Equine Rewind
EQUINE REWIND
By Ron Nicoletti
Sunday, March 17, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (5 1/2F Dirt) Brass Rail, sent off as the tepid favorite, trailed the field after breaking very slowly at the start.
Race #3 (5F Turf) Bajan Rhythm was forced to alter course when the winner Banzai Kid drifted out at the top of the stretch. There was a steward’s inquiry and a claim of foul that was disallowed.
Race #6 (5F Turf) Affair steadied at the start and broke next to last when sent off as the favorite.
Race #9 (1 1/16 Dirt) Looking Cool earned a spot on the ‘horses to watch’ list after recovering from a mugging at the start (squeezed back) to rally 4-wide to defeat favored River Rocks.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #6 (5F Turf) Jessie Can Mambo was steadied leaving the turn, recovered and rallied for the place in what was a roughly run race where the third place finisher (Dafreakinheat) was disqualified for bothering horses in the stretch.
Race #8 (1 1/16 Turf) Malibu Way raced in striking position into the stretch, and then steadied sharply behind rivals in the stretch. The connections claimed foul against both Under Control and Hollinger but it was disallowed
Race #11 (1 1/16 Turf) Scandalo, sent off as the favorite, lost his best chance when he stumbled at the start.
Friday, March 15, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
The inside post won the first four races of the day.
Race #1 (1M Dirt) Act One Scene One bumped hard at the start with Iron Post, then rushed to the lead and set the pace until he was caught at the wire.
Race #2 (6 1/2F Dirt) Dreaming of Susie stumbled at the start, chased the pace along the inside, and slipped through to get the lead and score.
Race #3 (1M Dirt) Unbridled Ella vied for the lead off the rail, moved in tandem with Love Numbers, that had the steady sharply when put in tight quarters by that rival. Love Numbers was disqualified from second and placed fourth behind Unbridled Ella.
Race #7 (6F Dirt) Regiment was definitely compromised when he broke poorly behind very impressive first-time starter Zaikov.
Thursday, March 14, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
There was a strong tailwind in the stretch throughout the day
Race #5 (1M Turf) Mass Invasion drifted out badly under left-handed pressure and bothered both Another Please and Waquoit’s Dance. However, both were able to hold to their positions and finished 1-2.
Race #6 (6F Dirt) Johannesboom lost all chance when she stumbled badly at the start.
Race #10 (1M Turf) Starship Amanda chased the pace into the stretch and was in contention when she was bumped soundly by Triple Arch, then her rider had to check sharply to avoid being savaged by Triple Arch, who was disqualified and eighth.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
There was a strong tailwind in the stretch throughout the day
Race #5 (1M Turf) Prince of Spain was impressive after he lunged into the gate at the start, raced next to last while saving ground, and was beaten only 3 lengths by the ‘loose on the lead’ winner.
Race #8 (6F Dirt) Dreaming of Lucy stumbled at the start, chased the winner 3-wide into the stretch, and was closing the gap at the wire.
Race #10 (1 1/16 Turf) Prestige Worldwide had an eventful journey when he was fractious in the gate prior to the start, stalked the pace mid-pack, was then was bothered a couple of times in the stretch by Rey Rocket, who was disqualified and placed third behind him.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #3 (1 1/16 Dirt) Close Hatches was impressive when setting a pressured early pace and then drawing clear under a strong hand ride.
Race #8 (1M Dirt) Cross Traffic was very impressive when shaking off early pressure to win by 7 ½ lengths.
Race #10 (1 1/16 Turf) El Jefe Grande was game in defeat when he rallied up the rail to finish second to the favorite (Clement Rock).
Saturday, March 09, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #5 (1 1/8 Turf) There was a major incident when Boss Man clipped heels causing a chain reaction that unseated his rider, the riders on All Alex and Layton Register
Race #7 (1M Turf) Pyrite Mountain had to check sharply on the far turn to avoid a stopping horse.
Race #9 (1 1/16 Turf) Finale was steadied in the early going, and again on the first turn, before swinging out for the stretch run and closing to finish second – beaten a neck.
Race #10 (1M Dirt) (GP Park Handicap G2) Fort Larned stumbled badly soon after the start unseating the rider.
Friday, March 08, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (6F Dirt) Lady Marian Louise lost all chance when she stumbled badly at the start causing her rider to briefly lose both his irons.
Race #8 (6F Dirt) Jamaican Smoke was game in defeat when she was challenged from start to finish before weakening late in what should prove to be a very beneficial return from an 8-month layoff.
Molly Morgan was never a factor after she stumbled badly soon after the start.
Thursday, March 07, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #3 (1 1/16 Turf) Bingo Bango Bongo stumbled at the start, sat behind fractions of 24.24 and 1.12.11, and never got a chance to catch the leaders.
