Business is in the process of picking up. . .
Lots of good stuff on both coasts Saturday, and no American Football distractions this week. That means for the first weekend of the year, I’m actually going to do some work on more than just a couple of races. I thought for today I’d just go with a random assortment of racing thoughts, and then some time before Sunday afternoonI’ll be back with a more proper preview of The Holy Bull, a race that I believe will feature the return of Hansen (the horse, not the band). And no, there’s no truth to the rumor that I’m entering the Sunshine Millions Bikini Contest.
Race 1: I don’t know what happened to #7 EXETER ROAD last time, but if his price is OK, I may be willing to fogive the effort. He was back in three weeks and that was his first race in FLorida and perhaps he just needed some time to rest/acclimate? I’ve got two of his prior runs as Flow upgrades and he’s fast enough on advanced figures to beat these.
Race 4: #5 STARFORMER was a horse to watch and then a bankroll play for me at Saratoga. I thought she was compromised by a course that was playing to speed and the raceflow in the Riskaverse. I wish this were longer but I believe she can win at a mileI’m wary of taking too short a number, not like she has a big fig edge or class edge, but she’s one I might bet. The other in here I’m intrigued by is #8 SHARNBERRY, who has European form good enough to win this and will handle the distance, no problem. Depending on prices, I might double win bet those two and also play an exacta, and maybe a 5 8/ALL/5 8 tri.
Race 8: #5 ROMACACA might be the most likely winner off her form, figures and consistency. #7 TRIP FOR A.J. is also awfully consistent and may have found the punch she needed in the lane last time with a more favorable flow. She has been handled twice by the top pick though. I’ve always liked #4 UNBRIDLED HUMOR, who helped make Labor Day Weekend 2010 a profitable one, but I don’t think I can get too excited about betting her as the favorite in what looks an open race. I could save with her though, if circumstances allow.
Race 9: Looks to me to be a two horse affair between #5 LITTLE MIKE, who appears to have a pace advantage, and #3 BAD DEBT. The latter chased a loose leader last time, seems to always fire, and could be a hair overpriced. #1 SLEW’S ANSWER is one I’ll watch closely as I’m curious how he’ll stack up against this salty crew. Usable at a price. The value in the race could come from beating Teaks North if they come for him. He has a tricky post and I’m not sure he’ll be able to recapture that good form of last summer, though they are likely to bet him like he will.
Race 10: This is a super cool, competitive race that’s tricky to handicap. There appears to be an abundance of speed and I think #3 ADIOS CHARLIE could get a perfect stalking trip. Loved his comebacker. Only question is I’m not sure he really wants 9 furlongs at a testing gallop (didn’t like how he finished up in the Peter Pan, did a video on it here). Still, at 2-1 or higher, I might nibble. If I think I can get around evens the place, I might do that instead.
