Mohawk Thoughts and Selections, March 24, 2022

1 -- TROT, NW 1 RACE

2 CACIO E PEPE yet another returning after the winter off, he made 5 starts last year, starting off in a maiden, finishing 2nd, then thrown right into the Golds, where he was overmatched, and finishing up with a Grassroots at Grand River where he ran at the start. He has new owners now, as he didnt measure up to the high hopes of a stakes performer. He could be more viable back in maidens, even at first asking.

3 JAGUARA returns to the races as a filly racing the boys. She started 5 times at 2, chasing Pure Ivory types and then closing out her season with a 2nd place in a maiden as the favorite, where she raced well enough. She qualified ok enough, finishing strongly and gets that same driver back here, the first time he will drive her in a race.

5 TYMAL TIGGS tends to be bumpy gaited so he is handled very carefully leaving, as he has blown up several times getting to the races. Nevertheless, he has some closing ability and has progressed overall now that he can stay flat. Because of that, he is vulnerable to the pace as he was last time, when he came flying late but had too far to come and they were going faster off a pedestrian half. I would think the ultimate goal is the Grassroots program and making money or selling him later for an aged horse. He is possible here, but as he just missed last time, you would have to take a short price. He is viable, but so are others.

6 STREET GLIDER was parked the mile last time and paid for it late. She was 3 wide on the turn the start before that and held 3rd money. She needs more overall speed as the better prospects come out now. She gets a better post and a new driver. I could see her if a lot of the younger ones blow up. Otherwise, she has to do more.

8 GIVE ME KARETS K has made 3 starts this year, all 2nds by a small margin. He is a slow starter anyway, so the outside post only makes it tougher to get around them all late. If he is the favorite, he is a bad favorite. I will wait on him to hopefully catch a bearcat in the next month and pop that night at a price.

4 KEVIN ANTHONY is a 4yo with 4 life starts and not much to show for it. He raced at 2 and then missed all of last year. He qualified ok, twice and now begins this season. He will have to start better and show more overall speed to compete for the win at this track. Lets see what he can do. I like others better in this spot.

1 GUINNESS made 6 starts at two, and picked up a couple of 3rds, mostly chasing Grassroots types. He comes back here at 3 and draws the rail. He appeared the type at 2 that could mature into a decent 3yo. He starts out with the trainer here, so I will watch him. He could be a price play down the line. He had a bit of trouble bearing into the turns in his only Mohawk start last year, but no inside headpole. Lets see if they made a change with that or if he is just more mature now.

10 ALL IN RESOLVE tried the golds 3 times last year and was a big longshot who raced like it. In his one try against maidens, he only managed 5th money. He starts this season from post 10 off a so so qualifier. I would think the plan is to race him into shape and then try him in the Grassroots, and if he cant do there, sell him off. Lets see what he can do late in this mile.

9 COME HOME FOR LIFE raced twice at 2, breaking in the first start, finishing 2nd in the 2nd start and trotting about the same as he just did for his qualifier to prep for the return. Post 9 and Boughton, I will watch and see what he brings for any future plays.

7 SAYONARA ANGEL has made 11 starts life, with not much to show for it. However, she did trot a back half in 57.2 last time. If she can start a bit better and do that again, she is a prospect going forward. This time, I cant see her based on all the variables.

2 -- PACE, FILLIES & MARES, CLAIMING HANDICAP $8,000 TO $10,000.

5 BEACH JOURNEY is 8 for 39 the last two years, and comes off a solid front end win at Flamboro. That was her first start in Ontario after spending most of last year at Northfield, where they go crazy fractions. She actually won the FM Open at Pompano last winter and that is no small feat as you can meet a lot tougher than you would in this spot. She is a contender if she can take her half mile track speed and do it at the big track. She picks up McNair here and he is very capable of gunning one out.

3 E R RHONDA wins every now and then, but mostly at the B tracks. She has made 313k life and comes off a 4th in this class last time, and a win the time before that at Flamboro. Fillion seems pretty good at winning with this kind in the winter and early spring. She has a decent shot if the trip works out, something you could say about many in here. She has won 62 times in her life. That counts for something. Being off a month coming into this counts against her, but its not a toss type of factor with the claimers. Im sure she has been trained back sharp to be fit enough to go with these.

7 CRANBERRY BRIE was claimed 2 back, raced bad the next time, but was okay last time in this class. She takes the higher tag, so she gets the outside, but post 7 in a small field is not a big deal if you can blast, which she can. J Mac sticks for the 3rd time and she is possible, but as the likely fave Id prefer others, although I would use her in the multi race wagers as protection.

2 DIXIE STAR N raced terrible on December 9th, and had been declining in form for a while. She now returns after 3 months off, with a new trainer. Like many in here, she is hard to like on paper, but viable on her best day.

1 CHASING SHADOWS missed more than a month shipping from Alberta to Ontario, and raced at London, leaving from the rail, and racing even the entire way. She gets back to the big track and in for a similar price. She has not won this year but is generally close.

4 MOSTLY DALI grinds out a living for the Cullens, and she managed to blow up the tote board on January 7th, but generally she is a bottom of the ticket type. She went to Flamboro last time on the class drop looking for the easy score but the 5 horse in this race wired her.

6 MY DAY was racing 5 claimers in Alberta and not fairing well at all. That was 6 weeks ago, and she has now qualified well in the prep for this. As we saw Monday, those Alberta shippers have a tendency to bomb out here unless they are high class stock. I would have to see something from her, but this time, I will pass.

3 -- TROT, FILLIES AND MARES, 4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER NW 3

3 SAMOSA showed flashes of real talent at 2, made 61k and beat some nice horses, then made the final of the Peaceful Way, but she was no match for any of them in the final. She qualified sharp, going away, and she is the one to beat in this spot if she is as advertised. Id want to see her parade, but if she passes that test, she should handle this mediocre bunch. Fillion did well with her last year and he is back in the drivers seat again.

1 GOODGOLLYMISSMOLLY wired a medicre bunch last time in 55 flat, but she has also been inconsistent, breaking the start before that and has had breaking problems along the way. I prefer Samosa over her, but she can get 2nd money if she keeps at it and shows up.

6 BETTINA HANOVER has missed two months after not doing enough or breaking early in a straight maiden after winning a maiden race with a weak bunch before that. She has potential, but she appears to be over her head tonight. I will watch her for when she dives back to nw2 with more experience and conditioning.

2 DRAVEN HANOVER has 2 lifetime wins, both in maidens, the last one in December, beating Kryptonite and Bettina Hanover. She hasnt done much since, and her speed just doesnt stack up with the best in here. She is a good leaver, and that can get her cheques in races like this, but last time she was up close and wiped out by others. She can take 4th or 5th if she sits and saves ground.

5 YASMENE SEELSTER has shown little to this point in 2 life starts, yet she lands in nw3 against some others who have winning form. Cant see her at all with these, but she must be watched if she starts to show life coming from way out of it on the drop back into maidens later.

7 MAISYS MUSCLES has always looked lame parading and spotty at best in races, but she goes and she got the win eventually racing the weak fields you find in that class in the winter. Now she comes off a vet scratch lame and will have to be seen. I wont touch her unless she looks a whole lot better.

