RACE 1
5 Tricky Nick ships in off a break, but otherwise good
form for Norm Parker, who is a very good trainer. He needs to be 1st or
2nd to stamp himself a ticket in the final. I will play that he behaves
and handles this soft split.
3 Love Hunter backed away badly last
time for no reason. He seems to have some issue that causes him to do
that from time to time. Probably he ties up. He comes right back so, I
expect that issue was addressed. Otherwise, he has a big edge on these.
Parking 3 high in a 27 second first quarter didn't help either. He can
avoid that here as well. I play for the turnaround.
7 Grand Premiere
made a costly break last time, but young trotters do that. Otherwise,
he has been fairly solid and J Mac has done well with him. I rate him
3rd, but all 3 have a shot at a fair price. Its kind of wide open.
6
Demand an Answer seems very steady, and is obviously a player in here,
like many, but he is likely to take the most money, and I wouldn't play
any fave in here. He looks beatable enough to go against. Fillion likely
drives the price down even more.
8 Fleet Bumblebee draws post 8,
gets Massey, and appears to have 57 and change speed, which is about 4
or 5 lengths off the winner of this race, whoever that is. Not him.
4
Five Below was out fast last time but was behind a stopper and lost any
chance. He did come back on and that is a plus. Phil takes over as Jody
is away. That is a big negative for a horse who is tricky at the best
of times. I will pass this time.
1 Notrouble Dechafra behaved last
time and showed the type of talent he has when he does. He still got
blitzed by the winner and he is hard to play back on the shorter price
this time and short time between races. Pass.
2 Better to Be Lucky was backpeddling from the half to the wire last time, with his own back half in 1:01.3. No thanks.
RACE 2
2
In Secret has reached the pinnacle of what he showed was there from
the get go. He did it gradually and fits nicely with this bunch. Can he
double up, at the shorter price this time? Yes. I think he can. He needs
to be out a shade closer this time. Short field, that shouldn't be a
problem. Top call.
5 Fearless Man seemed to be the winner last week
when he beat off Zeus, but he had broken equipment and couldn't be
driven all out. That cost him a neck loss. He is likely right there
again.
3 Zeus Lightning took a good run at the leader last time but
couldn't get past him and another beat them both. He is sharp but he has
trouble beating most of these when they are at their best. Minor share
for him.
1 Etruscan Hanover has come on lately to show more of what we
all know is there when he is right and behaves. However, post 1 tonight
is tricky for him, and for the best of them its not easy to keep
winning week in, week out at this level. I go elsewhere. I will take my
chances that he is bad Etruscan tonight.
6 Charlie Is a Joker
doesn't do enough with these to suggest he can beat them all. I'm
looking for a price here, but he isn't it.
4 Windsun Revenge beat
these before he got sick. He used two qualifiers to get ready, but I
still think he needs one and Randy will race him accordingly.
RACE 3
4
Angels Kid was 2nd best to Hillsonator last time, but that was a nice
first effort at this track for one with a pretty decent record of late.
If they fail, he could be there to move forward. Top call at a big
price.
5 Muscles All Over was 2nd to Hillsonator 2 back and took a
run at the lead last time but flattened out. He shows flashes. Another
option if the two faves battle and run each other down. He needs to be
saved to be better.
6 All B Over was 2nd to Musical Rhythm last time at
boxcar odds. He seems very steady and shows flashes of speed if the trip
works out. Another option to use if you think the top 2 kill each other
off. Which I do.
7 Hillsonator can blast out of there like few young
trotters can and I expect no different here. That means he has to fend
off Musical Rhythm when he comes at him down the backside. The jury is
out as to how he responds to that.
3 Musical Rhythm will likely meet
the acid test tonight in that he wont get that soft 2nd quarter he has
been receiving lately. I think long term he is going to be a very nice
horse, but until he disposes of a legit challenger and then fends off
the rest, I will take my chances against him. When he comes to
Hillsonator, he will meet resistance. Something else will be on his back
and something will be in the pocket. That could be the longshot winner.
2
Amityville Lindy comes off two breaks and even when he doesn't, he is choppy the whole way. That isn't the type of form that beats legit nice
trotters like he faces here.