Race #4 (6 1/2F Dirt) Crumb, while no match for the winner, broke outward at the start, and steadied on the backstretch, when finishing third.
Race #6 (5F Turf) Street Trick was walloped at the start and knocked into a rival, allowed to settle, and closed strongly to finish second.
Race #10 (1M Dirt) Mad Fast was making progress after breaking slowly when she was knocked into the rail by a rival at a critical point of her rally.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #3 (5F Turf) Fast Time was chasing the pace along the inside when he checked to avoid running up on eventual winner Determinado on the backstretch, then steadied again behind him in the stretch.
Race #4 (6F Dirt) Velez steadied when he bumped a rival at the start, and was eased in the stretch to wait for another day.
Race #5 (1M Turf) Acadian Connection was stuck behind a wall of horses in the stretch, and never found room to launch a rally.
Race #8 (6F Dirt) Barbie Wire was unhurried after breaking poorly, race 3-wide on the turn, and rallied to finish a well-meant second.
Race #10 (6F Dirt) Bling Bang rated off the pace after being steadied from a tight space on the backstretch, steadied again in traffic on the turn, and still rallied to finish second at 28-to-1.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #4 (7F Dirt) Pure Lover broke poorly, was rushed up along the inside to stalk the pace, and tired to finish fourth.
Race #6 (1M Turf) Summer Front was steadied leaving the far turn, then got bottled up in the stretch, came through tight quarters to finish third – beaten 1 ½ lengths.
Race #7 (5 1/2F Dirt) Lina Picky lost all chance when she stumbled badly at the start.
Race #8 (1M Turf) Ephyra trying to find a seam along the inside throughout the stretch run and was forced to steady twice.
Race #10 (1 1/8 Turf) Dewey Square, while no match for the winner, was steadied behind horses entering the far turn, before tiring to finish fifth.
Saturday, March 02, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #3 (6F Dirt) Many Crowns was closing in at the wire when he clipped heels with Capitalism at Risk. The connections of Many Crowns claimed foul but it was disallowed.
Race #4 (1 1/8 Dirt) Doherty, sent off at 4-to-5, broke slowly, got stuck behind a wall of horses, and finished a disappointing third.
Race #8 (1M Dirt) Dyker Beach clipped heels soon after the start, which compromised his chances.
Race #9 )1 1/8 Turf) (Herecomesthebride) Caroline Thomas rated along the inside, eased out to make a run between horses in the stretch, then was knocked into Tokyo Time by the weakening pacesetter ( I O Ireland).
Friday, March 01, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Light rain started falling prior to 5th race
Race #6 (6F Dirt) Exclusive Force was steadied in the early going, and steadied again on the backstretch, then closed to be third behind the much-the-best winner.
Race #7 (6F Dirt) Glorious Exit was sandwiched between horses soon after the start, raced far back, then closed to be a distant third behind much-the-best first-time starter R Next Escapade
Race #8 (1M Turf) Town Flirt steadied in traffic on both turns, swung wide for the stretch run, then closed strongly to finish second. He belongs on your ‘horses-to-watch’ list.
Race #9 (6 1/2F Dirt) So Many Ways looked like he needed a race when returning from a 6-month layoff, breaking poorly, racing 3-wide on the turn behind fractions of 22.25 and 44.94, then tiring to finish third.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF GOOD
Race #1 (5F Turf) Starship Gambler, sent off as the favorite, was definitely compromised when she was bumped and squeezed back at the start.
Race #9 (5F Turf) My Crazy Dayse was saving ground around the turn, was caught in traffic behind horses in the stretch, and finished willingly to just miss finishing third.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF GOOD
There was a light rain falling prior to the first race
Races were taken off the turf at 1:05 pm
Race #6 (6F Dirt) Quick Code has license to improve after a rough outing in which he broke slowly, was saving ground, made a move in the stretch, and was shut off by Conecuh, who was disqualified and placed behind Quick Code.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (6F Dirt) Sherry Angel had to steady sharply going up the backstretch causing her to lose momentum at a critical point.
Ellen G was bothered in deep stretch when the horse to her inside veered out and bothered her. Her connections claimed foul, but it was disallowed.
Race #3 (6F Dirt) Carried Interest dueled through taxing fractions of 22.45 and 44.79 before getting nipped at the wire in what was clearly a strong return from an almost 5-month layoff.
Race #6 (1M Turf) Flores Island was blocked behind a wall of horses in the stretch, and when finally free couldn’t reel in the winner.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (1 1/16 Turf) Conquesta drifted out racing into the first turn, angled back in and sprinted clear to a 3-length lead, and then just got nipped at the wire.
Race #3 (5 1/2F Dirt) Aggie H lost all chance when she stumbled badly at the start.