4 YANKEE ROMANCE shows a break in her last 5 charted lines, including one at this track last week. Cant play her until she shows something other than that.

4 -- PACE, FILLIES & MARES, 4 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 1 RACE

6 INFINITY SEELSTER seems to be improving, and her last mile, overall, and the last quarter would trounce many of these. McNair clearly has been under orders to race her off the pace, as she is aggresive and would likely turn into a runaway if you let her, like some Big Jims are. If she maintains what she did last time, or even improves, she is the one to beat

4 SEXY PLAYMATE didnt start at 2, but has started five times now this winter, with the first being a 2nd at London. She has gradually improved her times each race, with her last certainly good enough to go with the best of these. For a price, she is worth using in the multi race wagers. She does have early speed, which can be valuable in a race like this from the 4 hole.

2 LYONS PRINCESS didnt do enough to make the ticket in 3 starts, but did come a fast back half in the last of those. She was shipped over to Flamboro, where the fractions and overall mile are a lot slower, and she jogged there. She still fits the maiden here, but she will have to start better to make her somewhat good late kick useful. She was slightly bothered in the stretch in her last race here, then kept coming late. She is possible if she can start better with more experience now.

1 UNIQUE ERA is a fts who qualified well with the trainer, and now picks up Scott Young. I suppose she has a shot if she looks the part. The rail for a fts under the lights can be tricky. Im inclined to wait a start on her.

5 ARKELL was a big ticket yearling, and now, after 3 qualifiers makes her lifetime debut. McNair had the choice of the two his dad starts here, and he took the 6 horse, who has race experience and has shown a fast competitive mile. She is not impossible to go much faster than she has shown, but she will have to and that is hard to rely on. Her slow starts generally dont play with green maidens against viable others like this race has.

9 WINDSUN MOJITO showed decent speed at 2 in a couple of starts, but got sick mid summer and was shut down. She comes back now with the 9 hole, so likely back of the bus, sit, and brush late, and possibly get her time down. Lets see if she shows something for next time, a common theme with many of these likely prepping for the Grassroots in a couple of months.

7 WINDY REPORT is a good leaver but in 7 starts she has not been able to finish the job, even though she has been a short price in almost all of them. She will pop off one of these days, as this kind always does, for a price. As the weather warms and the better horses come out now, she will have to produce a lot more speed. So far, she has not shown she has that.

3 GRITTY GRACIE raced twice last year to no avail at KD, as she clearly wasnt ready to go much. She was shut down early, and appears to need at least a couple this year to get up to the speed of some of these. Watch and evaluate what I see tonight for a later play.

8 VINTAGE DELIGHT raced twice last year in the Grassroots but was a big longshot and not competitive. She comes back here in the spring, starting out in a maiden. She is a half sister to Ellis Park, and others who got a lot better with age. Bettors Delights can also be like that, and I will watch for signs she is putting it together. Tonight, from post 8, against others already fit and going fast, pass.

5 -- PACE, NW 1 RACE

6 CATANZARO has raced once, got on the list as he was already distanced at the half. He qualified right back, showing decent overall speed and a good last quarter. If something in here is going to score at a price, its this guy. He could just back up again, but he has a license to go forward where others just dont look like they have enough on their best day.

4 ODS AMORES raced well last time, and has obvious ability, but like others in here, he will have to back that up with a 2nd effort against a couple who have already shown fast miles or high potential. Id want to see him parade to see how he is holding up, but he is usable in the mre.

1 CODYS KNAPSACK is a slow starter who attempts to make a big 3rd quarter move. Sometimes that works, other times he blows up or stalls. Last time he was good, the time before he blew up on the turn. As a likely short price, Id use him but he is one of many because of his inconsistency.

9 SERIOUS MOJO is a fts with decent breeding and some potential. But with the 9 hole and J Mac aboard likely bringing a short price, I can see him getting beat by something that out trips him here. Play against.

5 LE GEANT has raced 5 times this winter and has gradually become competitive. But, he didnt get it done,and last time he caught a horrid, small field of no good ones, and was no match for the winner who was rough gaited but still sailed by them all under no urging, then was no good Monday night. The 3rd place finisher in that race is a professional maiden. He would have to show a lot more to think he could beat the better ones in here.

3 NIGHT SHADOW is a fts who didnt show much at all in his prep for this. He will probably need to go in 55 to win this, and that would mean dropping 5 seconds. Lets see what he has. Not tonight in my opinion.

2 HP LIS SHADOW started out okay, but like many maidens he didnt back that up in start 2 and was just as bad last time. Im sure he will find his way back, but I cant play him after how bad he was last time. He will have to show me a sign.

8 HIGHLAND SUNSEEKER is grossly overmatched with this group and from the 8 hole I suspect he is looking for a soft inside trip and hunting for 4th or 5th money.

10 AVID is yet another one of Toscanis failures that has been farmed out and makes his debut from the 10 hole as a 4yo where he appears fast, but was 20 lengths back in his qualifier so that is deceptive. Lets see what he can do here and if there is some hope he can be a decent WEG racehorse.

7 PHILTHEBANK is 0 for 13 and shows nothing to suggest he can win at this track, or at the B tracks for that matter at this stage. Pass.

6 -- TROT, 5 YEAR OLDS & YOUNGER, NW 2 (FM 3) RACES

6 MASSIVE PROFIT raced a sharp mile in his first start for The Stable on this circuit, nabbing 3rd and trotting a fast mile. He also looked good parading and is the likely winner here, and he could bring 3-1 to 7-2, which would be good value. He is my top choice and J Mac is the top dog right now, so that is also good as he goes from the highest percentage post at this track.

7 MAHONE SEELSTER made 3 starts late in his 2yo season, hit the board in all of them and won the last one. He missed his entire 3yo season, so obviously some kind of injury occured. He shows up now as a 4yo off two winning qualifiers, and showed speed and promise at 2. He is a viable longshot who can take them all down if he is healed and ready to roll.

3 MAPLE LEAF BOUND scored at first asking from the 9 hole and looked like a prospect, but he also saved a ton of ground and came up the rail as the rest were giving it up. Against winners, he has come back down to earth, as many do, including the ones inside him here. He was flat 2 back when he had to rough it on the outside, and blew up well before the start last time and just went around. He has the potential to turn it around at some point, maybe even tonight against this bunch, so I will keep my eye on him. He could be a price play in here now that many have soured on his flash and crash status.

8 MYCROWNMYKINGDOM is a 4yo gelding, half brother to Bee A Magician, who cost 450k as a yearling, but what is money to a billionaire like Godin. Anyway, he is a bust at this stage, as he has 1 win and 8k made, got beat in a maiden at this track last year by Vali Hanover, and then blew up his next start and went on the shelf. His qualifier was okay, but nothing special. I would think he is on a very short leash and if he doesnt perform in his first couple of races, he will be sold off to the project guys who will tinker with him. I expect him to blast and send, and he will have to live up to that stern test.

5 VALI HANOVER is 1 for 18 the last 2 years, but has nabbed 2nd in his last 2. He isnt meeting bearcats here, so he has a shot. As the likely fave, his price will be hard to take. Id say in the 7-5 range.