1 Country Prophet is ditched by another
driver, and that speaks volumes to his chances at this level. No thanks.
He should be in a cheap claimer.
RACE 4
4
Woggy Rocks was taken back by Isaac, who moves him up. I cant see any
reason he doesn't handle these as he currently is. He gets better every
week and reminds me of Vegas Rocks when he started to improve. Best bet
of the night. I want 5-2 for that statement to be accurate.
5 Twin B
Wrangler closed up nicely for 2nd last time, but has been more on the
fringes with these. I think he has a shot at 2nd or 3rd here if he
deploys the same type of trip strategy.
6 Crafty Master always looks
like he has pace until he hits that last turn and has to be steadied.
Then paces well again in the lane. He is possible on the chance that
doesn't hurt him enough this time.
9 Uf Bettors Hanover takes the
high tag and gets the 8 hole for his trouble. If they battle, he will be
coming. I'm not sure he gets all the way there around a lot of traffic.
7
Topcornerterror lucked out last time and found the seam he likes to
score the bomb upset. He isn't always so lucky and when that is the
case, he is a non trying bit player.
8 Idole Duharas is likely to be
sent right out of there this time and have to deal with One Warrawee
and others. That hurts his chances to last past the tote board. He will
be a short price as his form is good in this class. I went elsewhere on
the likely tough trip scenario.
1 Rockabella moves up with the sharp
one who beat him last time. He looks more like one of those than one of
these. Sharp but he doesn't look like a winner in this bunch.
3 One Warrawee can leave like a bat out of hell, but he is bat
shit crazy in the 2 hole and wont sit in, or do it willingly. Zeron is
the type that wont like a hard puller like this on a cold night. He is
likely to just send him, and if that was a good strategy, Jody would
have tried it already. If Fuller puts him back in for 15 and Galucci
takes him, I will think about playing him then.
RACE 5
3
Jac Spade could benefit here if the contenders go after each other and
battle hard, but he needs to find cover. First up likely gets him
picked up at the tote board. CC knows all that. Shot at a price.
5
Intended Style was claimed last time at Flamboro, where he received the
typical bad steer by Billy D and was parked the mile, giving it up late.
Johnson doesn't do that great with first off the claim, as Olivias Way
and others have shown. Short price, I will call him 2nd. If he wants
the front, he has a lot of company here.
4
Broadies Song was in the flow last time, but got wiped out and had no
chance. He is another who can pick up the pieces if they battle and he
is in the right spot. Shot if he trips out.
8 Just
Henry backed up last time and was taken by Puddy, his 3rd new boss in a
row. He isn't the grittiest type, and the 7 hole plus being above an 8
makes me take a pass on him.
7 Chicago Hanover drops down below the
claim level he was taken off pretty decent form. Red flag? I think so.
He was a 5 just a couple of months ago. Class goes up, class goes down.
1 First Impression would be a lukewarm play at best in a straight 8 with few contenders. No thanks.
2
Loves a Challenge made a break last time on the class rise and meets
many of those again. He has always been a very low percentage type at
this track. He needs to drop back down.
9 Credit Refusal has one
lifetime win, hasn't won in the last two years, draws bad and can't
leave to save his life. I will stop there.
10 Mach of Ballykeel was
classy at one time, but has fallen off the cliff since Moreau ditched
him. I see nothing to suggest he is nabbing a cheque here.
RACE 6
1
Jayport on Th Edge backed out of the pocket last time and was passed by
the 2 horse. He has had a lot of chances but I will give him a pass on
that latest race as he was coming off a layoff and Kopas and Kerwood
are old school types who build towards form. No excuses if he backs up
again, which he could easily do.
2 Trumpets raced well in her 3yo
debut off a layoff. She beat all but the going away winner, and that
probably makes her the favorite here. She has a shot, but I wouldn't go
near anything approaching 2-1 or less.
6 J N Ryder finds a field
where he could be by himself near the front with his one steady quick
move while many are galloping or being held together trying not to. He
has to learn to rate to maximize his limited overall talent. If that
could happen, he could luck out here.
