Race 2: #6 Quiet Intent (6-1)
Tactical speed will be my theme of the day and it starts in today’s second race as it appears the main contenders all do their best running from well off the pace. #6 Quiet Intent could be the speed horse to take advantage, first off the claim for trainer Tino Attard. I like the fact that he’s entered for a higher tag today and it’s encouraging that Kimura shows up to ride for the first time. He’s a good fit on figures despite the slight raise in class and the last race was solid as he pressed the pace and made the first move for the lead and just got run down by a faster rival late. Bullet work since the latest suggests he’s ready to fire so if he can back down the pace they may not be able to catch him at what should be a solid price.
Race 6: #3 Repeat the Heat (12-1)
This Silent Name gelding has upset potential if he can be more forward in today’s race. His best races from last year all came when he was close to the lead and he’s gotten away from that this year and I think it has cost him. To be fair, he’s been chasing some pretty quick paces and with today’s pace appearing to be on the slower side, maybe he can be more forward. That recent bullet workout could indicate the connections are thinking the same thing. I also like that he’s getting back to a two turn turf race as the only times he’s done that have arguably been his best races, including three back when he made the first move into a hot pace and did well to hang on for third. He’s a tad light in the speed figure department but you’re going to get double digits on this runner so I think he’s worth the gamble.
Race 9: #1 Gaston (7/2)
I want to give #1 Gaston (7/2) a chance to make amends after he disappointed in his latest race. He got a pretty good trip that day, but had nothing left in the lane. I think a couple of excuses could be made though since the turf was on the softer side and that race was probably further than he prefers. He’s getting back to his favorite surface and cutting back to a distance he’s had plenty of success at. The improving four year old had shown excellent race-to-race profession prior to the latest clunker, including a solid third in a grade 3 on the tapeta. There’s not a whole lot of speed lined up in this spot, so this tactical runner should sit a good forwardly placed trip and save all the ground. With the presence of a couple well-known veteran runners, I’m hoping this morning line holds up as he’s a solid bet at 7/2.