2 GQ MAGIC is similar to the one above. He has one life win, last year at 3, is a very low percentage type, but he shows flashes that indicate he can do enough to make the bottom of the ticket on his best day when others fail. He blew up himself last time. I like others a bit better but he would be no shock as this is a weak group.

4 BIG MILES started well last time, then sat and came up the rail as the rest gave it up and the two legit contenders were late closers who didnt get there. Now he meets winners, some with more experience and speed than him. On the same night, the 5 horse in this race went almost 4 seconds faster. I dont see him popping up in his first try with these. Pass.

1 DEWY DEO had one win at 3, but otherwise has done nothing to show he will be any kind of dangerous with these or even weaker. He is hard to like.

7 -- PACE, CLAIMING $17,500 FOR NW $42,500 LIFETIME.

3 JUST PLAIN NEEDY drew the rail last time, and didnt get his favored trip. He did go a good mile though, and since joining Carms outfit has been gradually getting consistent and sharp. He likes the front and is likely to be put there tonight. He almost wired them from the 10 hole two back, and sat a pocket the time before that and was a decent 2nd to a bomb that came by them all late. He is one of many, but a contender on paper for sure.

5 RICOTTABKIDDINME woke up a shade last time for Montini. He was put on lasix 3 back, but had broken equipment that night. He drew outside the next race, and went okay but even. Last time, he came late and picked up 3rd money. He draws well here and has a shot for a price. He has scored at big odds a few times this winter already.

6 J J PATRICK switches to Moreau for his 2nd start at this track. He is a bit of a trip dependent hanger, but possibly Moreau can do something about that. If he is good for 2 seconds improvement, he is in the mix with these. Some look better currently, but every week is a new story with this type of class.

7 PRIMETIME SEELSTER was good at London, but since moving to WEG, and adapting to the overall much faster miles, he has become an also ran, who makes a sharp move on the turn then gets outpaced late, which he has 3 times in a row now. I like others, but one night he will stay on the rail, come up the inside and outgut them near the line. Maybe tonight, but its hard to rely on that kind of trip coming.

4 SLICK N SPORTY was a big ticket yearling who didnt race much until 5, won 3 at 6, and then was claimed from London by a chemical trainer and rAn off 3 straight. He changed hands 2 more times and now has raced poorly 3 times in a row, twice for Moreau. He did have two poor posts in the his last two at this track, and tried better at Flamboro, starting slow, going wide on the last turn and coming late, finishing going forward with the pack. He can step up, but he shows signs of tailing off since the bump back in February. It seems going faster, which you have to do at this track eventually, took the starch out of him, like it does many. He did it once, but has gone backwards since.

2 TWAIN SEELSTER is a fast leaver who likes the front, but has trouble finishing it off. He added lasix for his two starts in the West barn, but it hasnt helped enough. West has been known to bring in some big longshots, and mostly clsimers like this, but this one is hard to take based on his racelines.

1 PERPETUAL ROCK scored at bombs away odds earlier in the winter, but hasnt been able to put that kind of finish up again. He is a slow starter and tends to hang a bit on the turn and deep in the stretch. Others look better.

8 -- PACE FILLIES & MARES, CLAIMING HANDICAP $12,000 TO $15,000.

3 ANCHOR SO REEL was a very high percentage winner last year and earlier this year at a variety of B tracks, and was 1st and 2nd with J Mac driving lower down on the page. He returns here, but her form has tailed off. Like many of these, form tails off, form pops up again. J Mac is good finding the right kind of soft trip with this kind. She has a shot based on all of that.

7 SOMETHING ROYAL has been solid in this class but not good enough to win, as was the case last time as she was nosed out on the line. She was a win machine last year but has been 8 of 11 on the ticket and yet winless so far this year. One of many with a decent shot.

2 YNOTHOS was a 16 for 29 win machine last year at the B tracks but wasnt as successull in her first try with these. She had broken equipment last time at Flamboro, and now comes back to try this class again. She is one of many in here with a legit shot off the right trip.

1 BLINK AND GONE goes off the claim for Fellows, and she is the consistent, hard knocking claiming type that guys like Fellows like and do well with. She is one of many, but she doesnt win as much as she is 2nd and 3rd, so there is also that.

4 COCO BEACH DE VIE brushed to the top and wired them from there last time, a group including and similar to many of these. She should blast off here and try to take them all the way. That is possible, but like many in here, she isnt always as good this week as she was last week.

6 YUMMY CANDY ships in from Saratoga, where she was mediocre at best, and will face tougher here. She does have a fast mark at Dover last year, but that is a highway anyway. She won the odd one last year and can pick up a slice if she adapts. The jury is out if she is good enough.

8 SANTACRUZ SEELSTER seemed to have an issue in February which caused her to break many races in a row. She has straightened that out now and has gone a bit faster each time. Now she has to step up, and from the 8 hole, to be a winner again. She has one life win in 25 starts and has only managed 4th in her last two races, both with very short fields. Im not ready to use her yet, but Demers seems to get this kind going eventually, so I am keeping my eye on her.

5 RUNAWAY HEIRESS ships in from London, where she has been a decent B track horse for a year or two. She is 3rd off the claim and tries the big girls tonight. She has also almost missed a month,and is a 15.1 longshot on the program. She will have to go much faster with these. I will watch once.

9 PERFECT BELLA ships in from Northfield, where she has been nfg, and drops into the Fellows barn. She qualified ok enough and will start her local journey from the 9 hole. Pass until I see her perform in a real race and possibly with a post that can make her viable.

9 -- TROT, NW $39,000 IN 2021/22 (MIN 15 STARTS)

2 TEXACO MAN has solid form and speed, and should handle this bunch without any trouble. Should. He was winless in just 6 starts last year and eventually whatever caused that is going to reach back out and bite him. This is the type of race where its hard to go against him, but you cringe taking 3-5 or else on a horse like this. Reluctant top call but I would never single a horse like this.

7 TUCKERS OUT was put on lasix last time, taken to the back and raced ok to go a back half in 56.3. He has enough ability to be the one to win it if the 2 blows up. Must use on the multi race wagers.

6 ARCHIES STAR is the logical one to go to if you are looking to beat Texaco Man. I guess that makes sense, but he has his issues as well. He is a mediocre starter and doesnt do enough in the lane. He needs a lot to go his way trip wise to win the entire shabang. Which he can, if the 2 bombs out and the rest dont step up. The odds are against all of that happening, but I will still use him on the multi race tickets as stranger things have happened in racing before.

1 HORSE TRADER was racing good in January, with 3 2nd place finishes, then came up sick. He qualified and then raced well to be 2nd in a similar class to this one, then bombed out again his last 2. He is the type, in this type of class, that is not impossible to step back up with no warning and turn the car right around on a dime. For a big price, Id use him in the multi race wagers on the chance the 2 doesnt show up and the other contenders are flat or no good.

3 SWANS HONEY drew the 10 hole, went right to back, and had no shot last time. Her previous effort, 32-1 from the rail where she nabbed 2nd, was obviously much better and the winner of that race came back 4 days later and doubled up. She is possible if the 2 blows up, which is the key variable of the race either way.

