I handicapped the card assuming the turf races would stay on the turf. Unfortunately, I have some business to attend to so I won’t be able to re-handicap, so take this for what it is worth.
Race 1 8-3-1-5
Race 2 5-9-8-3
Race 3 3-1-8-2
Race 4 9-1-6-11
Race 5 8-6-3-7
Race 6 5-1-8-9
Race 7 8-4-6-5 (in-depth analysis race of the day)
- 1 Indy Tune – was claimed by Oscar Barrera III two back for $20K and he immediately stepped him up to a $40K NW2X. He flopped in that race, although he had a troubled start. His figure is competitive, but he has not had success at the $32K level. I can’t see more than a minor award.
- 2 Doc Almon – was claimed by Bruce Brown for $20K in August off a turf race where he ran a close third. He’s run two dirt races in $25K starter allowances and they look good enough for him to be competitive in this spot, but I expect his win prospects are not as good as others in here.
- 3 Metaurus – has been running for $50K and drops a little today, but hasn’t been able to crack the winner’s circle in the last two years. Just doesn’t look fast enough to finish in the money.
- 4 Bernie the Maestro – Last time he won it was on a sloppy track. In fact, in 9 starts on a wet track, he’s won 4. Has plenty of tactical speed and could take them all the way.
- 5 Joan’s Choice – Ran a strong race for $20K last out. Jacobson left the horse in the barn, only giving him one workout three weeks ago. On the down side, he hasn’t won in seven tries at BEL, in fact finishing up the track in a 7F affair in the mud in July. Has a shot, not the best shot though.
- 6 Regulus – has run two interesting races where he contested the pace early, dropped back and then came on again in the stretch. He ran competitively at BEL in May. One for two on a wet track and figures in the mix.
- 7 Back Forty – claimed last out by Falcone who has had one winner in three tries 1st off he claim. He’s been a useful horse, and his wet track rating is about as high as it ever gets, even though he is 0 for 2 in the moist going. I can’t see more than a minor award here.
- 8 Royal Currier – The other Jacobson runner has been running with much better, winning a minor stakes at DEL in June. Two for six on the BEL dirt. No wins on a wet track, but has had two seconds in six tries. His last race in the mud at BEL he looked over his head so I wouldn’t downgrade him much. May go off the favorite and looks best to me.
Race 8 10-11-7-3
Race 9 1a-11-2-5