Teach
09-08-2012, 11:29 AM
Let’s make some do-re-mi on opening day at beautiful Belmont Park.
Race One:
:1: Orb
jumped up in the gate at the start of his only race, a MSW sprint at “The Spa” in mid August. The replay shows that this A.P. Indy-bred colt spotted the field a half-dozen lengths before the front-runners had even reached the furlong pole. Yet, this colt came “from out of the clouds” to finish a hard-charging third. The two-year old simply ran out of real estate. He now stretches out an additional furlong. That’s a plus. The colt had a recent, solid half-mile work in which he breezed four panels in :48.4. He appears to be a solid threat. Joel Rosario (might this just be “El Dominicano’s red-letter day) reprises his ride aboard this Unbridled-bred colt for trainer “Shug” McGaughey.
In his last race, the replay shows that :3: Tizracer moved into a stalking position to the outside of the eventual winner, Lawn Man. The Tiznow-bred colt finished fourth. The 2-year-old figures to improve off that initial effort. Although he finished out off the money in his only start, he did contend right up until the end. It took a photo to separate the second, third and fourth-place finishers. Since then, the colt has had some solid morning works. Hall of Fame jockey, John Velazquez, retains the ride for trainer Todd Pletcher.
:5: Bad Hombre
was fourth in his only start, a seven-furlong sprint (the Orb race). The Pulpit-bred colt hesitated at the break; that cost him several lengths. He did well to hold on to finish fourth. The colt did show that he can handle the distance; he’s adding a furlong. He had a “bullet” work on Sept. 1 in which he drilled a half-mile in :47.1, breezing. Julien Leparoux for John Kimmel.
#4 Royal Art
fell back early in his only start, a five-furlong sprint at Saratoga in early August. Yet the Afleet Alex-bred colt was angled out as the horses reached the top of the stretch. In the stretch drive, the colt began to show signs of interest. In fact, he might have been closing fastest of all; he wound up finishing third. This colt would appear to be one of the horses who would benefit from stretching out; in his case, an additional three panels. Rajiv Maragh for D. Wayne Lukas.
Race Two:
At first blush, :7: Esthers Classy Las’s genealogy appears to say here’s a a bred-for-the-turf type horse. Yet, this Fappiano-bred filly’s only success thus far has come on the main track. In today’s race, she’s been installed as the 2-1 ML “fave”. In her last, she finished second against slightly stronger. The filly does add blinkers; that may help. Look for this distaffer to go right to the top. Joel Rosario (can he bring home both halves?) is in the irons for trainer Desmond Farrell.
:5: Outlaw Cody Z
has hit the tote in four out of nine lifetime tries. The 4-year-old Deputy Commander-bred filly had only one start at “The Spa”; she finished sixth. She has been racing against slightly stronger. Jose Espinoza retains the ride for trainer John Morrison.
I’m giving :9: Baal Perazim a chance to be part. It wouldn’t take much for this Valid Appeal-bred filly (Valid Appeal-bred horses are often good first-time starters) to hit the tote. Admittedly. the colt’s morning work-tab is mediocre; yet, the horse’s dam has had five winners from six starters. Watch this horse both on the track and on the tote. Mike Luzzi for Carlos Martin.
#8 Bluffing Quality
has had a couple pari-mutual starts with little to show for it. One was on the turf; the other on a muddy track. Is the third time a charm? The Gone West-bred filly has certainly faced much tougher MSW competition. A couple things: (1) the filly is adding blinkers. Sometimes it means very little; sometimes it means a lot! Also, the filly’s put in a solid array of morning works. She certainly fits into the category of the possible “surprise” factor. Julien Leparoux is in the irons for Ian Wilkes.
