$100,000 Mucho Macho Man Stakes Features Deep Field

The field of ten is led by the lightly-raced 2/1 morning line favorite Mawthooq, who will be making just the third start of his career.  The Mucho Macho Man Stakes will represent several firsts for the Kiaran McLaughlin trainee:  his first stakes attempt, his first start with Lasix and his first start on a dry track weather permitting.  McLaughlin connects with 26% of his starters receiving Lasix medication for the first time.  Mawthooq appears to be extremely talented after crushing maiden special weight foes November 26 at Aqueduct by over ten lengths November 26 at Aqueduct.

Mawthooq's rival may reveal clues 

Bettors looking for more clues about Mawthooq’s ability may benefit from watching the Spectacular Bid Stakes at Gulfstream just two races before the Mucho Macho Man.  Mawthooq finished a well-beaten second in his debut to Ready for Rye who is the 5/2 morning line favorite in the Spectacular Bid against a strong field. 

Contention runs deep 

Bluegrass Singer (5/1) is cross-entered in the Spectacular Bid, but seems more likely to start in the Mucho Macho Man after an impressive allowance score at Gulfstream December 17 at the one mile distance.  Juan and Bina (5/2) and Brother Bobo (9/2) both have the look of serious contenders, with each recording second place finishes against stakes company last out.