Race #6 (7F Dirt) In The Wild Clover broke slowly and steadied at the start, and then had to check sharply to avoid running up on a rival.
Race #12 (1M Turf) Parnelli, sent off at odds of 53-to-1, was absolutely game in defeat when he dueled from the opening bell, was challenged twice in the stretch, and finally yielded late to get beat a head and a neck.
Friday, February 22, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (6F Dirt) Silver Menace was bumped and steadied soon after the break, was steadied again when entering the turn, then angled out 4-wide to rally and get the show.
Race #3 (6 1/2F Dirt) Magical Weekend was chasing the pace along the inside, then had to steady, and check, when entering the turn.
Race #10 (1 1/16 Turf) Green Waters was interesting in defeat when he recovered from a swerving incident at the start to rally 4-wide, get the lead at the furlong pole, and hang on to finish second – as the favorite.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (7F Dirt) Integrity was hounded though swift fractions of 22.16 and 44.67 before weakening late to finish second behind closer Divine Ambition. Expect major improvement the next time he runs.
Race #9 (5F Turf) The Chill Zone chased the leaders along the inside, angled out in the stretch when trying to find racing room, and settled for third.
Sunday, February 10, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
There was a strong crosswind (East to West) throughout the day.
Race #5 (1 1/8 Turf) turf rail position was changed from 48 feet to 108 feet
Race #2 (6 1/2F Dirt) Deb’s Trip was chasing the pace along the rail when caught in tight quarters entering the turn. She swung out leaving the turn and closed to be second.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #9 (7F Dirt) (G P Sprint Championship) Swagger Jack was impressive when he stalked early and closed late to get second money by a nose.
Race #10 (1 1/8 Turf) (Suwannee River) Inglorious was impressive when he closed wide behind tepid early fractions of 25.13 and 50.21 to finish third – beaten a length.
Race #12 (1 1/16 Turf) Kid Lightning checked entering the far turn, was forced to wait behind the leaders in the stretch, and switched out at the 1/8-pole to win by a half-length.
Friday, February 08, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race 1 (1 1/16 Turf) Top Excitement broke poorly for the second consecutive race, then circled rivals 5-wide to finish second to the ‘much the best’ winner.
It started to rain prior to the sixth race, track still listed as fast and turf firm.
Race #7 (1M Turf) Supah Jalene is worth a serious look next time she runs after prompting the place and finishing second, at 41-to-1.
The main track was listed as fast/sealed prior to the eighth race.
The turf course was downgraded to good.
Race #10 (1M Turf) Majestic Man, the off-time favorite, bumped and steadied entering the first turn, and then checked in traffic on the far turn.
Thursday, February 07, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #1 (1M Turf) Grad Student was well placed while saving ground, got caught in a traffic jam throughout the stretch, and settled for a fifth place finish at 43-to-1.
Race #6 (1 1/16 Dirt) Major Score was trying to reel odds-on front running Bear’s Spirit when he had to alter course twice in the stretch.
Race #7 (1M Turf) Dangerous Lad was outrun early when he lunged at the start and was forced to check. He saved ground into the stretch, angled out, and closed to come within a nose and a neck of scoring at 16-to-1.
Wednesday, February 06, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Track was playing extremely fast with no real bias.
Race #2 (6F Dirt) Candyman E, making his first start in 367 days, was caught in tight early, and again in the stretch, when beaten a neck by classy Discreet Dancer.
Race #3 (6F Dirt) Nevada was uncharacteristically taken back to last, then swung wide for the stretch run, and rallied for the place.
Race #4 (7F Dirt) Smash and Grab stumbled and bumped rivals at the start, was rushed up to set the pace, then drifted out leaving the turn when finishing a disappointing second, as the favorite.
Race #10 (1M Turf) The Business was impressive in victory when she recovered from a poor start to win the nightcap by a neck.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #6 (1M Turf) Situational Ethics was caught down on the inside throughout and had to steady when trying to make a move. When finally free he closed to be four
Saturday, February 02, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #3 (5F Turf) Off the Jak lost all chance when he broke slowly in the 5-furlong G P Turf Sprint’
Great Attack turned for home widest of all, and wasn’t able to reel in front running Varsity.
Race #10 (7F Dirt) (Hutcheson Stakes) Forty Tales broke slowly from the rail and was unhurried early, then angled wide in the stretch and closed with a flourish, and came up a half-length short.
Undrafted definitely belongs your ‘horses to watch’ list after chasing the pace, moving to get the lead at
Friday, February 01, 2013
The main track favored horses that raced in paths away from the rail.
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #5 (1M Turf) Upgrade was bottled up between horses from almost start to finish when finishing third as the favorite.