5 VICTOR INVICTUS is 2 for his last 34, and doesnt even do enough off soft trips to make the ticket, let alone win. He is hard to like with his racing style and lack of winning ability.

4 CARMENS FLUKE has been off since November, when he wasnt doing much relative to what he meets here, and only won 1 in 24 at the B tracks. His so so at best qualifier suggests he has no shot whatsoever. He needs to drop money fast to get back in the nw classes at the bottom at places like London and Grand River, so I expect him to be jammed the next couple of weeks to achieve that goal.

10 -- PACE, POP-UP EVENT FINAL- CLAIMING $9500

5 KINGOFBROKENHEARTS was claimed by the trainer/owner on March 10th, winning fairly easy, so he was in the final and skipped racing altogether last week. Now, McClure chooses him over the rail horse, although he has not been driving him all along. That means something to me. He is another that is likely blasting. Someone is getting hung or shuffled badly in this race. It could be him if the 4 horse beats him out and the rail horse insists on leading. If he can beat one of those two out, he has a decent shot at a 2nd move to win it all. If he can do all that.

4 SPORTS JACKET was claimed last time, as he slashed his tag with his one shot to make this final, which he did by winning. He has decent early speed and he will need to use it to get in behind Choreographer and hope that one does the work and sets up a chance to get out in time and pace away. Its possible, but who knows when you sit behind a speedball who can just spit the bit in front of you, if they run him, which happened last time.

3 HELLO ROCKY is another among most who was claimed out of the first leg, got 2nd, and then was put in for the protection tag to make sure they kept him for the 25k final here. He won that next start, so they are 6k ahead now, assuming he gets claimed here, another likely scenario. He wasnt as lucky or good last time, but one could argue the main goal was to have him jacked up for this final, the big money for these types. He is 2 for 35 with that win 3 back in the last 15 months, but he has new, more successful connections now. He is a mediocre at best starter, and thus, he will rely on the outer flow to get him in contention if things go his way.

2 AJKNIGHT came into this series with decent, yet unspectacular form, shipping in from the Bs, then got 2nd money to lock his spot up for this final, was claimed that night, and went to Flamboro like many others raising his tag so he was secure as a proposition in this race for the current owners. In any event, they are now 4k ahead, as he won that race and also goes for an additional 500 bucks here, assuming he gets claimed, which is likely. He has a shot if they battle in front of him, which in these types of rodeo events, is likely. In spite of last weeks win, he is 2 for 32 over the last 15 months. He needs a good trip and possibly can get it. Sorrie takes over and he is good with this kind in finding a way to save some ground yet be able to be in position to win late.

1 CHOREOGRAPHER on his best day, when he makes front, would crush this bunch. His best days seem to be behind him, but he certainly has turned around a sharp decline in the last month. West got him going, wired with authority a similar bunch to these to lock in his spot in this final, and was claimed, so West paid a 3500 premium to get him back for this final, and then put him in for 2k more last time to try and win some money, keep him tight, and make sure he had him for this race. Which he now draws the rail, but loses McClure to another. That is the most concerning part, that McClure knows and saw all that, but he goes to another, who albeit is apparantly jacked up and ready for this race too. Can he find old glory here. Yes. Is he a cinch to do that. No. Will he have crazy pace pressure like last time. That is a lock. Can he handle it and live to tell. That we will find out. I think he gets beat, but seems to be good for a while with West, who likely knows he can cash out a good buck just racing him after this race anyway.

8 ATEYATEFNGERSLOUIE has been claimed out of all of his last 4 races, and makes the final here without winning a leg. Post 8 vastly hurts his chances, as he has no shot at the top and he isnt the type that likes to go around horses on the turn. I like others.

9 LYONS IMAGE has been claimed out of his last 5 races, and last time he brushed to the top, caught very soft fractions and accelerated home for a comfortable win. None of that works here and I would think he is lucky to score 4th or 5th money if he sits back and lets others burn themselves out battling.

7 THUNDERING JIM won two legs and thus easily made the final, so he was saved last week and preps for this. He is certainly to be claimed again, so its a very low risk claim. He seemed to peak a few starts back, and was all out last time and barely held off a hanger. I prefer others, but he is possible on his best effort with others battling in front of him. I dont see him gunning out this time. If he does, he is hung the mile.

6 JUST MARVELOUS was claimed out of both legs and made the final, so he was protected last time, and still managed to get 2nd money. However, he had every shot at the weakening leader in that 2nd leg, and couldnt go by him, a habit he has. I cant see him winning this with this many live options all around him.

10 ELROY SHINER I wouldnt like if he drew well. Post 10 makes it easy to toss him.

Mohawk Thoughts and Selections, March 21, 2022

Race 1: NW $9,000 L5 2 DANCER HALL dropped to this class last time and woke up sharply. That was 3rd off the shelf, and if he maintains that form, he is the one to beat. There are enough other chances here that he could offer in the 3-1 range or slightly less. I like him in this spot. 1 DERF HANOVER moves up in class off a 2nd and 3rd, changes owners and trainer. He also gets Trevor Henry and an inside post. He has a outside shot if he makes the top or the pocket and the faves blow up. 6 PRINCESSPARTYPANTS is capable enough with these types, although she is the win shy type. She has an outside shot if she trips out and the faves blowup for some reason. 7 IGLARE AM was flat last week on return, but J Mac got her a sweet trip and found a seam late to get it done. These are slightly tougher and she would have to be better at a probable short price. I will go against her. 8 HONE THE TONE did all the work first up, had the lead until late, but was picked off by the favorite who had a sweet trip. He has stepped up lately but the post is an issue here and he is a bit short of the best ones anyway. I will pass on him for the win, but he can pickup 3rd or 4th if others fail. 3 TYMAL RIGGS has faded twice in the lane against these and beat a suspect group the race before that a class lower when they went a back half in a minute. He is not likely to be competitive at this level until he steps up. I havent seen any of that yet. 5 COLD RAGE generally trots in the 57 range, and there are at least two in here who are likely to go 56 or faster. I cant see him winning with this bunch. 4 ARRAKIS comes off a win at Flamboro, and has upset potential at big odds here, but generally he is a bit short of this type of competition at this stage of his career. He would need a lot to go right for him to take them all down. Race 2: NW1 1 ALMOST THERE BOSS was a bit player at 2 when he tried Grassroots types. He did show high speed though and paced home fast in his qualifier prep for these. He has an obvious shot but is no lock. 2 LETSFLYTOGETHER N. is 0 for 11 life and ships in from the Big M. He catches a weak bunch but he is no bearcat either. He will have to be seen. He is fast, but he has never hit the board. That isnt good. 7 WELLWORTHTHEWAIT shows a win in 12 starts last year, at Rideau. He has been off for the winter since November and tries his luck here, as he gets in a straight maiden with a weak and suspect bunch. He did pace in 54.2 last year and came back 7 days later and paced in 55 and change. His qualifier was okay. He has upset potential if he is ready to go in 55 and the chalks dont deliver, which is possible looking them over. 6 J M DEFLECTION brought his time down on Thursday night and comes right back. There are questions regarding the likely faves here, so he is viable as a price play with Trevor Henry back on for a second time. 4 ARSAIG seems to be gradually improving, and he can probably bring his overall time down another second, which might land him on the ticket, but I still think he is a race or two away from winning form. 5 ROCKNROLL NATION ships to the big track off 3 5th place finishes at London. He will have to drastically improve his form and time to go with many of these. He does pick up McClure from the trainer/driver, and lets see if he shows anything to recommend him for next time. Pass here. 3 SUCRETARIAT is 0 for 29 lifetime and other than being a good steady leaver, he doesnt do enough when they turn for home. Pass until he shows me something that indicates he can win at the big track.

