Race 8 – 5 Furlong on The Turf – Important to note the Rail 63 Ft
Several improving types will try to spread if possible.
1 City Drifter gets Jose on today and inside post, could trip out saving ground but everything would need to go right for this one.
2 (A) Panther Island is most definitely the most interesting runner in the field. 4 wins in 5 starts and the loss was couple inches at the wire. He is the current track record holder going 5.5 on the Tapeta. What is the fault with this colt, debut was for a tag and was claimed for 40K. Won impressively 4/5W and finished full of run that day, as a reward he was in for tag in his next start for 35K and won impressively again. No takers that day and has been protected since. Then was scratched from stakes in December, Guessing needs Lasix……. Colt can run if he gets a good trip will be dangerous.
3 (C) Our Shot is 2 for 4 but has not been seen since May, comes in as a 1st Time gelding which in multi-races is a must use. Closed into a blistering pace at Pimlico to catch a nice colt in Detroit City that was stopping. Improving type
4 (B) Chess Master classy veteran who is 10 for 23 going 5F/Turf. December race was hung 6 wide first turn pressuring a fast pace and folded. Once you get past that race in the PP’s solid efforts that fit here.
5 Maya Prince 2 for 5 on the Turf and has closed into some average turf sprint paces , Should make a late turn but will need to improve off previous efforts.
6 (A) Agent Peter Graves makes his 3rd start in Mott Barn and Junior rides this back. Last race ran a big race 3/4 wide entire race closed late and finished well. Has ran well in all 3 Previous sprint races and the 1 Mile efforts at Canterbury were fast as well. Should go off the deserving favorite. I played this horse under Belgrano on Christmas Eve and he came up just a bit short, unfortunately the value is not there today but will be my top selection here.
7 (A) Yes I Am Free is 7 for 15 going 5F/Turf with 6 of those wins over the Gulfstream Turf. Would be the clear Favorite if not for the last 2 clunkers and not being seen since July.
8 Charmed gets on the Gulfstream Turf for the first time here after beating a soft group going 5.5 on the Tapeta and now makes first start for Jose D Angelo who is 28% first off Claim. Jose has been riding for the barn regularly but lands on the 1 who he also rides often for, unless there are several scratches here I will be tossing both the 1 and the 8.
9 (B) Mamba on Three gets Paco to ride and could win by default if others have trouble. Type just runs around the track one pace
10 (C) Airspeed Velocity I will most definitely have on some tickets, Lightly raced and in last 3/4W just cruising along stretch hand rode till late, never asked this one for his best and galloped out well. Barn has won last 3 starts and is looking for this one to make another step forward.
11 Warp Ride is lightly raced and has a couple very fast 5F Turf races at Woodbine, but gets a tough post and with the rail out will be a toss if draws in to the field.
12 Matta could get a piece if draws in the race and if could work out the right trip but will not be a win candidate for me.
Will pass on this one from an individual race wagering standpoint and look to get through with some multi-race opportunities, but if forced my hand. Straight Win bet on 6 or 2 pending price at post time. Difficult race to make a morning line on, prices could be all over the place here.
Top Pick – 6 Agent Peter Graves Alternate – 2 Panther Island
