Race 1: 2-4-6
#2 Plane Talk fits like a glove with this field, and has best early speed by far, a deadly weapon going this distance on the turf. If he breaks, he probably wins.
Race 2: 1-5-6
Rare alw. race on the dirt for older horses going 5f. #1 Fire Extinguisher has the coveted rail position for this distance, natural early speed to get the lead or just stalk off the pace, like the jock change to Eikleberry.
Race 3: 2-8-1
A bunch of hungry, hungry “hippos” here (loved that game as a kid). Lots of 0-for big #’s, so be cautious. Field is 0-for-111…ouch. #2 Tour the World soft choice in a tough one….closed real well last time to just miss at 15-1, usually a play against next time for me. But, there’s speed to close into, 3rd start off the layoff (key form-cycle angle), and finds the right field if he can get the trip….that’s a big if.
Race 4: 4-1-3
#4 Someone Said So (5-1) just won for fun after breaking slow and circling the field. A better break this time puts this filly in the game earlier, and seems to be improving for trainer Rosin. Has earned almost 45k after owners bought her for only $1,200….what a game!
Race 5: 6-4-3 Late P5 starts here
#6 Goldie’s Delight has as good a shot as any, after being too far back last time and making a marginal run into a somewhat tepid pace. Hope she’s closer this time, has a race at Gulfstream last Jan. that wins here….needs to find that speed. Can’t be too far back.
Race 6: 5-7-1
Here’s my PRICE PLAY OF THE NIGHT, #5 Rocktizway (8-1 ML). Last night’s Price Play just missed, finishing 2nd by a 1/2 length at 10-1. Rocktizway has showed early speed in the past, and there’s not much signed on. Didn’t break well last time, and had no chance. Gets his regular rider back, hoping for aggression early. Don’t like 3/21, but do like the early speed this one can show at times.
Race 7: 7-6-1
#7 Pretti Ta Kela has finished in the money in half of her starts, gets a nice outside post, meet’s leading jockey, and a drop in class from 15k to 7.5k….time to get her 2nd victory?
Race 8: 7-5-4
#7 Boss Hugo is making his 2nd start off a very long layoff, so should be sharper. Has good tactical speed to sit and pounce in the stretch…..more lightly-raced than others, still has a chance to improve/show upside, even at this cheaper level.
Race 9: 4-6-2
Why not save the best for last….one of the better, higher-quality races on the card is the alw. event going 1 mile. #4 Quantum Leap has always been well-meant for trainer Berndt (formally Ian Wilkes). Cost 270k, and was in a sprint last time. Seems to be better going 2 turns, will be a bit further back than before and make a run. Tons of back-class here, has faced some real toughies including Major Fed, Masqueparade, Prevalence, etc….Ready for a breakout performance today, coming back a little quick though for my liking (9 days).