Race #7 (6 1/2F Dirt) O T B Bob was outrun after stumbling badly at the start, then he raced 5-wide around the turn, before launching a belated rally.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
There were light showers during the early morning hours, but main track still listed as Fast
Race #3 (1M Dirt) Helluva Hunch was impressive when she slipped through a narrow opening along the rail to break her maiden.
Race #7 (1 7/16 Turf)) 3 Side Road stuck between horses in upper stretch, moved through along the inside, had to steady again, and then could never get untracked.
Race #9 (5F Turf) Starship Playgirl was stuck behind the two leaders throughout the stretch and was beaten only a half-length at odds of 24-to-1.
Race #10 (1M Turf) King Khalifa outrun after breaking slowly, advanced along the rail, then was steadied, moved to the outside and was forced to steady again.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
There was a strong headwind blowing into the stretch at the start of racing.
Race #5 (5F Turf) Silver Value broke slowly, raced greenly throughout, and still managed to run a very promising third in his career debut. He belongs on your ‘horses to watch’ list.
Race #8 (7F Dirt) Storm Da Chaser stumbled at the start, rushed up to press the pace, made the lead, and was caught late in a game performance.
Race #9 (5F Turf) Bernie the Jet was well placed behind the leaders when he had to steady entering the turn, then had to steady again midway on the turn.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
The main track favored horses that raced in the paths away from the rail.
Race #4 (1M Turf) heavy favorite Fact was surrounded by horses from the time they turned for home until the 1/8-pole. When finally free he closed to be third at 3-to-5.
Race #5 (6F Dirt) Poised to a Tee moved to the inside turning for home and got bogged down on the slow part of the racetrack and couldn’t reel in the speed.
Race #9 (7F Dirt) To the Stars closed strongly alone the dull rail to finish second in his first start since weaving his way through horses and finishing third, at 70-to-1, in his career debut at Churchill in November.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
The main track favored horses that raced in the paths away from the rail.
Race #2 (5 1/2F Dirt) Black Heir was impressive when she recovered from a major incident along the rail (steadied sharply) and still managed to break her maiden at the $25,000 level.
Race #5 (1 1/8 Dirt) Orb was forced to steady on the backstretch when put in tight quarters, raced along the dull inside paths, and still managed to win.
Race #6 (7F Dirt) Close Hatches had everyone in attendance ooohing and aaahing when she circled horses and drew off to win her career debut in impressive fashion. She’s definitely needs to be on your ‘horses to watch’ list.
Friday, January 25, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
The main track favored horses that raced in the paths away from the rail.
Race #4 (1M Dirt) Private Ensign was impressive when she shifted out 4-wide and drew off to defeat odds-on Highestmaintenance by 1 ½ widening lengths. She has the look of a future stakes winner.
Race #9 (7 1/2F Turf) Gaelico had a rough go when he was caught in tight quarters nearing the far turn, and then was forced to steady twice when turning into the stretch.
Thursday, January 24, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #4 (1 1/8 Turf) Midnight Aria was trying to lug in during the stretch run and still managed to run an otherwise positive second in a 9-furlong maiden test for 3-year-olds.
Race #5 (5 ½ Dirt) B L’s a Runner broke 2 lengths behind the field, was rushed up to stalk the pace, and finished fourth in his first race in more than 29 months, that’s right 29 months. Expect improvement next time out.
Race #7 (1 1/8 Turf) Starship Universe, sent off at 27-to-1, found trouble in the upper stretch when put in tight quarters. When finally free he closed to finish third – beaten 2 ½ lengths.
Monday, January 21, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (1 1/16 Dirt) R Paynes Prince was carried wide in the stretch, and had to settle for third money, when trying to catch the winner (Circularity), who got a great ground saving ride from jockey Joe Rocco Jr.
Race #3 (1M Dirt) Authenticity was stuck behind a pair of horses turning for home and was never able to find a spot to launch his rally.
Race #10 Benergy, sent off as the favorite, was forced to check sharply when a horse in front of him stopped.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
MAIN TRACK GOOD AND THE TURF FIRM
The main track was downgraded from Fast to Good prior to the first race.
Race 8 (1M Turf) had a lot of action going on during the stretch run when Spinning Wildcat bothered Bodacious Bob, who came out to bother Star Torina. Star Torina then ducked in bothering Queen of Mambo, who claimed foul on Star Torina. After a stewards revue Bodacious Bob was disqualified for bothering Spinning Wildcat near the wire.
Race 10 – (1 1/16 Turf) (The Kitten’s Joy) Bambazonki was game in defeat when he lugged in through the stretch run but still managed to finish second to favorite Charming Kitten. He’s sitting on a winning performance.