Race Three:
The Grade 2 Bowling Green at a mile and one-quarter on the turf is a short-field race that has, in my opinion, two main contenders. I’m leaning toward :1: Air Support. The Mr. Prospector-bred colt has hit the tote in his last three. The colt was second in both the Grade 1 United Nations and the Colonial Turf Cup. The colt has hit the tote in nine of thirteen turf tries; he was first in the Grade 2 Virginia Derby at Colonial in mid July. He has a second in two tries at the distance. The colt’s connections have switched to the high percentage, Hall of Famer, John Velazquez. The colt’s recent works have been very good. “Shug” McGaughey trains.
#2 Brilliant Speed
was last seen finishing third in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga. The Roberto-bred 4-year-old was lightly bumped at the start in that one. The colt has hit the tote in ten of thirteen lifetime starts on the lawn. A recent five-furlong “bullet” work indicates the horse should be ready for this marathon race. Javier Castellano rides for Tom Albertrani.
#5 Brujo de Olleros
is named for the Argentine trainer, Francisco Maschio. Maschio was nicknamed “The Wizard of Olleros”. The horse may have needed his last, his first North American start, In the Majestic Light Stakes at Monmouth that was run in late July (Haskell Day) this Wild Event-bred colt finished fourth, a dirt race at a mile and one-sixteenth. He’ll now stretch out nearly two additional panels. The colt is also trying the grass for the first time. His trainer, Graham Motion, has a 24% record with horses trying the lawn for the first time. Julien Leparoux is in the irons.
Race Four:
This is the state-bred stakes, the Affiliate, for three-year-olds and up to be contested over the distance of six furlongs on the main track. :5: Royal Currier was last seen on the racetrack winning the Teddy Drone and Mr. Prospector stakes at Monmouth. In fact, the Unbridled-bred gelding has won four of his last five races. The gelding has produced a solid morning work-tab since his last start in late July. Trainer Patricia Farro has a 26% record in non-graded stakes. Rajiv Maragh is in the irons.
#2 Sean Avery
( not the controversial NHL hockey player) is the horse that appears to be “the logical”. Yet, the Cherokee Run-bred horse has been off for over a year since winning the Grade 1 AG Vanderbilt by a nose at “The Spa” in August of 2011. Why has this horse been away from the races so long? Does he have nagging injuries. Is he ready? The horse’s morning work-tab has been solid, but the real proof will be in the pudding: an actual pari-mutual race. That being said, the horse has turned in a stellar record at the sprint distance; he’s won five times, finished second and third once in eight lifetime tries. Joe Bravo for Allen Iwinski.
#3 Crossbow
shortens up a furlong from his last start, the Grade 3 J Marvin at Saratoga; he finished third. The A.P. Indy-bred colt has hit the tote in six of seven lifetime tries at the distance. The horse’s morning works, for the most part, have been solid. The Saratoga meet’s leading and record-setting jockey, Ramon Dominguez, rides for Kiaran McLaughlin.
Race Five:
In this race at seven furlongs on the Widener Turf Course, I like the :1: Hot Rendezvous. This Holy Bull-bred filly was second in a five and one-half furlongs race on the lawn at Saratoga in early August; it was her first lifetime start. The filly now stretches out an additional furlong and a half. I believe that improves her chances of getting all the enchiladas. The filly’s morning works have been good. Irad Ortiz, Jr. for trainer Gary Contessa.
:8: Rosalie’s Pleasure
was second in her only start on the lawn. She may have needed that one as she was a bit fractious in the gate in that first-time start. Edgar Prado reprises his ride for trainer Bruce Brown.
:11: As Well
is a first-time Charismatic-bred filly with solid turf pedigree. The filly did put in a sharp four-furlong work on the turf about a week ago; she drilled the half-mile in :47.2, breezing. Jose Lezcano for Mark Hennig.
#4 A Prettydixie
was third in her own try on the lawn. She now stretches out an additional panel and a half. The Dixieland Band-bred filly may move forward from her only start. Jose Espinoza for trainer Pat Kelly.