Gulfstream Park Racing Journal December 30, 2020

 Race 1 MDN CLM 25k 1m

Summary Very mixed bag, with a fts who is the likely favorite, a bunch of others with reason to suggest they could step up and beat that one, and a few with suspect races who might have been aiming for a race like this for a big score at the windows. This will be very much a jockeys race, and a jockey known to pop with bigger longshots might be the one to do that here.

1 Chipshape  by Backtalk, who is by Smarty Jones and out of an Affirmed dam has started 5 times with one 2nd place finish in his 2nd last start at Maiden claiming, and was raised up to MSW last time and finished 10th. He also tried the turf for the first time last time and shortened up. This time, he will stay on the turf, go back to the mile distance and claiming class where he managed second. He is an interesting longshot prospect. Perhaps turf is the right surface for him and he just needs to be on it at the right class level.

2 Lord Flintshire by Flintshire, who had the classic turf distance pedigree and delivered on that genetic code at the highest level, this one makes his 3rd life start. He has had trouble getting in races that stay on the turf, due to the unusual amounts of rain in the late summer and fall. Now, he gets to come right back in 3 weeks at the same distance, class level and surface and draws a much better starting post. His speed figure progressed from start 1 to 2. If he can go forward off the tighter return and improving speed, he is very viable as a longer shot. He does have a Rahy dam, and that means both that he is even more likely to excel on the turf, but also might be a hanger when they get near the line. Not all of them are, but many. He kept closing late last time but his bad post and slow start then meant he couldnt get up in time.

3 Military Commander by War Dancer, who is by War Front, he also makes his 3rd life start. War Dancer was a Grade 2 winner, broke his maiden early at Gulfstream, raced all over the map and was fairly consistent and durable, making 30 life starts and a million bucks over 4 years. This one started his career at GPW, but then shifted to Tampa last time and improved his speed rating a bit, now comes back to Gulfstream to resume his chase of better horses, So far he has been 9th and 10th, and while he takes a slight class drop here on his return, he will have to do much more as a 30-1 longshot to get my attention. He bears watching, but I cant use him in this spot. Blinkers are off today. Lets see if that helps.

4 My Maxamillion is by Bullet Train, who is by Sadlers Wells, and was a minor stakes winner and chased Grade 1 types many times over with at best only on the fringes type finishes. This one has raced much like his sire, with a 3rd, 4th and 5th in 3 tries so far. He will go longer here and try the turf, and thus, has some room for improvement in a race with mediocre types like this. He is possible if he can move forward a bit. Blewitt takes him on top and Nic takes him 2nd. I will listen to what they have to say as to their reasons. 

5 Quinto Sol by Social Inclusion, who for a month or two was thought to be the next super horse, then leveled off chasing the best of his year, and has sired some okay runners and winners with his first crop to race this year. This guy has a trainer who makes strange change moves, like running a horse in a maiden claimer, to a horrid speed figure, dead last, then moving him up to MSW, running better, at least he beat a few, then putting him back in a maiden claimer. He does bring in some big longshots, so obviously, his moves are shifty and have to be watched with suspicion. Like he is setting up a score. He started out at 50k going 6f on dirt, last time MSW at 7.5 on the turf, now goes even longer, drops back into a 25k claimer and stays on turf. Dangerous type if he is just playing around with him to get him in the right zone. He takes the blinkers off today and maybe that might help also.

6 Westerly Wind by Cajun Breeze, who is by Congrats, and sires a lot of 2yo winners early, this one makes his 4th life start, and started out with a similar profile to many of the runners of his sire. He was 2nd in his lifetime debut, but has since finished 7th and 6th. His speed figures for all 3 are virtually the same. He had his chance to crack first out, but didnt get the victory. He runs exactly under the same conditions as last time, except he gets a much better starting post this time. That might be enough to enhance his win chances. His trainer is sharp and makes no other changes. He did have some road trouble last time in a race where there was a lot of bumper cars going on and he had to wait until late to try and go forward, which he was doing at that point. 

7 Golden Fiddle a fts by Tonalist. He was an 82k yearling but debuts for 25k. He worked about 12 times in New York, but never raced as he was unimpressive overall doing that. He has shipped down here and worked 3 times, but still doesnt show much. Unless he takes unusual money, he is a watch only type. 

8 I Am the Grey by Mizzen Mast, a sts making no changes of note and running back on 27 days, was up near the pace in that debut, and while 7th, was in a pack of many near the winner. I suppose he has a fighting chance here, but is a bad value low fave if he turns out to be that. I wouldnt take 3-1 on him. Acacia and Ron take him on top and the others have him rated top 3, so while he is 6-1 ML, you arent likely to get anything near that. He had every chance last time but couldnt last when the better ones ran late. He looks like a fader.

9 Marlon B a fts by Hard Spun goes out for top trainer Gargan and is the 3-1 ML choice. He shows steady improving works and on paper, looks tough. He is fts though, so he will have to be seen. He is a homebred, so Im sure they have high hopes for him.

10 Parmenides a sts by Munnings who only sold for 2500 as a yearling. So obviously he has some sort of confirmation issue. Nevertheless, he had made the races, sticks to the turf, goes longer and drops in class for start 2. Sano trains, and you have to be afraid of anything he sends out at long odds making changes. So, there is that.

11 He Ain't No Saint by Shanghai Bobby, who is by Harlans Holiday, is a homebred making his 5th life start. The first 3 starts were mediocre at best, but the last was better as he finished 3rd, vastly improving his speed rating while going longer and trying the turf for the first time. He was hard to handle at times last time and still finished with good punch when he had a chance.  He comes right back with no changes from last time but draws a bad post this time, which is a factor in a race like this.

12 Weight of Glory by Gemologist out of a Distorted Humor mare, makes his 3rd start and showed a lot of improvement in start 2, dropping out of MSW, into a claimer and nabbing 3rd with a much better speed figure. He shortened up that day, but will go back to the mile distance and this time try turf for the first time, but, he gets the far outside post in a race where many are likely to blast out and take their shot. One of many who could pop on these, but he is up against it because of the ground he will have to give early or get caught wide.

Race 3 MDN CLM  12.5 5 1/2F

Summary Two likely short priced favorites who figure but have issues, and a bunch of others who are hard to like but not impossible to make a case for. Tough call, but Id be inclined to say the favorites go down here. 