Race 11 (1 1/16 Turf) Foolish Tiger broke awkwardly and raced far back before unleashing a rally leaving the backstretch and closing to get beat only a length and a head.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
MAIN TRACK SLOPPY (SEALED AND TURF YIELDING
Race #3 (1 1/8 Dirt) Elmutahid acted up during the post parade, and looked like he didn’t want to play, but when the gate opened he exploded to the lead and cruised on the sealed ‘sloppy’ track to win his first-ever race on the dirt, albeit a wet track, by 4-plus lengths.
Race # 4 was taken off the turf and run the main track
Race #6 (6F Dirt) (Sunshine Millions F & M Sprint) Isn’t She Grand was stalking the pace along the inside and had to check sharply along the rail when entering the turn.
Friday, January 18, 2013
MAIN TRACK AND THE TURF GOOD
Race #3 (5F Turf) Ms Anna Destiny was game in defeat when recovering from a slow start to finish a 4-wide second to odds-on choice Hurricane Girl
Race #7 (5F Turf) It’s Saturday Nite is definitely one to watch in her future turf endeavors after drawing clear to win her first-ever start on the lawn by 4-plus lengths.
Thursday, January 17, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
A light rain started to fall before the start of the first race.
The main track was sealed prior to the third race.
The turf was downgraded to good after the third race.
Race #4 (1M Dirt) Easter Gift was shuffled back going into the first turn, dropped back, angled out, and re-rallied to finish second in what should turn out to be a useful return to action.
Race #5 (1 1/16) definitely had some pinball action going on during the stretch run when the eventual winner He’s a Cyclone came out slightly causing Turkish to move sideways, which caused 4-to-5 favorite Bernie’s Best to check sharply. A trip to the race recall machine is definitely warranted.
The main track was upgraded to fast prior to running sixth race.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #5 (1 1/16 Turf) Tricolette was tracking the action near the back of the field, made a 5-wide move at the top of the stretch, got caught behind a wall of horses and had to settle for a fourth place finish.
Race #10 (1M Turf) Carly’s Real Deal stalked the pace along the rail going up the backstretch, angled out midstretch and got caught behind a bunch of horses and had to settle for fourth at 16-to-1.
Sunday, January 06, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF GOOD
Overnight rains had the turf course listed as ‘good’ at the start of the day, but it was changed to ‘firm’ before the first grass race was run.
Race #1 (5 1/2F Dirt) I Run Fast, sent off as the odds-on choice, had to steady behind horses going up the entire backstretch, and when he switched out for the stretch drive he couldn’t catch the winner
Race #8 (1M Turf) Run Wild, far back behind a slow early pace, made a nice late charge to finish third in her career turf debut vs. ‘non-winners of 2-lifetime’ claimers.
Saturday, January 05, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #4 (7 1/2F Turf) Summon the Rain was making a move along the inside when the hole closed and she had to settle for third place money. She’s a definite bet-back vs. $35,000 maidens.
Race #6 (1M Turf) Rydillic was very impressive drawing off to win in his first start since breaking maiden on the Aqueduct turf on November 23rd. The son of Medaglia d’Oro has the look of a future stakes performer.
Race #9 (1M Dirt) Air Squadron, a half-brother to millionaire multiple stakes winner Smooth Air, had far from a smooth trip through the stretch when he was squeezed between horses as they passed the 1/16th pole.
Friday, January 04, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
The main track seemed to favor speed horses that raced along the inside paths
Race #1 (5 1/2F Dirt) It was amazing Swidgen was able to finish second after he was completely shut off when Cubahatuey made a left turn coming out of the gate.
Race #7 (1 1/16 Turf) Battingstar had a nightmare trip through the stretch with absolutely nowhere to run. The fact that she was able to finish third points her out as a major player next time out.
Thursday, January 03, 2013
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #4 (5F Turf) Fast Time got sandwiched between horses at the start, causing him to spot the field a couple of lengths. Then he was caught behind a wall of horses running up the backstretch. He’s definitely worth a look in his next turf sprint.
Race #8 (6F Dirt) Morethanahalo was off slowly at the start, raced far back, made a 5-wide sweeping move and gained ground in the stretch to get beat 7 lengths, at 35-to-1, in his career debut vs. maiden special weight competition.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
THE MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #2 (6 1/2F Dirt) Verrazano definitely needs to be on your ‘horses to watch’ list. The son of More Than Ready, trained by Todd Pletcher, dominated a good field of newly turned 3-year-olds.
Race #7 (1 1/16 Dirt) Third Choice did a “Hi-Ho Silver” move at the start when he went straight up in the air at the break and lost all chance.
Sunday, December 30, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND TURF FIRM
Race #2 (5 1/2F Dirt) Ginny’s Grey walked out of the gate, was carried wide in the stretch, finished third, and was placed second via a steward’s decision.