Race Six:
:5: Cincinnati Kid
(remember Steve McQueen) finished second in a troubled trip in his last. He now stretches out an additional half-furlong. The Mr. Prospector-bred gelding is one for two at the distance; he’s hit the tote in three of seven tries on the lawn. Edgar Prado for trainer Ed Miller.
#2 Windafull
finished fourth in allowance company in his last. Prior to that the Cryptoclearance-bred gelding broke his maiden at a mile on the turf on Independence Day at Belmont. The gelding figures to be in the mix. He’s hit the tote in seven of 11 turf tries. He’s hit the board in four out of five at the distance. Cornelio Velasquez for Rudy Rodriguez.
#6 In My Eyes
gets the services of John Velazquez. The Tale Of The Cat-bred gelding was third in this company in early August at Saratoga. Any slight improvement moves him into contention in this one. The three-year-old has had a good, recent morning work-tab. At the distance, he’s won twice and finished third once in three tries. Michael Matz trains.
#4 Dual Citizen
has hit the board in his last two turf tries. Yet the Gone West-bred gelding hasn’t raced in over four months. He was last seen in a claiming race at Oldsmar, FL. The gelding’s morning work tab has not been particularly special; yet he has hit the tote in nearly half his fifteen lifetime turf tries. Alan Garcia for Dave Duggan.
Race Seven:
:5: Riverdance Rock
was leading in a mile turf race in his last at “The Spa” when he bolted and threw his rider. Prior to that the Storm Cat-bred gelding was second in a turf sprint at Monmouth. A clean, untroubled trip would put this gelding in the thick of things. Julien Leparoux for trainer Tim Hills.
:7: Dreamsgonewild
was third in a lawn sprint in his last. He now stretches out a furlong and a half. He may well be “on the engine“; jockey Eddie Castro will need to ration out this horse’s speed if he’s to prevail in this one. Bruce Alexander trains.
#2 Palace
is trying the lawn for the first time after two dirt tries. The Carson City-bred colt finished third in his last race, a sprint that was taken off the turf and run on the main track. The colt’s morning works have been good. Junior Alvarado for Bill Mott.
I‘m going to try for some longshot value with #9 Lord Of Love.He’sis a Mr. Prospector-bred colt who finished third at the seven-furlong distance in his one try at the distance on the lawn. He has two third-place finishes in six lifetime tries on the grass.. The horse was last seen finishing sixth in a turf route on the lawn at Saratoga a couple weeks ago. Rosie Napravnik for John Hertler.
Race Eight:
:5: Irish Exchange
looks like the horse to beat. He finished second by a head against similar company at Saratoga in early August. The Danzig-bred filly now turns back a half furlong. That should help her chances. The filly has hit the board in half her eight lifetime starts. Joel Rosario is in the irons for trainer Albert Stall, Jr.
:4: Karma Police
was last seen racing at Finger Lakes; she competed in and finished second in non-graded, state-bred stakes company. The Storm Cat-bred filly has hit the tote in all four of her most recent starts. At the distance, she has four firsts, two seconds and two thirds in eight tries. Eddie Castro for Joe Signore, Jr.
#7 Fiftyfour Forever
has hit the tote in all six of her recent starts. Any moisture on the track would boost this Successful Appeal-bred filly’s chances; yet, she still looms as a major factor on a dry surface as well. Javier Castellano for Tony Quartarolo.
#6 Lion Alexandra
was second in her last effort. Given: it was run over almost seven months ago at Aqueduct. The Tale Of The Cat-bred filly has hit the tote in both her tries at the six furlongs distance. Alan Garcia rides for Rick Dutrow.
Race Nine:
:2: Renzo Bertoni
has faced better. The Cozzene-bred colt has slid down the claiming ladder to a point where he now should be quite competitive. The colt is one for two at the seven furlong distance. Joel Rosario for H Allen Jerkens.