9 Windsong Magic was tried
early at 2, didn't make it and was shut down after one try. She has come
back ready to race, but her two Flamboro wins are slow and her back
halfs are poor. Sure, she won both easily, but many of those fields are
littered with older maidens who can barely break 2:06 and keep trotting.
I am not sold she is ready to tackle the A track ones, even some of
these who aren't much either.
7 Brookie Baby was well off the field the entire way for the 2nd time. I see nothing to recommend this one at this point.
10
Rusty Hefner is here to get around and possibly show he is worth
bringing back when hopefully a better post appears and he is one race
sharper and more experienced.
3 Murphy Paree will have to be seen, as she has x's all over the page and one qualifier does not a viable trotter make.
4
Stonebridge Peace was tried early at 2, but in 3 attempts, she was
distanced every time and moved out of the barn. Maybe she gets it
together this time around, but she needs more speed. Watching this time.
5
Leroys Dream yet another with x's all over the page. He was put right
back on the gate after the latest one, yet lay parked the mile. No
thanks.
8 Une Duharas got around clean last time, but still did next to nothing. Pass for me.
RACE 7
6
Shock N Rock draws better this time and I expect him to be sent to the
top, and possibly retake if he has to let one go. Tonights the night to
make the bid. I will go to him for the win.
3 Thepaninsulahotel finds
a spot that is to his liking here. He was a solid 2nd to a long gone
sharp winner last time. He can leave a ton when asked, and I would
expect that to be the case here. When saved off that, he has a decent
2nd move for these types. I'd hope, expect and demand 6-1 minimum to
consider him, and 8-1 is more in line. Reasonable shot for a price.
5
Prince Sharka was put on the front last time, but got stuck behind a
stopper and had to come on again late to get 4th. He is in the mix, but
still has to show he can fend off some who are tougher than he had to
face in Charlottetown.
7 Sir Machalot has shown gate speed before at
the B's, but seems to be short of that at this track if he is to have
the required 2nd move, so Lyle takes him back and searches for a trip
and cover. Sometimes that works. It did in December when he split horses
late. Last time it got him jammed up in the pack. I can't play him
until the price inflates because of that. Saftic subs for Lyle. No difference in my opinion.
2 The Optimist ships in
from Hawthorne and has been horrid the last couple of years. He has
recurring gait and soundness issues that usually show up around the last
turn. When he isn't bothered by those, he can compete with these. Shot
if that is the case tonight.
8 Forever Just is highly overrated by
most handicappers, and that has included me. I have had enough of his
hanging ways and excuse filled trips. Others look a lot better in this
spot. His time will come.
4 Hit and Giggle A drops and needs to. He
totally spit the bit last time and with Massey this time, I will pass
and wait for some sign he hasn't become the type that needs to go to
Northfield or Northville when they open up.
1 Live and Learn was terrible last time and digs himself a deep hole every time, no matter the post. Pass.
9 Zingers Laugh is really up against it to get a cheque with these from the 9 hole.
10
Regal Babe sports two 8ths as he drops to the bottom here and draws the
10 hole. He was big odds the last two and this will be that again. I will wait to see if he shows a bit better form and draws the
middle of the car.
RACE 8
3
Windsong Leopold is a long time maiden, but the two that beat him last
time are both decent colts or even much better. That bodes well this
time as he avoids them. He is hard to like for the top spot, but more
likeable than most of these. Attrition top call. Have to see at least
4-1 to put him in play for actual money wagering.
4 Rose Run Ranger
ships in from London off a solid maiden score and note who beat him the
time before that. He could be the sleeper in this bunch. Others are hard
enough to like that I would take a shot with him.
8 Mohegan Blue
Chip draws poorly this time, which hurts one who doesn't seem to have
much grit. He will likely improve as Des tinkers with the once blue chip
prospect. I'm not ready to call him a maiden no more in this spot.
6
Xpert Bayama is probably the post time fave. He has had 5 qualifiers
over a lot of months, and appears to be sorted out. However, he is
still a first time starter and he didn't take his overall time down or
show any high speed in that last one. I will call him to come up short
first out. I wouldn't take short priced win action on him without seeing
him try and beat racehorses for purse money.
