Hardshell, a 4yo gelding by Songandaprayer, spent all his racing life (20 starts, 2010-12) performing inconsistently for trainer Charlton Baker on the NYRA circuit.
http://www.equibase.com/profiles/Res...045®istry=T
After being eased and fading badly in his last two starts at AQU, he was shipped up to Finger Lakes at the end of April and dropped for a bottom $4K tag. Just another falling apart horse on the scrap heap, right?
He wins the 5F race easily with an 83 Beyer.
No claim.
Next race, a one mile starter allowance two weeks later.. wins easy again, 81 Beyer.
A starter allow. sprint six days later, and another laugher.. wrapped up late, he earns a
101 Beyer.
Here's how that 101 Beyer compared to other top winning Beyers from that week:
1. I'LL HAVE ANOTHER - 109 - Preakness Stakes (G1) - 1 3/16 Miles - Pimlico
1. SAGINAW - 109 - Affirmed Success Stakes - 7 Furlongs - Belmont
3. AGAVE KISS - 106 - Miss Preakness Stakes - 6 Furlongs - Pimlico
3. PAYNTER - 106 - Alw 50000NC - 1 1/16 Miles - Pimlico
5. ALTERNATION - 101 - Pimlico Special (G3) - 1 3/16 Miles - Pimlico
5. HARDSHELL - 101 - Alw 5000s - 6 Furlongs - Finger Lakes
His 101 Beyer has subsequently been adjusted up to
103.
Next start was this past Saturday, an allowance/optional claiming..
Wins again, wrapped up late again,
97 Beyer.
A horse for the course? I guess we'll see.. can't imagine he won't be heading back downstate..