#11 Black Ace
won his last against slightly stronger company at five and one-half furlongs. The Fusaichi Pegasus-bred gelding has been in the money in three of his last four starts. Jose Lezcano for John Parisella.
#7 Kathy’s Kitten
was third in a turf route race in his last. The Kitten’s Joy-bred horse has hit the tote twice (two third-place finishes) in three lifetime turf tries. Junior Alvarado is in the irons fort trainer Mike Hushion.
#6 Top Yank
is admittedly a longshot try to enhance an exotic. The gelding finished last in his most recent effort, a turf sprint at Belmont in mid July. However, the Storm Cat-bred gelding did turn in a “bullet” work about a month ago, he drilled three furlongs in :36, breezing. The gelding has hit the tote in three of eight lifetime turf tries. Mike Luzzi for trainer Ed Pringle.
Race Ten:
:13: How Do I Win
gets my nod in this claiming-tag sprint. The 3-year-old Pulpit-bred gelding has hit the tote in four of five tries at the distance. The gelding cuts back a furlong from his most recent effort at Saratoga; that should help. Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides for Nick Canani.
:7: Grey Foose
led early in quarter horse-like fractions but faded to third at “The Spa” in this company back in mid August. If Omar Hernandez can ration out this Smoke Glacken-bred four-year-old’s speed, he could become “a player“. Gary Contessa trains.
#6 My Man Dan
switches from turf to dirt and drops down in the claiming ranks. The Silver Deputy-bred gelding has a win and a second in four tries at this distance. The gelding has had some solid morning works. Abel Lezcano rides for Gary Contessa.
#12 Blue Creek
could be “the sleeper” here. The Unbridled-bred colt showed nothing against slightly better at “The Spa.” Prior to that, on the lawn, the colt finished next to last in allowance company at Arlington Park. Yet, in the colt’s first start at Tampa Bay Downs in late January, he won a 50K maiden-claiming sprint. The horse showed he was game in the stretch. Could this be the right place? He certainly fits in this company. Javier Castellano for trainer Dom Galluscio.
Race One:
:1: Orb
jumped up in the gate at the start of his only race, a MSW sprint at “The Spa” in mid August. The replay shows that this A.P. Indy-bred colt spotted the field a half-dozen lengths before the front-runners had even reached the furlong pole. Yet, this colt came “from out of the clouds” to finish a hard-charging third. The two-year old simply ran out of real estate. He now stretches out an additional furlong. That’s a plus. The colt had a recent, solid half-mile work in which he breezed four panels in :48.4. He appears to be a solid threat. Joel Rosario (might this just be “El Dominicano’s red-letter day) reprises his ride aboard this Unbridled-bred colt for trainer “Shug” McGaughey.
In his last race, the replay shows that :3: Tizracer moved into a stalking position to the outside of the eventual winner, Lawn Man. The Tiznow-bred colt finished fourth. The 2-year-old figures to improve off that initial effort. Although he finished out off the money in his only start, he did contend right up until the end. It took a photo to separate the second, third and fourth-place finishers. Since then, the colt has had some solid morning works. Hall of Fame jockey, John Velazquez, retains the ride for trainer Todd Pletcher.
:5: Bad Hombre
was fourth in his only start, a seven-furlong sprint (the Orb race). The Pulpit-bred colt hesitated at the break; that cost him several lengths. He did well to hold on to finish fourth. The colt did show that he can handle the distance; he’s adding a furlong. He had a “bullet” work on Sept. 1 in which he drilled a half-mile in :47.1, breezing. Julien Leparoux for John Kimmel.
#4 Royal Art
fell back early in his only start, a five-furlong sprint at Saratoga in early August. Yet the Afleet Alex-bred colt was angled out as the horses reached the top of the stretch. In the stretch drive, the colt began to show signs of interest. In fact, he might have been closing fastest of all; he wound up finishing third. This colt would appear to be one of the horses who would benefit from stretching out; in his case, an additional three panels. Rajiv Maragh for D. Wayne Lukas.