Race #3 (1M Turf) Duchess of Wicklow was making a move along the inside when he was squeezed out of the hole and shuffled back. The rider of Duchess of Wicklow claimed foul but it was disallowed.
Race #9 (1M Turf) Smoking the Field was bottled up in traffic as he raced up the backstretch, and stuck behind horses during the stretch run. He’s worth another look vs. conditioned claimers.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #5 (6F Dirt) (THE MR. PROSPECTOR) Bull Dozer broke a step slow, and was parked wide turning for home, then closed on the wrong lead to finish fourth. He’s a definite ‘one to watch’ at the allowance level.
Race #8 (1M Dirt) Odds-on choice Rightfully So stumbled badly at the start and never got untracked.
Friday, December 28, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #1 (1M Dirt) Silver Silence was part of the pace scenario with Windsor Garden when they turned for home, but was shuffled back when Windsor Garden ducked in and pinched him in along the rail. Windsor Garden was disqualified from second and placed fourth behind Silver Silence, who was placed third.
Race #4 (1M Dirt) Awesome Bid was tracking the pace along the inside going up the backstretch, was shut off when trying to slip through on the inside, angled to the far outside, and closed widest of all be fourth.
Race #9 (1M Turf) Rapacious made a strong move along the inside in upper stretch, got stuck behind a wall of horses, and when finally free he finished gamely between rivals and was beaten only a head.
Race #10 (1 1/16 Turf) Money’s Worth had a rough trip and had nowhere to run in upper stretch. When he finally shook free in late stretch he closed and was beaten only a length.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #2 (7F Dirt) Cover Price was forced to steady twice going up the backstretch, and shuffled back, before unleashing a late rally in traffic to finish second behind Barbaro’s Revenge.
Race #3 (5F Turf) Lisselan Diva was stalking the pace along the inside when it looked like the left reign broke and the jock just tried to keep her under control until they crossed the wire.
Race #5 (5F Turf) Kitten Goes Pro was trying to catch The Happy Fella through the stretch when Surfspun drifted out badly causing him to check sharply. I don’t know if he would have caught the winner but he surely would have finished a much closer second.
Race #6 (5 1/2F Dirt) One Proud Girl was forced to steady when La Torera ducked out sharply in the stretch. La Torera was disqualified and placed third and One Proud Girl was elevated to second.
Race #8 (1 1/16 Turf) Lexington Pearl stalked the eventual winner early, moved with her on the far turn, got caught in a jackpot on the final turn (heavy traffic), had to angle out for the stretch run, then closed to be third.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #3 (1 1/16 Turf) Winner’s Legacy was forced to alter course in the stretch when finishing second. Trainer George Weaver claimed foul on the winner (Sharapova Slams) but it was disallowed.
Race #4 (6F Dirt) Towncat definitely took the overland route when he came 6-wide out of the turn and closed widest of all to finish second behind ground-saving Move Over.
Race #8 (1m 1/16 Turf) Kimberly Jean was boxed in entering the turn, then found a seam and closed 3-wide to be second behind ‘much the best’ winner Private Ensign.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #1 (6F Dirt) Backstairs Gossip lost all chance when he was knocked sideways coming out of the gate by the horse breaking to his inside.
Race #8 (1 1/8 Turf) Silver Frame was tracking the pacesetters along the inside, and when she tried to move through a spot along the rail the hole closed and she was shuffled back. She should be on your ‘horses to watch’ list, especially in a route race on the grass.
Race #9 (1M Turf) Heavy Breathing broke poorly and closed well to finish second, and could have won it with a timely beginning.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
There was a strong wind coming out of the Northeast at the start of the day.
Race #5 (1 1/16 Turf) Imperial Strike had to maneuver between rivals in upper stretch, and again in deep stretch, when closing to finish third, from a demanding outside post (11), and beaten only 1 ½ lengths.
Race #7 (1 3/8 Turf) Gossip Column was allowed to settle in 12th and last during the early stages of this 11-furlong event, uncorked a strong late rally at the top of the stretch, and closed to finish third, at odds of 36-to-1, vs. a formidable field of allowance optional claimers.
Race #9 (1M Turf) El Prado Stakes Bad Debt got mired down on the inside when breaking from the rail, maneuvered away from the inside for the stretch run, and then could never find a clear path to unleash his closing charge.
Friday, December 21, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
There was a strong tail wind through the stretch and both the main track and turf course seemed to favor speed
Race #8 (5F Turf) Shrinking Violet encountered trouble for the second consecutive turf race. She drifted in soon after the start pinching in Le Fascinator, then continued her drop to the rail causing Believe in Charlie to check sharply. She continued to check behind horses when running up the backstretch, finished second, and was disqualified to fifth.
