Race 8: OC $75k 8.5 (AW)
Fantastic betting race with one of my best bet backs.
- Best Value: #4 British Royalty (12-1 & bet 3.0 units) I’ll let my trip notes do the talking for this pick. The value is perfect. Bet. Third off the layoff and form is still unexposed.
- Trip Note: 5/7 unreal trip! Threw head at start, had to be back of pack early. Made move along BS to pull into race. Settled around turn (not steadied) then made another move to only find trouble the ENTIRE stretch, kept on terms while under wraps. HUGE BET BACK
- Trip Note: 11/1 Caught a shoe to the head (not on PPs), against pace flow, made good move.
- Next Best: Harlan Estate (6-1) Has been stalking the pace behind some very classy horses. Today will get a much cozier trip near the pace. Attard has a positive ROI making the switch Turf to Synth with a 18% strike rate.
Race 9: Whimsical Stakes (G3) 6f
I’m a compete fan-boy for Boardroom. I was live to nice score when her bridle broke 9/12 running and she showed such heart to try and finish third. I oddly became a fan of a horse that cost me one of my biggest scores. And please don’t confuse the Ascot runner on Wednesday for this Amalfi Coast. Not sure I agree with the morning line as Amalfi Coast will likely take some of that money.
- Top Choice: #8 Boardroom (5/2) What can I say about this horse other than she has heart. It’s almost a repeat of the last running, she has the wide draw and should be able to settle, stalk, and make one run. What has me EXCITED is the track has been playing more favorable to wide runs more so than any other year. If that holds true for this weekend (look for clues on Friday’s card), this horse should roll on by. The insider horses will have to contend with pace pressures from one another like Summer Sunday, Artie’s Princess, and Golden Ami. Every start, except the race with the equipment failure, has jumped up in performance each and every time. The first time Lasix should also assist.
- Next Best: #7 Artie’s Princess (2-1) Might just be the speed of the speed in the event no one else presses the issue. The 6f should suit very well for this speedster.
Race 10: Alw 5.5 (AW)
Many chances in here and recommend spreading.
- Best Value: #2 Muchacha (6-1 & bet 1.0 unit) Has had some steep competition in the first two races of this one’s career (both are stakes caliber horses in Boardroom, see above, and Our Secret Agent). Found softer competition at CD to get first win. Today will be able to sit the pocket with all the outside speed drawn while staying close. Second off the layoff helps this ones chances, too.
- Most Logical: #9 Beyond Mybudget (9/2) Sharpens back to the sprint distances where this one tried first two outings. I’ll excuse those poor efforts due to the long breaks in between (something must not have been right). Progressive figures and fires fresh.
- Next Best: #8 Feeling Funny (5/2) Best speed in the race and that can be deadly effective at these short distances. Quite the long layoff and has proven to not love those breaks, but strong contender.
Race 11: MOC $40k 5f (AW)
Nothing I love in this race as many of the shorter prices have shown an inability to get the win.
- Most Logical: #3 Union Colonel (3-1 & bet 0.5 unit) Since the barn change, has only one running. Today gets a nice drop in class and a few equipment changes. Has the ability to be on or near the lead. If can clear should be an easy win for this 11 time trier.
- Next Best: #11 Lord of Legends (6-1) Another speedster who might get clear.
Race 12: MOC 6.5f (T)
Again, not a race I love here with so many question marks on these horses.
- Best Value: #11 Elusive Society (20-1 & bet 0.5 unit) For some odd reason the jockey rated this one to the back of the pack early (removed all chances to win). Split horses and finished well enough. The form is still unexposed, gets a switch to turf, and I trust Fukumoto will give this one best chances in the race.
- Most Logical: #13 Rookie Girl (3-1) Last out chased the speeds going wide. Was wrapped up and kept on terms final 1/16. The added distance will allow this one to make a more concerted effort to stalk and grind down the lane.