Race Two:
At first blush, :7: Esthers Classy Las’s genealogy appears to say here’s a a bred-for-the-turf type horse. Yet, this Fappiano-bred filly’s only success thus far has come on the main track. In today’s race, she’s been installed as the 2-1 ML “fave”. In her last, she finished second against slightly stronger. The filly does add blinkers; that may help. Look for this distaffer to go right to the top. Joel Rosario (can he bring home both halves?) is in the irons for trainer Desmond Farrell.
:5: Outlaw Cody Z
has hit the tote in four out of nine lifetime tries. The 4-year-old Deputy Commander-bred filly had only one start at “The Spa”; she finished sixth. She has been racing against slightly stronger. Jose Espinoza retains the ride for trainer John Morrison.
I’m giving :9: Baal Perazim a chance to be part. It wouldn’t take much for this Valid Appeal-bred filly (Valid Appeal-bred horses are often good first-time starters) to hit the tote. Admittedly. the colt’s morning work-tab is mediocre; yet, the horse’s dam has had five winners from six starters. Watch this horse both on the track and on the tote. Mike Luzzi for Carlos Martin.
#8 Bluffing Quality
has had a couple pari-mutual starts with little to show for it. One was on the turf; the other on a muddy track. Is the third time a charm? The Gone West-bred filly has certainly faced much tougher MSW competition. A couple things: (1) the filly is adding blinkers. Sometimes it means very little; sometimes it means a lot! Also, the filly’s put in a solid array of morning works. She certainly fits into the category of the possible “surprise” factor. Julien Leparoux is in the irons for Ian Wilkes.
Race Three:
The Grade 2 Bowling Green at a mile and one-quarter on the turf is a short-field race that has, in my opinion, two main contenders. I’m leaning toward :1: Air Support. The Mr. Prospector-bred colt has hit the tote in his last three. The colt was second in both the Grade 1 United Nations and the Colonial Turf Cup. The colt has hit the tote in nine of thirteen turf tries; he was first in the Grade 2 Virginia Derby at Colonial in mid July. He has a second in two tries at the distance. The colt’s connections have switched to the high percentage, Hall of Famer, John Velazquez. The colt’s recent works have been very good. “Shug” McGaughey trains.
#2 Brilliant Speed
was last seen finishing third in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga. The Roberto-bred 4-year-old was lightly bumped at the start in that one. The colt has hit the tote in ten of thirteen lifetime starts on the lawn. A recent five-furlong “bullet” work indicates the horse should be ready for this marathon race. Javier Castellano rides for Tom Albertrani.
#5 Brujo de Olleros
is named for the Argentine trainer, Francisco Maschio. Maschio was nicknamed “The Wizard of Olleros”. The horse may have needed his last, his first North American start, In the Majestic Light Stakes at Monmouth that was run in late July (Haskell Day) this Wild Event-bred colt finished fourth, a dirt race at a mile and one-sixteenth. He’ll now stretch out nearly two additional panels. The colt is also trying the grass for the first time. His trainer, Graham Motion, has a 24% record with horses trying the lawn for the first time. Julien Leparoux is in the irons.
Race Four:
This is the state-bred stakes, the Affiliate, for three-year-olds and up to be contested over the distance of six furlongs on the main track. :5: Royal Currier was last seen on the racetrack winning the Teddy Drone and Mr. Prospector stakes at Monmouth. In fact, the Unbridled-bred gelding has won four of his last five races. The gelding has produced a solid morning work-tab since his last start in late July. Trainer Patricia Farro has a 26% record in non-graded stakes. Rajiv Maragh is in the irons.