2 Shadowfall bombed out
last time in his return race, and he did about the same when he was
sent off as a short priced favorite back in December. I don't like the
way he finishes and I will pass on him. Vanderkamp can beat me and prove
me wrong in this spot.
1 Classic News ships in from London with so
so form, one win and a decent, yet uninspiring 4th against winner types.
He can hit the bottom of the super if he stays in and enough of these
bomb out, which is not only likely, but probable.
5 Tall Shadow is
still a maiden after multiple tries at the B's and his last quarters
are awful. He is a longshot even with these poor prospects.
7 Double
Decker is at least a 30 time maiden who can leave and effect the
outcome. I will wait until KD opens to see if he is a play or play
against there. No doubt what he is at this track.
RACE 9
6
Mach Power was basically going a training mile last time to teach him to follow cover and simply was unleashed when the time was right to
draw off under no urging whatsoever. Unless he makes a miscue, he is
tons the best. He could be the Gold winner come the fall. Most probable
winner on the card. You are likely getting 1-9.
2 Trisun raced great
last time and gave it his best shot, but the winner was way too much
for him and he moves up with him again. Looks 2nd best here unless that
one bombs or makes a mistake.
7 Wichita Lineman was full value for
the maiden score last time in very good time, but beating up on Mohegan
Blue Chip, who doesn't look like much stock to me, doesn't inspire me to
rate him higher than the top 2 ahead of him. He will likely need to
adapt to the winners.
8 Leo was a bit player last time with some of
the same maidens he moves up with. That was a good first effort at this
track. He can nab the bottom of the super if he can shave another
second off that effort.
4 Giovanni is a one time winner from many
tries and his form is poor. He shows flashes of talent, but also issues
which include hanging and soreness causing breaks or near breaks. Pass.
5
Lissilas is bred to be a top one, but in 3 tries on the page with
these he has not kept up, and last time was no different. I cant use him
off that form and overall talent showing.
3 Goodmorningmister took
his time down last time in his first effort with the real racehorses,
but he has a long way to go to take on some of the better ones in here. I
will watch to see how he handles them.
1 Think Again moves up with
the favorite and others and other than beating some very suspect
maidens, he has never shown he is is even in the ballpark with most of
these.
RACE 10
9 Grana
Padanno is sharp right now and has a big shot. Post 9 both inflates the
price and makes the task tough. I will take a shot at the likely price I
can get here. Looking for 5-1 or higher.
1 Wild and Crazy Guy sat in
last time, split horses and flew up to pick off the leader who looked
gone until late. The class rise is no issue here. He has recently
competed and at times beaten as good or better than all of these.
Reasonable shot if the trip works out.
5 Hldontghttoyurdrms draws the
5 hole with Fillion, and those are two pluses. He just doesn't go all
the way much anymore. I will tab him for 3rd. He is hard to rate higher with
his inconsistent form.
4 Burnin Money is not one I generally like to
play, but Carmen has turned into the master form reversal type trainer
and the price is almost always there. I list him 4th, but you could
probably throw a blanket over my top 4 picks and make a case either way
for or against.
2 Kinetic King is usually first up or coming late for
a piece, and wins when he is low enough on the class scale to make the
most of that. This is a deeper bunch.
7 Lindys Tru Grit looked great
pre-race last time, but in the race, he didn't travel well and was
gapping long before he ran. I expect some investigation and/or work has
been done on this big ticket investment and he is raced to improve this
time, which means sit in the pack, tip wide on the turn and finish well
for whatever he gets. I'm watching.
6 Domedomedome beat up on her own
kind and has generally improved over the last few months, but now is up
in territory she is unfamiliar with. Older colts and classy, speedy,
tough, proven winners. Not yet for me.
8 Ramas Last Son has very good
gate speed but post 8 is likely to get him hung if he tries to deploy
that here against a tougher bunch than he can normally take down anyway.
Can't see him on the ticket.
3 J Cs Jake moves up with the one who
beat him soundly and goes for Joe C off the claim. He has had him
before. He appears to be a bit player with these.
10 Nowucit Nowudont
was extra choppy gaited last time, but handled well by Phil and sped up when he
could. Speed has never been his issue. Post 10 and the rise are enough
for me alone to discard him this time.
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