Race #10 (6F Dirt) Blue Business was game in defeat when he was allowed to settle early, then closed 3-wide against a speed/stalk bias to come within a head – 19-to-1 – of winning the last race on the card. He’s a definite bet-back vs. ‘two-lifetime’ claiming competition.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #5 (6F Dirt) Joyce and Me was squeezed between horses at critical point of the stretch run causing her to shuffle back and finish fourth.
Race #8 (1 1/16 Turf) Dynamic Boy was impressive in victory when he flew out of the gate, opened a 5-length lead, was challenged twice during the stretch run and still managed to win a 3-horse photo by a couple of noses.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #2 (6F Dirt) Phoebe Moon walked out of the gate and spotted the field what turned out to be an insurmountable lead before closing strongly to finish second.
Race #4 (1M Dirt) Citrus Kid beat a small, but classy field, including Grade 2 winner El Padrino, in his first race back from a 15-month layoff. He’s one to watch as the meet progresses.
Race #6 (1M Turf) Tricolette was racing between rivals midstretch, got blocked behind horses, split rivals and just missed.
Race #8 (1 1/16 Turf) No Temporary Rail
Race #10 (1 1/8 Turf) Temporary Rail Distance changed from 0 Feet to 60 Feet
Sunday, December 16th
THE MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
Race #2 (5 1/2F Dirt) With Prejudice, devoid of speed when break slowly in her Churchill finale at 6 furlongs, reversed her form and set the pace before weakening to finish third, at odds of 38-to-1, in her local debut at 5 ½ furlongs. She’s a bet-back if you can get double-digit odds next time out.
Race #8 (1M Turf) Warm Hugs took the overland route and was 7-wide turning for home and still managed to win the race.
Sure Route was game in defeat. Sent off at 8-to-1 in his second start back from a layoff and looked like he was going to have his picture taken by was caught by ‘much the best’ winner Warm Hugs.
Saturday, December 15th
THE MAIN TRACK FAST THE TURF FIRM
There was a strong crosswind at the start of racing!
Rain started to fall prior to the second race.
Race #2 (1M Dirt) There was an eventful stretch duel between Diplomatic Immunity and the favorite Sell Sell Sell when they banged into each other approaching the 1/8th pole. The connections of Sell Sell Sell claimed foul, but it was disallowed.
The main track was listed as to good after the second race.
The turf course was listed as good after third race.
Race #9 (1M Turf) The Dania Beach Stakes. Charming Kitten and eventual winner Mystic Love were on even terms turning for home when Mystic Love found a seam along the rail while Charming Kitten had to wait behind a couple of horses before making his move 4-wide. The fact that Charming Kitten was only beaten a half-length indicates he could have won with clear sailing.
Race #10 (1M Turf) Post Time favorite Backseat Memories had a strange trip. He broke last and spotted the field 15 lengths in the early going. When he made a move on the turn he drifted out badly, taking My Hot Chili with him. When he finally started running through the lane it was too late to catch the winner.
Friday, December 14th
THE MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
The main track favored speed and stalkers who raced away from the rail. There was no pronounced bias on the turf course at either 5 furlongs or longer.
Race #6 (1M Dirt) Seth’s Toy, who broke from a tough outside post (12), showed good speed throughout, and was only beaten about a length, at huge odds of 63-to-1.
Race #9 (1M Turf) The Marikutana, sent off at odds of 42-to-1, stalked the pace near the inside, was making a move midstretch but was forced to check sharply when Fog Happens drifted into her path. She was placed third when Fog Happens was disqualified.
Thursday, December 13th
THE MAIN TRACK FAST AND THE TURF FIRM
There were intermittent light showers at the start of the day.
There is a 9-race card on Thursday with 5 races on the dirt and 4 races on the turf.
Race #2 (6F Dirt) Orient Moon, a $320,000 daughter of Malibu Moon, who broke her maiden here at first asking on April 7th, returns after stumbling badly at the start, as the odds-on choice, in an entry-level allowance race at Monmouth on July 7th.
Race #4 (5F Turf). Trainer Wesley Ward has a strong uncoupled entry in the race. Great Attack is making his first start since rallying 4-wide into the stretch to get beat 3 lengths in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Gentlemans Code makes his local return after winning 5 of his last 6 races, which includes three sprint victories on the turf.
Race #5 (6F Dirt) Like a Diva was squeezed back at the start and left 3 lengths behind the field, but then closed through the stretch like she was shot out of a cannon to finish second. She definitely belongs on your ‘horses to watch’ list.
Race #8 5F Turf) Note that the temporary rail position was changed from 24 feet to 12 feet.
Wednesday, December 12th.
We are starting the week with an 8-race card that has 5 races on the dirt and three on the turf.
Race #2 (6 1/2F Dirt) Haunted was impressive when stalking early and drawing clear late to score in his first race back from an almost 10-month layoff. It gave jockey Corey Lanerie won both halves of the early Daily Double.