#2 Sean Avery
( not the controversial NHL hockey player) is the horse that appears to be “the logical”. Yet, the Cherokee Run-bred horse has been off for over a year since winning the Grade 1 AG Vanderbilt by a nose at “The Spa” in August of 2011. Why has this horse been away from the races so long? Does he have nagging injuries. Is he ready? The horse’s morning work-tab has been solid, but the real proof will be in the pudding: an actual pari-mutual race. That being said, the horse has turned in a stellar record at the sprint distance; he’s won five times, finished second and third once in eight lifetime tries. Joe Bravo for Allen Iwinski.
#3 Crossbow
shortens up a furlong from his last start, the Grade 3 J Marvin at Saratoga; he finished third. The A.P. Indy-bred colt has hit the tote in six of seven lifetime tries at the distance. The horse’s morning works, for the most part, have been solid. The Saratoga meet’s leading and record-setting jockey, Ramon Dominguez, rides for Kiaran McLaughlin.
Race Five:
In this race at seven furlongs on the Widener Turf Course, I like the :1: Hot Rendezvous. This Holy Bull-bred filly was second in a five and one-half furlongs race on the lawn at Saratoga in early August; it was her first lifetime start. The filly now stretches out an additional furlong and a half. I believe that improves her chances of getting all the enchiladas. The filly’s morning works have been good. Irad Ortiz, Jr. for trainer Gary Contessa.
:8: Rosalie’s Pleasure
was second in her only start on the lawn. She may have needed that one as she was a bit fractious in the gate in that first-time start. Edgar Prado reprises his ride for trainer Bruce Brown.
:11: As Well
is a first-time Charismatic-bred filly with solid turf pedigree. The filly did put in a sharp four-furlong work on the turf about a week ago; she drilled the half-mile in :47.2, breezing. Jose Lezcano for Mark Hennig.
#4 A Prettydixie
was third in her own try on the lawn. She now stretches out an additional panel and a half. The Dixieland Band-bred filly may move forward from her only start. Jose Espinoza for trainer Pat Kelly.
Race Six:
:5: Cincinnati Kid
(remember Steve McQueen) finished second in a troubled trip in his last. He now stretches out an additional half-furlong. The Mr. Prospector-bred gelding is one for two at the distance; he’s hit the tote in three of seven tries on the lawn. Edgar Prado for trainer Ed Miller.
#2 Windafull
finished fourth in allowance company in his last. Prior to that the Cryptoclearance-bred gelding broke his maiden at a mile on the turf on Independence Day at Belmont. The gelding figures to be in the mix. He’s hit the tote in seven of 11 turf tries. He’s hit the board in four out of five at the distance. Cornelio Velasquez for Rudy Rodriguez.
#6 In My Eyes
gets the services of John Velazquez. The Tale Of The Cat-bred gelding was third in this company in early August at Saratoga. Any slight improvement moves him into contention in this one. The three-year-old has had a good, recent morning work-tab. At the distance, he’s won twice and finished third once in three tries. Michael Matz trains.
#4 Dual Citizen
has hit the board in his last two turf tries. Yet the Gone West-bred gelding hasn’t raced in over four months. He was last seen in a claiming race at Oldsmar, FL. The gelding’s morning work tab has not been particularly special; yet he has hit the tote in nearly half his fifteen lifetime turf tries. Alan Garcia for Dave Duggan.
Race Seven:
:5: Riverdance Rock
was leading in a mile turf race in his last at “The Spa” when he bolted and threw his rider. Prior to that the Storm Cat-bred gelding was second in a turf sprint at Monmouth. A clean, untroubled trip would put this gelding in the thick of things. Julien Leparoux for trainer Tim Hills.
:7: Dreamsgonewild
was third in a lawn sprint in his last. He now stretches out a furlong and a half. He may well be “on the engine“; jockey Eddie Castro will need to ration out this horse’s speed if he’s to prevail in this one. Bruce Alexander trains.
#2 Palace
is trying the lawn for the first time after two dirt tries. The Carson City-bred colt finished third in his last race, a sprint that was taken off the turf and run on the main track. The colt’s morning works have been good. Junior Alvarado for Bill Mott.