1 Con Permiso by Algorithms out a First Samarai mare, has made 9 starts already as a 2yo and hasnt gotten it done. He was a cheap yearling, has shown mediocre speed and finishes on the edges a lot without winning. He comes right back to the same class and distance, this time though he wont be 12-1 after finishing 3rd last time. He finished 2nd for 32k on Sept 11th as the fave, then missed the ticket his next start at a similar class at 1-2. If he were to take heavy tote action, which is likely, he is very bad value. I wouldnt take less than 3-1 on him. Id probably take 12-1 on him again if he doesnt click here and runs back a couple of weeks later. He is that type of horse for that type of barn.

2 Artista by Distorted Humor, has made 4 starts, first 2 in MSW, next two in maiden claiming, has yet to hit the ticket and shows little speed at all, even relative to this suspect bunch. His owner trainer may have a plan for him, but I cant see what that would be. He will cut his tag in half here, which he needed to do anyway, go back to dirt, which he has already tried and didnt do any better, and go a shade longer, which he has already done. I cant use him off any of that until he starts to compete. 

3 Aces Up a fts by Union Rags out of an Unbridled Songs dam, he is likely to be a big boy. He didnt sell well as a yearling, was attempted to be flipped as a 2yo, but returned unsold at 9k. Those arent good signs. He is 5-1 ML, but his works are mediocre and I am likely to pass on him and watch once. Unless he wows me in the post parade.

4 Master of Disaster  by Khozan is a 5 time starter to this point with one 2nd place finish. He got that 2nd place finish in start 3 when he dropped out of the MSW chase. But since, 2 more starts in maiden claiming and he has missed the ticket. Thus, he will take another slight drop, 16k to 12.5k, and shorten up a shade. He is viable, but as the likely chalk, he can be had. Going shorter will help him as he looked spent mid stretch, but he does run in and that can get him beat in any case by anything that runs.

5 Florida Endeavour a fts by Central Banker, who is by Speightstown, and thus we might expect this one to be the type to blast right out of the gate. He showed reasonably fast works in November, but has since regressed. If he does blast, I wont expect him to last with these seasoned if not vulnerable types. He could take a few with him and set it up for a closer.

6 Without Passport fts by Tapizar, who sold for 12k, then 9k as a yearling then dumped off for 3k as a 2yo to his current connections and he debuts near the bottom claimer. He will pick up the apprentice jockey, so he gets a break on weight, but his works suggest he isnt anywhere near competitive at this point. Pass. 

7 You're All Right by Gone Astray, is 3 starts into his career with no finishes on the ticket to this point. He is a homebred who started out in MSW, aborted that after the debut, and last time sliced his tag in half, shortened up a 1/16th and took significant tote money off the ML, and was able to get 4th. He comes right back under the same variables. He fits at this level, but will have to do a lot better to beat a few of these. They are ripe to be taken, so that isnt impossible. 

8 Valeroso by Uncaptured, 6 starts in, has not made the ticket in any of those and his terrible speed ratings dont get any better as he races. I cant see him at any point with these. He would be a massive bomb if he comes in. He will drop in class, go longer and switch surfaces, all things that have been tried with him with the same result. 

Race 6 Maiden Special Weight 6 1/2F

Summary A lot of big ticket fillies, and a few who would have been if they had not been homebreds that have been retained, and many making their first lifetime start. Post parade will be key, and nobody in here should be a short price, less than 2-1. If they are, others are value. If anything takes unusual money, that one is to be looked at closer.

1       Touring Egypt fts by Cairo Prince, She was a 160k yearling, then RNA twice as a 2yo, obviously trained down fast and they didnt get what they were looking for. Here we are almost 2 years later and she makes her debut. Something obviously happened from the time she went into the 2yo sale and when she was attempted to be trained to race. She will have to be seen, but Im inclined to pass on her first out and see what she has, or has left.

2 Aqaareb sts by Bernardini out of an Unbridleds Song dam, a homebred for Shadwell. didnt perform at all first out. Pletcher makes changes here,  going shorter and switching to the turf. As she is almost 4 and breeding season is coming up shortly, I suppose the goal is to see if they can get her a win before she is to be bred in the spring. 

3 Whispering Pines Uncle Mo filly, out of a 300k winning dam who won 5 of 7 lifetime, this one raced solid last time at Churchill, finishing 3rd with a big speed figure, but she gave it up a bit in the deep stretch, and will cut back here, likely a wise move. She seems to be heading towards winning form and the cutback seems like the winning move

4 My Ashleigh a homebred by Field Commission has started 3 times with two 2nds so far. She will stick to the dirt here but go a bit longer. She has a longshot chance if the faves dont show up, but her speed figures are just a shade short of the better ones. However, she can improve and they can bomb out, as often happens with maidens, especially the blueblood types who havent made the races until late in their 3yo season.

5 Emma Rose a homebred by Bernardini out of an Empire Maker dam, she has made 4 starts so far with 2 fairly good, including the last one where she got 3rd and earned a high speed figure, and two not good, including the 2nd last where she had a gate incident and was trapped in the gate as the others raced away. She seemed none the worse for wear though last time. She has sneaky good form and might be the price play here. This will be her 3rd start off the shelf, and the 2nd if you discount the gate incident race. She will go shorter and come off the turf...exactly what she did for her first lifetime start here last winter. 

6 Into Candy a fts 3yo by Into Mischief out of a Candy Ride dam, they paid 210k for her as a yearling. Another probably they are looking to get a win out of before the breeding season comes up and will test her here to see if she is worth carrying on with as a racehorse first. Her works are uninspiring to say the least, but yet 3 of the track handicappers have her on top. I will listen to what they have to say, but Im inclined to play against her based on several variables, breeding, form, and price.

Gulfstream Park Racing Journal December 20, 2020

 Race 1 MDN CLM 25k 5F 

Summary The ML choices are pretty suspect as win candidates, although they are likely to be in the mix of the race and effect who can win this. Very good race to find a price who takes advantage of their flaws. Three fts in this group, who need to be watched closely as a fresh face likely plays in this pretty soft bunch.

1 Pugin by Palace Malice, makes his 8th life start. He has been 2nd in his last two and the last start was at this meet. He seems to run alternating higher and then lower speed figures, which, if holds, means he will run poorer overall this time than last time. He tries sprining here, and he started his career out with three sprint tries, all on the dirt, at a higher level than this with also ran results. He is possible, but I would probably go to others before him. I suppose they are trying him sprinting on turf as he has not done that exact thing before, to see if they can get him over the hump or not. Early scratch. 

2 Twirling Fire by Twirling Candy, a horse who ran very high speed figures from his first life start right until he retired. His dam made one life start, a win, ran a huge speed figure, and then never ran again. This guy, 6 starts in, has run slower, consistent, mediocre speed figures and races, but he meets mostly similar today. He resembles the 1 horse in many respects but he will sprint again on the turf at the same price as last time when he was 3rd. He is 4-1 ML. I would use him if I could get 8-1, but otherwise use his spot on the ticket for something with better value.