Race #3 (1 1/16 Dirt) turned out to be a roughly run affair with Assimilation drifting out soon after start causing Bad News Captain to clip heels and almost fall. Then during the stretch run Portman drifted in nearing the wire, which could have cost him the victory.
Race #4 (1 1/16 Turf) Onthekisser, 4 for 6 ‘in the money’ at Gulfstream, will return for trainer Michael Mareina after winning 2 of 6 races on the New York circuit. Note that the mare didn’t seem to handle the ‘good’ turf in her Belmont finale (Oct. 6).
Race #5 (1M Dirt) Sweet Birdie, while no match for the winner, ran a very solid second at odds of 30-to-1. He’s worth a flyer, especially if you get double-digit odds next time out.
Race #6 (5F Turf) Nevertouchastar, a half-sister to popular local runner Ninja Blade, is turning back to 5 furlongs after a rough 7-furlong career debut at Belmont in which she showed good early speed before encountering trouble at the ¼-pole (steadied, squeezed). Note that trainer Eddie Kenneally is 31% with maidens making their second start.
Race #7 (6F Dirt) The Fed Eased, who was a very competitive mid-level sprinter at Aqueduct and Belmont during the spring and summer, makes his first start since shipping to Venezuela and finishing a disappointing seventh in a Group 1 sprint at La Rincanada. The colt signaled he was ready for this performance with a bullet half-mile workout over the stamina-enhancing Calder main track.
Sunday, December 9
Race #1 (1M Turf) Logan Street, sent off as the favorite, stalked the pace, raced in the 3-path, the jock dropped the whip in deep stretch, and he finished a disappointing fifth.
Race #5 (5 1/2F Dirt) Wrol Up was game in defeat when he set the pace until deep stretch, at odds of 20-to-1, and was just caught at the wire by heavy favorite Apollo Sky.
Race #7 (1M Dirt) Mize the Big Cat was trying to slip thru on the inside as they reached the quarter pole when the hole closed and he had to take up sharply, costing him any chance of hitting the board.
Race #8 (7 1/2F Turf (The South Beach) Assateague was trying to slip thru on the inside but got sawed off and shuffled back losing all chance.
Saturday, December 8
*The main track seemed to favor horses that raced in the mid-path positions
Race #8 (1 1/16 Turf) Kadaya made a very impressive North American debut after a 5-race campaign in France. She was allowed to settle early, make a 6-wide move at the quarter pole, and draw clear to score.
Race #9 (G3 Sugar Swirl) (6F Dirt) Dust and Diamonds stamped herself major player in the Grade 3 Hurricane Bertie, to be run on Sunday, February 10th, when she cruised down the center of the track to win the Sugar Swirl under a steady hand ride.
Race #10 (1M Turf) Thus, who showed promise on the turf here last year, shipped in from Keeneland and with help of a fantastic ride by Joe Rocco Jr. made it from Post 12 to the rail to score in the nightcap.
Friday, December 7
Race #3 (6F Dirt) Zero Rate Policy took up sharply when clipping heels at the start of the race. Was then sent on a 4-wide sightseeing trip when finishing a distant fourth.
Race #6 (1M Turf) Tizawonderfullife saved ground throughout the early part of the race, was caught behind horses when looking for racing room, found a seam at the 1/8th-pole, and just missed catching the winner.
Race #9 (7 1/2F Turf) Holy Rainbow outran her breeding when she debuted on the turf, split rivals at the 1/8th pole, and came within two heads of springing a 63-to-1 upset.
Thursday, December 6
Race #1 (6 1/2F Dirt). The Thursday opener had a unique occurrence when both the first and second place finishers were disqualified and the third place finisher (For All Who Conga) was placed first. It was a controversial decision to say the least, and you might want to look at a race replay and draw your own conclusions.
Race #4 (1M Dirt) Graydar, who was impressive winning his career debut here on April 8, added credence to the horse-for-course theory when he returned to press the early pace and draw clear to win his local return by 4-plus lengths.
Race #8 (1 1/16 Turf) Professor Palmer was blocked during the stretch run and just needed to find some racing room to end up in the winner’s circle. Definitely put him on your ‘horses to watch’ list.
Wednesday, December 5
Race #4 (7 1/2F Turf) East of Danzig just needs a little racing luck. For the second consecutive race he spilt rivals in the stretch to come up a little short. In his 7-furlong turf race at Belmont (Oct. 24) he rallied between horses to finish third – beaten 2 lengths. In today’s race he split rivals at the 1/16-pole and came up only a neck short of winning.
Race #6 (7 1/2F Turf) Clement Rock is definitely a horse to follow after an impressive victory in which he recovered from a rocky start (took up) to close 5-wide and score by a length.
