You never know when all the stars are going to align and Wednesday was a huge day for me. I had the winner of the first eight races at BEL. That was the early Pick 5 ($4,444 for 50 cents), the early Pick 4 ($557 for 50 cents), the first six Pick 3’s ($109, $1,380, $739, $240, $126, $228) and two 9-1 shots along the way. I don’t like the card today quite as much today, but as I said, you never know.
Race 1 5-2-3
While Ferzetti may get most of the action (and is not outless) I tend to stay away from 13 start maidens that have a lot of seconds. I went instead with Zealous Wildcat. She only has two starts, although they are widely spaced. She also drops down from MSW to this $20K level and that looks a lot more negative than positive. Still, she has the speed and should have no problem with the distance. Nevin is 4 of 9 dropping from MSW to MCL and 28% off the layoff. Proceed with some caution. Phocea is something of a stab in a very weak field. Her first start was on the turf and she has very little turf breeding. Her second race was on a muddy SAR track and she didn’t do much after a troubled start. She takes the blinkers off and catches a fast track today. She’s actually got a couple of pretty good works. At 20-1 ML she’ll probably get my win bet. Kayleigh’s Road cuts back to the sprint distance after a few mediocre routes. Looks more suited for the MCL level.
Race 2 3-5-2
Mid Ocean was clearly over his head in the Travers after breaking his maiden impressively at DEL. He looked pretty good dropping back to a mile at the $50K starter level and actually may be best at today’s distance. Shadow Rider looked good breaking his maiden a couple of weeks ago and has every right to take two in a row. Bird Prince improved a little when stretched out and would be no surprise in the winner’s circle.
Race 3 6-3-4
Pirellone just missed in a MSW upstate. Looks like by far the best speed and owns a field dominating figure. Seat of Honor didn’t show a lot first out, but gets Lasix today. Should improve on the stretch out. Patrick’s Day failed as the favorite last out but should improve today. Pletcher/Castellano always a dangerous combo.
Race 4 9-4-11
Shoot the Moon looks like another in the Michelle Nevin clearance sale. The 3 year old filly ran a good third in May, showing nice front-running ability, but laid off until this race. Works look like she’s prepped and Nevin has a high percentage with returnees off the layoff. She’s Gifted has run into two off tracks but has showed some talent. Last two workouts look good. Given this is about as bad a field as I could imagine, the 0 for 13 with six thirds Yourcreditisgood probably has her best chance.
Race 5 1/1A-4-2
Because Irad is named on both horses, one will be scratched. However, both look strong in this race. Riviere du Loup has two seconds, a third and a close fourth since coming to America. He’s in the right class and may do better with the curback in distance. Boss Man just missed at this level in his last and has competitive figures. Defining Product has plenty of speed and should thrive at seven furlongs. Artie Crasher has done well at BEL and drops down from his last. Goes second off the claim for Reynolds who is having a respectable 2015.
Race 6 7-4-2
Kodiva ran a good one first in America after showing some talent in Britain. That race represented a new top for her and she gets a good switch to Cornelio Velasquez for this run. Fourstar Crook goes for the powerful combo of Chad Brown and Irad Ortiz. Was moving well late in her last and really improved her final time. On the Trail ran her best race in an off-the-turf affair, but still may be better meant on the turf. May be coming to hand for McGaughey.
Race 7 4-6-3
Ross J. Dawg was overlooked in his first with winners but won’t be overlooked here. Was a winner at this distance first time out and looks like an improving three year old that is finally maturing. Frisky Magician should show the way in this race and should have no problem with the seven furlong trip. Enjoy the show fits better at the SA level and should be the one closing best in the stretch.
Race 8 1-6-5
Rumble Doll improved when the blinkers were added. Will need a clever ride from the one post since she’s going to have to come from off the pace but she’s as fast as anything in here. Strong Incentive just broke her maiden and tries a tough group of winners here. Improved when moved to the turf and should be one of those battling up front. Interesting to consider. Lady Kreesa is one for one at this distance on the turf and will have to be at her best against open company.
Race 9 3-9-10
Mystical Charm ran well in her maiden breaking win at MTH. That race may have actually been with slightly better and she’s come back with a strong work in prep for this race. Laura’s Patriot has been dropping in search of the second win. Has consistent figures and is competitive here. Puparee drops from the $40K level. Sole win came here at BEL.