Turf meets the Surf.
Been an extremely tough year for Cali racing, yet new hope abounds on the sunny shores of San Diego.
Opening Day features a 12 horse stakes race on the Turf. Let's dig into it!
Manhattan Up: I see a lot of
Mucho Gusto, and
Roadster in recent lines, so the look to turf could be the needed change. Street Boss/Street Cry on top should be worth a shot. Solid work coming in. Trainer numbers on Dirt to Turf aren't inspiring in the least, but this horse has some talent. Can't dismiss.
Roger That: Foreign shipper that they put into OC$80K company says confidence, but his opener in the States left a lot to be desired. Lost to another peer in here across the pond. Hard to see.
Jasikan: Likely favorite with Flavor Flav in the irons. The likely firm turf course could be a question.
Legends of War: Very likely to be on the front with back race sprint speed. Wasn't beat horribly by the
two back, and has a solid race in between. Likely looking to send and see how it all shakes out.
King of Speed: Raced 8 times as a 2YO, connections have backed off quite a bit this year, and this will be his 4th start of 2019. Bullet work on 6/30, and off a solid effort in his last out. Not without a chance. 1st time Desormeaux. Serious tote watch.
City Rage: Just broke his maiden, and maybe found his front end running style. Likely up against it in here with other speed. Thinking they have to send.
More Ice: The Hollendorfer will be under strict watch. Nothing screams great, or could be. 11th race, and a likely hanger without a chance when it matters. Pass.
Gregorian Chant: Wasn't that horrible of a trip last out, and really should have ran better. 5 horse field turf races you need to at least find some kind of spot. Now likely to face 10 or more. Solid works coming in for D'Amato. Can't dismiss, but not excited at a likely price short of 15/1 or so that he should be.
Riejka: Seems like a large reach, and previous jocks are opting elsewhere. Baltas is always dangerous, but have to look elsewhere, especially from this post.
Nolde: Shoved him finally to the turf, and he has simply won both in impressive closing fashion. Hopefully nobody in San Diego watches replays, and he'll be 10/1. This Pioneer of the Nile can move forward yet again. Major contender.
Golden Birthday: Sure; he has been running against pure State-Breds only, but last two on the green stuff show some solid forward movement. Smoking Joe and Cassiday hit on a pretty good clip. Works are more than solid. Could be overlooked with this post.
Synthesis: Another outside runner that is getting a bit better, but not enough as others. High expectations haven't amounted to much and in start 13, could be the longest shot on the board. Exotics bounds seems to be the high end today.
SUMMARY: Wicked tough Stakes race on the turf to start the meet. Can make an easy case for 5 or 6 of these. Great exotics wagering race.