3 Todaystheday by Verrazano, he is the ML choice after making 3 life starts to this point. He gets that race office respect because he goes out for the current flavor of the month hot young trainer, and finishing 2nd in this class while doing exactly what he did last time after coming off the dirt and shortening up. However, he didnt win that start so while he will be a short price today, he isnt a lock. He will have to be seen. Some of the Verrazanos run, others develop a sour attitude and begin to regress as they go along from my experience. Attitude will be important for this one if you are going to accept the short price. His speed figures dont tower over the two inside him.

4 Nitro Time by Munnings out of a Big Brown mare, he is a homebred making all the variable changes in his 3rd try at racing. Shipping, dropping, going shorter and getting on the turf. He needs a change as he ran a horrid speed figure last time that probably wouldnt win a 4 claimer at Mahoning or Fort Erie. He drops out of two MSW efforts, but its debatable if that is a drop as he wasnt even competitive last time. I guess you could argue that since he went to the lead and then caved in to finish 12th with that horrid speed figure that sprinting is a better option and dropping means he doesnt have to fend off better horses when he starts to tire. That is still in question. Being that he has a Big Brown dam, I will go on the theory he is a stopper and non trier when asked to fight for it, and pass on him. 

5 Mindship Q by Midshipman, who is by Unbridleds Song, he was an 8k yearling, has run 6 times, with 3 3rds and generally finishes on the edges. He is just the type of rat that steps up and wins races like this, without taking any special tote money. Watch him closely in the post parade to see if he looks live. If he is, he could surprise this bunch.

6 Valeroso by Uncaptured, he has yet to make the ticket in 5 starts and his speed figures are consistently a cut lower than the contenders in here. He is hard to make on paper and would need something like unusual money to entice me to use him unless I see something else that I like.

7 Forty Flash by Forty Grams, who is by Distorted Humor, has shown little to date but might slight improvement each start. He has room to improve in start 4. I will look him over to see if he looks good in the flesh. On paper he is still a ways away from winning form in this type of class. 

8 V. I. P. Who a fts by Gone Astray, he is a homebred who shows only mediocre works, all on dirt, yet he debuts on turf. These types scare me as its possible they are hiding his ability to cash a big ticket. I will have to see him to make a proper call on him. On the fence as to whether to use him, as this race screams fts winner. 

9 Old Man Mac a fts by Exaggerator, out of a Heatseeker mare, Heatseeker by Giants Causeway, so he has a turf pedigree on the bottom side. He has not shown much speed to date in his 3 works and Id say he is likely out for experience and a test ride to see what they need to do with him going forward. Unless he takes unusual money, he is a pass for me, but watch for future plays. 

10 Blame Charlie by Adios Charlie, makes his 3rd life start, goes shorter and goes to the turf first time. He has room for improvement and a sharp veteran trainer in his corner. He has a longshot chance if he can improve a bit more and the changes help him. He could be the one in this group. The trainer is also the owner and the breeder of this one, so he has had him since day one. He also trained the dam, who made 10 starts with 2 2nds but never won a race.

11 Rub My Belly a fts by Point of Entry, he shows decent enough 4f works to suggest he can contend for the lead early. However, he has an outside post and thus, he is in for a long trip. One to watch but hard to like today based on his draw and that he has never raced before. He easily could be stacked up 8 high before they get to the turn and never see the fence.

12 Deputy Indy by Prospective, who is by Malibu Moon, thus he is more likely to want to go long, he is a homebred making his 4th life start. Post 12 in a sprint will not help his chances, which were slim to begin with. He is not impossible off his last speed figure, if, he sits out of it, they battle hard and he swings around them all. That is a lot ot ask of a cheap maiden who has yet to finish in the top 3 from post 12, so I am inclined to not use him. 

Race 3 Maiden Special Weight 5F 

Summary Five fts and one sts. As usual, it makes for tough handicapping. Have to see them to see who is mature and who is acting like a green colt. Some very fast types who are likely to send and battle. 

1 Chieficia fts by Into Mischief, was bought back by his owners as a yearling for 145k, then sold off for 40k as a 2yo in training. That is not a good sign. His dam was not much of a racehorse, His works to date do not insprire confidence that he can match up with this type of company. He will have to be seen. 

2 Mutaraafeq fts by Frosted, who has sired some ready to go runners around Gulfstream this year. This one has a Rahy dam, so bred for the turf. He is a homebred for Shadwell and Pletcher, so he is likely to take heavy money on debut. He hasnt wowed in workouts, but Pletcher generally doesnt start them until they are ready, so that is something to consider. The dam made 9 life starts and never won a race.

3 Rockstar Ro by Gemologist, a 4 time starter already ships in from Kentucky with good speed figures and decent results, but meets possibly a very tough and well meant crew here. Not impossible, but he will have to bring his A game and a bit more to get over the hump with these. HIs dam won 2 races and 200k while chasing some stakes level company, but like her son, finished 2nd and 3rd a lot more than won. That has to be considered. I am sure he will break his maiden, just not sure it is in this tough spot. He will go back to the turf and shorten back to 5f, which is how he started at Indiana when he was 3rd then, against likely a much easier group than these though.

4 Lucky Law an Irish bred by No Nay Never who goes out fts for Biancone, he showed impressive works when he was sold as a 2yo in training in Europe and shipped here to race. He shows 2 bullet works preparing for the debut. He will have to be seen, but he is race ready on the speed angle where some of these might be a few away. He is probably the post time favorite, in say 9-5 range. 

5 Shaftesbury a fts by Uncle Mo who is another for Pletcher in this race. His dam was a 4 time winner by Lemon Drop Kid. Repole paid 675k for him as a big ticket yearling, but to a guy like that, he doesnt even blink when he signs those tickets. Generally, his works have been slow relative to the type he has to run against here, but being that he has a Lemon Drop Kid dam, he is probably being pointed for longer races next year, and this is just the start for him. I dont prefer him today in a sprint where he simply might be fast enough or close enough to win the race.

6 No Que No sts by More Than Ready, out of a Broken Vow dam, a homebred who ran okay on debut, getting 3rd, and switches to turf for his 2nd start and cuts back a shade. While he isnt technically dropping in class, he meets very legit high end types here and that wouldnt be said about the first group he met, which was also a short field. I think he is overmatched on the win front, just unlucky he caught such a tough field this time. He does show very fast 3f works, so likely to seek the lead and effect the outcome. If many of the young prospects bomb out, he isnt impossible to be there if he gets ahead early. 

7 Midnight Tequila a 4 time starter already by Justin Phillip, he moves up from maiden claimers to meet this tough legit MSW group. He is hard to like based on that and his trainer runs a lot of impossible longshots as a rule. Pass and watch for his likely return to claimers.

8 Sanctified fts by Point of Entry is a homebred out of a Broken Vow dam. He shows blistering works at 3f and generally has trained well. He is likely to try and wire this bunch. Can he hold his speed at 5f, that is the question. 

Race 4 MDN CLM 20k 6F

Summary Two clear favorites who look good on paper with the variables of change considered, but are beatable enough by a few in here who look like they have a legit chance to step up. 

1 Water Wizard by Flashstorm, who is by Storm Cat, has started 13 times with 2 2nd place finishes to show for her owner, trainer and breeder. He certainly is patient, I will give him that. She will go longer here and try the dirt again. Hard to like on paper and her winless record, but I suppose these types win races like this every now and then if you want to take a flyer on a bomb like her.

