HORSEPLAYERS’ HAPPY HOUR – 6/27/25
By Nick Tammaro | @NTamm1215
BAQ RACE 5: 4-1-8-9
#4 KILLY START goes first off a claim by Steven Schauer, whose small barn has done amazingly well this year. This gal was wide chasing last time out on a day where inside runners fared well and she is a major candidate to move forward off the claim.
BAQ RACE 6: 9-6-2-7
The rider switch on #9 TYPHOON FURY is key, as Joel Rosario is going to take this veteran son of Mitole back to make one run. He was used hard to stay within range of a brutal pace last time out and wound up tiring late. The best chance he has is to swoop in late and that’ll undoubtedly be the approach.
GP RACE 7: 2-7-1-5
This is a rare opportunity to get some value on a Saffie Joseph, Jr. trainee as #2 CHAINA returns to the Tapeta second off a claim following a dull go of it on dirt. Saffie is a whopping 23% going from dirt to synthetics over the last 5 years, good for a $2.19 ROI. This mare has ample speed and has shown plenty on this strip in the past.
BAQ RACE 7: 4-9-7-8
Bit of a chalky spot here as #4 IRON MAX looks awfully tough for Brad Cox first off the claim. He was a fast-closing 2nd on his return to the turf and should be hard to hold off late with Flavien Prat sticking on board.
GP RACE 8: 3-4-7-5
The whole body of work for #3 KIP THE DISTANCE is what makes this gal the pick, as she has the best dirt form of any runner in this bunch. She was facing better on the main track before a failed Tapeta try and appears to be a bounce-back candidate today at a square price.
BAQ RACE 8: 2-8-4-6
The layoff is the only real worry with #2 VEKOMA RIDES, who was impressive in a debut win then a solid runner-up effort in the Nashua. He gets lasix for the return and meets a salty group, but the price will be right on this son of Vekoma who obviously has some ability.
MTH RACE 7: 1-6-7-5
#1 GOLD TRUST had a nightmare go of it last out running into traffic trouble on multiple occasions. He now lands in a race with substantially less speed and none immediately to his outside. If he can get to the front early, he’ll be hard to run down late.
GP RACE 9: 2-8-3-7
#2 ROCK N ROLL BOLT is a potential upsetter in a race where the favorites hardly overwhelm you on paper. He has enough sped to stay within range early and should be wound a bit tighter second off a layoff this afternoon. The move back to turf is what draws attention given how well he fared on the lawn earlier this year in New Orleans.
BAQ RACE 9: 6-3-8-9
#6 VOLT moves to turf and is bred nicely for it. This is also his first start for a tag and first as a gelding. There are two turf winners in his first female family and this group is crying out for a fresh face.
MTH RACE 8: 8-7-5-4
#8 LOOKING FOR WATER enters off a win against lesser but takes a logical jump in class for Faith Wilson. This small-time barn has had success at this meet and this gal will get a strong pace to run at again.
