Race 6: Nassau G2 8f (T, outer one turn)
A bit of speed signed on here and will be leaning on the best stalker in the race.
- A/Most Logical: #5 Abscond (4-1 and bet 3.0 units, assuming price stays above 5/2) – simple approach of highest figures and dodging the monster turfers out East. Should sit a patient cozy ride and have plenty left at top of stretch to blow by. Last out stalked and quickened a bit too late, but was still an honest effort. Expect this one to sit wide stalking and make the one run mowing down the speeds late.
- C/Best Value: #3 Tappity Tappity (15-1) Last out was left with too much to do and a bit of trip note. This 4 year old still might have a bit of pop left and jump up in figures.
Race 7: OC $40k 8f (T, inner two turns)
This looks like one clear standout favorite here with best figures but I think the speed drawn inside might cause some issues.
- A/Best Value: #4 Shangassah (10-1 & bet 1.0 unit) Last out was a $25k claimer event but Juan Pablo came back to run very competitive in an allowance race last week with two stakes horses: Peace of Ekati and Holyfield. So we’ll bump that last up for class angle. Looks to be working in the mornings well and for the four year old only making the second start, will gamble this one can jump up. I was really impressed in the last race to outgun the second choice in deep stretch, digging in and not giving up. This could be a fun one to watch if gets the right pace setup
- A/Most Logical: #2 There’s No Joe (9/5) Looks to have the speed and best overall figures. Should be able to stalk 2w and carry on. The trainer is 4 out of 19 going sprint to route, so I don’t doubt this horse will get the full two turns.
Race 8: Mdn 8.5f (T, outer one turn)
Tough race with zero pace and no clear standouts.
- A/Top Choice: #6 Spike (10-1 & bet 1.0 unit) Last out was too short and couldn’t keep pace in the early stages, tried closing wide, wrapped up 1/16th. With the slower pace signed on here, which is practically zero pace, Bridge-mo could get this one loose. Two back will just assume this one wasn’t quite ready to fire off the almost two year break, comes back for the first time second off.
- A/Next Best: #1 Hit The Point (5-1) Looked like the light bulb came on for this one around the turn as others started to pass. The horse picked his feet up and re-rallied. With the blinkers hoping this one doesn’t have to be shoved along early: I’m guessing that last race the horse was happy to be hanging with his pals running three lengths behind the leaders.
- Bad Favorite: #5 Money Printer (9/5) Has terrible habits down the lane with a high head carriage and almost doesn’t know this is the time of the race to run. Has all the ability to pull himself into the race but don’t trust this one swerving. Trying blinkers in hopes this one can get it figured out. At the price, I can’t side with.
Race 9: OC $62k 9f (AW)
Not a ton of pace here and think a few of these needed that second off.
- A/Best Value: #6 Afleet Katherine (3-1 & bet 2.0 units) Didn’t love the two turn event and wasn’t going to win after jockey dropped this one back so far early. Trying to make up ground on those inner turns is no small feat. Today will get a much better distance that fits and has figures that fit.
- Bad Favorite: #1 Art of Almost (4/5 which is a strange morning line as I expect this one to drift up to 3/2 at least) Couldn’t get the job done at a short price against easy company. Was near the slow pace and trainer adjusting equipment with the blinkers on for the first time in 22 starts doesn’t get me excited to back.
Race 10: MOC $40k 7f (T, outer)
Have to imagine the #1 horse will be over bet.
- A/Top Choice: #6 Pride and Passion (15-1 & bet 0.5 unit) Had a very nice first race but couldn’t get things sorted out down the lane. Maybe had some lead change issues but checked three or more times trying to be sent down for the drive. Smaller field should help chances from traffic issues perspective
- A/Most Logical: #5 Dr. Green (3-1) Had a terrible trip last out and still ran on very well down the lane. With clear sailing should be able to grind past most of these.
- A/Defensive Use: #1 Tourist’s Dream (6-1) First time gelding could really be anything. Was very well bet in first two races at the high competition. Hernandez stays aboard and in for the tag.
- A/PTF Advisory: #3 Benlion (9/2) Trip horse
- B/PTF Advisory: #9 Star Scholar (15-1) Pace play