2 Gilded Lady by Tapiture, goes for Cibelli, shipping in with the rest of her barn from Monmouth and not racing since late August. She will go longer for her 4th life start. She dropped from MSW to claiming last time, vastly improved her speed rating and nabbed 2nd. Obviously, she is a big contender here. Tapiture get can be difficult sometimes, so that is something to watch for. Otherwise, she is a player with this crew. Cibelli has them ready when they race, layoff or not. She tried MSW here last winter, but is more reasonably spotted this time. Cibelli races to win, and that is where this one fits.

3 Miss Uncaptured by Uncaptured, a 6 time starter, raced twice at GPW in 2018, then went to Laurel for 3 starts and was no good, then off more than a year when she resurfaced at GPW last time in October, and didnt run hardly at all, 7th now in her last 3 starts. She has worked 3 times since but nothing spectacular. I cant make her at all and will have to see some progress for future plays. They have kept her around all this time. They must see something the rest of us dont. I guess her 2nd place finish at MSW two years ago gives them hope she can return to that eventually. 

4 Theycallmeprincess by Currency Swap who is by High Cotton, is a 4yo 2nd time starter who has been off more than a year. She debuted 3rd in a MSW about 18 months ago. High Cotton throws a lot of lame ones. So, she might fit that mold. She will have to be seen. Her 4 works prepping for the return are too slow to think she does much today. Lets see her and make a call for later races if she makes it to another start this meet. 

5 Uptown Queen by Big Drama, a homebred sts for Fawkes, who trains a lot of Big Drama foals, and i think trained him during his racing career. She was 2nd on debut and goes longer here. She looks like a major player. As a sts who is almost 4, I want to see her parade to see how she handled the wear and tear of an actual race the first time. If she passes that test, she is one to overweight on the tickets. 

6 Good Shabbos by Munnings, an 8 time starter who goes out for Breen, she has been 2nd or 3rd 7 out of 8 starts, but 3rd and 4th in her last two, all MSW races, and so, wanting to get her over the hump, they dive into a claimer here. Will that do the trick. I dont know. Breen is sharp, so I am not likely to go against his opinion as to where she fits to win the race. She was a 190k yearling and in for 20k today, so clearly she has not panned out and they are about to cut bait with her today, as she is a likely claim. Knowing that, I suspect they think they have picked the right level to win with her on the way out the barn door for good. 

7 Chattin With Jenny by Car Talk, an Irish bred son of Bernardini out of a Deputy Minister dam, she is a Washington bred who goes for a trainer who has a lot of horses that dont win, and she fits that bill at 0 for 17 and a week short of her 6th birthday. They write a 12.5 claimer and at best, she should at least try that bunch. Toss. 

8 You're the Best by Malibu Moon, a 6 time starter who is the 2nd ML choice, goes for Barboza, will drop in class and go shorter. In her last 2 she has dropped out of MSW into claimers, gotten 2nd and 3rd and goes lower today. That all makes sense. Her speed figures are slightly higher than the rest of the field as a whole, and she is fairly consistent about it. Likely the one to beat. 

9 Comp'd a fts, a homebred by Competitive Edge he shows ok enough works to compete with this bunch, and thus, I would use her as a protection add. Post 9 for a fts is an issue though if others with more experience want the lead more than she does. 

10 Addi a 130k yearling by Wicked Strong with 4 starts under her belt, she will ship in, drop in class and change surface here after showing so so speed and overall finishes. Another who is possible off all the changes in a race where something is going to respond to that and many will just run the same. She has been off since April and makes her first start at Gulfstream. 

Race 7 Maiden Special Weight 7F

Summary Very tough race of green horses that have super high connections and aspirations but likely not motivated to try and win today. Follow the board if anything to find one who might be live and interested today. Otherwise, a race to watch closely for future plays. 

1 Tayet a sts by Cairo Prince out of a Street Cry dam who they paid 150k for as a yearling, she ships in from Churchill where she was 7th on debut and ran an ok speed figure to suggest start two might show some improvement. She was on the lead that day but gave it up in the stretch. Perhaps they will change tactics here. 

2 Make Me Laugh a 185k yearling by Distorted Humor out of an Unbridleds song dam, makes her 3rd life start, tried the grass last time and went longer, but now goes back to the dirt and shortens up a bit. She has been 4th twice with similar speed figures and it looks as if they are looking to find the right mix of distance and surface, while maintaining her at the MSW  level for now. Based on that, maybe they have it right today and she is a player here if they do.

3 Zaajel a fts by Street Sense, a homebred for Shadwell, and Pletcher, she showed high speed in early November when training, was not race, perhaps not one for the GPW surface, then eased back to top speed with her last workout before this engagement. Lets see how she looks in the ring and parading. She looks very viable first out if she passes those tests. 

4 Bonnie's the Best a fts by Distorted Humor, her mother raced 6 times but did not win a race. She was a 95k yearling purchase. Now owned by the trainer but not certain if he paid up then or bought her later. In any event, she will start out here in MSW, showed a bullet 3f workout when she first started working, and has worked longer and evenly going forward off that although not as quick. I suspect she is ready but wont be pushed too hard today. Pass and watch. 

5 Cajole by Flatter, a 3 time starter already who ships from Laurel and shortens up a bit today, she has 2 2nds from those 3 starts to date. She will have to improve her speed rating to take these down, but since they are shortening her up after starting out short and going longer, they must think that is where she does her best work. Shot. 

6 Breehazel a fts by Sano, by Distorted Humor. She has worked steady, but slow, for this group as a whole. I will watch her today to see if they are just saving it for the race or she will need a class adjustment to be viable and where that likely is. 

7 Mail Order by Liams Map, a fts for Mott, who is known not to have is fts ready to win when they debut. She was a 300k yearling and worked evenly so far. I will watch and pass for today.

8 Unbridled d'Oro a fts by Medaglia Doro, a homebred for Fipke, trained by Pletcher. She is out of a legit Grade 1 winner but has been brought to the race seemingly not as sharpened up as she might have been, suggesting the long game is the big stakes next spring and summer. Doesnt mean she doesnt have enough talent to take these down anyway, but a short price wouldnt be in order in my opinion. She is the lukewarm ML choice. 

9 Shannon by Nyquist a Derby winner by Uncle Mo, the 2nd starter in the field for trainer Matz, ships in from Laurel and going longer for her 2nd lifetime start. She was a 205k yearling, then a 290k 2yo in training purchase. She was 4th in that start at Laurel and ran a speed figure that plays with this bunch if she goes forward and does a shade better. She draws outside for her second straight start. If she does okay here and draws better next time, she could be a price play then. She is up against it with the post today when she isnt the best on paper to begin with. 

10 Mission Up a fts on the dirt by Noble Mission, suggesting this is a test ride for when she gets on turf which is her breeding suggestion. She is a homebred who has worked steadily, but much slower than the group she meets as a whole. Pass and watch today. 

In case you wondered.

Good Shabos

Cool Horse Names

Theycallmeprincess

Rub My Belly

Topo Grigio