After a couple of canceled cards and some crazy summer weather, we are finally back for Saturday’s card(off the turf). Just a couple of plays for today’s card, but I should have several for tomorrow’s 14 race extravaganza that includes full fields throughout the day! Fingers crossed they’re back on the turf!
Race 1: #9 Speedy Johny 5-1
Difficult race of unreliable maiden claimers, I eventually settled on a filly that’s getting major class relief in #9 Speedy Johny (5-1). This is a big drop from 25k optional claimers to open 10k so on that merit alone she deserves a look. I’m hoping she just didn’t care for the turf course last time because her three efforts prior to that on synthetic put her squarely in the mix against these rivals. The Timeform US figures she earned in those three synthetic tries are all higher than anything this field has earned except for #6 T’pring, who is 0 for 17 and has only hit those numbers on occasion. She has the second highest Late Pace figures in the field, but also should be able to stay in touch with the leaders early on, so with this comfy outside draw she will be the play to open Saturday’s card.
Race 8: #5 Carrothers 8-1
If this morning line is accurate then the #5 Carrothers could offer incredible value in this small field. I know #4 Tyson (2/5) defeated him easily last time out but Carrothers had a much tougher trip that day running against the race flow and he really was just a complete no-show in that spot. It’s encouraging to see they’re throwing him right back into graded stakes company and note that he actually beat Tyson by a comfortable margin two back. There doesn’t appear to be much speed in this field so there’s a chance he could be left alone on the lead, especially if Tyson is more concerned with the second choice #6 Kingmax, who will likely be towards the back of the field. Carrothers has also won from off the pace on several different occasions so he can adapt to the pace scenario no matter how it shakes out. He’s returned with a bullet work since the last clunker and he’s absolutely a fit based on his prior form, so I want to take a shot with him at 5-1 or higher.