I‘m going to try for some longshot value with #9 Lord Of Love.He’sis a Mr. Prospector-bred colt who finished third at the seven-furlong distance in his one try at the distance on the lawn. He has two third-place finishes in six lifetime tries on the grass.. The horse was last seen finishing sixth in a turf route on the lawn at Saratoga a couple weeks ago. Rosie Napravnik for John Hertler.
Race Eight:
:5: Irish Exchange
looks like the horse to beat. He finished second by a head against similar company at Saratoga in early August. The Danzig-bred filly now turns back a half furlong. That should help her chances. The filly has hit the board in half her eight lifetime starts. Joel Rosario is in the irons for trainer Albert Stall, Jr.
:4: Karma Police
was last seen racing at Finger Lakes; she competed in and finished second in non-graded, state-bred stakes company. The Storm Cat-bred filly has hit the tote in all four of her most recent starts. At the distance, she has four firsts, two seconds and two thirds in eight tries. Eddie Castro for Joe Signore, Jr.
#7 Fiftyfour Forever
has hit the tote in all six of her recent starts. Any moisture on the track would boost this Successful Appeal-bred filly’s chances; yet, she still looms as a major factor on a dry surface as well. Javier Castellano for Tony Quartarolo.
#6 Lion Alexandra
was second in her last effort. Given: it was run over almost seven months ago at Aqueduct. The Tale Of The Cat-bred filly has hit the tote in both her tries at the six furlongs distance. Alan Garcia rides for Rick Dutrow.
Race Nine:
:2: Renzo Bertoni
has faced better. The Cozzene-bred colt has slid down the claiming ladder to a point where he now should be quite competitive. The colt is one for two at the seven furlong distance. Joel Rosario for H Allen Jerkens.
#11 Black Ace
won his last against slightly stronger company at five and one-half furlongs. The Fusaichi Pegasus-bred gelding has been in the money in three of his last four starts. Jose Lezcano for John Parisella.
#7 Kathy’s Kitten
was third in a turf route race in his last. The Kitten’s Joy-bred horse has hit the tote twice (two third-place finishes) in three lifetime turf tries. Junior Alvarado is in the irons fort trainer Mike Hushion.
#6 Top Yank
is admittedly a longshot try to enhance an exotic. The gelding finished last in his most recent effort, a turf sprint at Belmont in mid July. However, the Storm Cat-bred gelding did turn in a “bullet” work about a month ago, he drilled three furlongs in :36, breezing. The gelding has hit the tote in three of eight lifetime turf tries. Mike Luzzi for trainer Ed Pringle.
Race Ten:
:13: How Do I Win
gets my nod in this claiming-tag sprint. The 3-year-old Pulpit-bred gelding has hit the tote in four of five tries at the distance. The gelding cuts back a furlong from his most recent effort at Saratoga; that should help. Irad Ortiz, Jr. rides for Nick Canani.
:7: Grey Foose
led early in quarter horse-like fractions but faded to third at “The Spa” in this company back in mid August. If Omar Hernandez can ration out this Smoke Glacken-bred four-year-old’s speed, he could become “a player“. Gary Contessa trains.
#6 My Man Dan
switches from turf to dirt and drops down in the claiming ranks. The Silver Deputy-bred gelding has a win and a second in four tries at this distance. The gelding has had some solid morning works. Abel Lezcano rides for Gary Contessa.
#12 Blue Creek
could be “the sleeper” here. The Unbridled-bred colt showed nothing against slightly better at “The Spa.” Prior to that, on the lawn, the colt finished next to last in allowance company at Arlington Park. Yet, in the colt’s first start at Tampa Bay Downs in late January, he won a 50K maiden-claiming sprint. The horse showed he was game in the stretch. Could this be the right place? He certainly fits in this company. Javier Castellano for trainer Dom Galluscio.