  Oak Tree meet at Hollywood Park, and followed that effort with scores in the Moccasin and Hollywood Starlet Stakes; Returned this year with a second to Zazu but turned tables on that rival in Sanita Anita Oaks, form which has been boosted since (winner third, after bad trip in Kentucky Oaks); Comes here off the back of a stroll in Grade 2 (7f) Keenland and outstanding choice.

Savvy Supreme: Making her first start since breaking her maiden at Gulfstream Park April 2, she won on the Classy Mirage Stakes last time out, having been backed into 1-5; Recovered from slow break (also three wide around turn) and deserves respect stepping up in Grade today.

It’s Tricky: 4 – 5; Broke her maiden in November, won an optional claimer by more than four lengths in her seasonal debut in January, and romped home by eight lengths as an odds-on favourite in the Busher Stakes; Stepped up in class for the Gulfstream Oaks and well beaten fourth behind R Heat Lightning, so something to prove although original promise remains.

Victoria’s Secret: Didn’t break  maiden until her fifth outing, capturing six-furlong allowance at Churchill Downs last November by two lengths; Got up by a nose in a Gulfsream Park allowance race before her first Graded win in the Eight Belles Stakes at Churchill; More to come although this is a tough spot for her.

Snow Fall: Second on only start as 2 (Fair Grounds) and made progress this year, bouncing from 3^rd on seasonal reappearance to win at Fair Grounds;  Comes here off a win in Pike Creek Stakesbut that form not looking rock solid.

VERDICT: A more than useful event. TURBULENT DESCENT has claims to being the best three year old filly in the United States based on any her Sanita Anita Oaks win and she can win this, having bypassed the Kentucky equivalent to come here. Savvy Supreme and It’s Sprung can offer most resistance.