Mike's Race Analysis April 27, 2008

Race #1

1st - #5 Mr. Ichiban | 2nd - #2 Peaceful Turzia | 3rd - #3 Vic's Pick

COMMENTARY : The #5 MR. ICHIBAN had a solid season as a two year old last year visiting the winner's circle on two occasions; there appears to be enough early speed to help out his off-the-pace style and I'll take him to win the opener. The #2 PEACEFUL TURZIA is going to be an odds-on favourite (less than even money) off of his consistent form in Northern Cal but I'm a little concerned with his work pattern which is why I'll try and beat him today. The #3 VIC'S PICK has excellent gate speed but must avoid a pace duel with the #1 BRANDON and the #4 SNOW MOON if he's to win this afternoon.

Race #2

1st - #1 Alarico | 2nd - #4 Global Intention | 3rd - #2 Rainbow Dash

COMMENTARY : The #1 ALARICO is much the best on paper and should take down this group of $15,000 maidens; definitely the most likely winner on the card. The #4 GLOBAL INTENTION showed some promise last fall and I think he'll come running on late to get a piece of the EXACTOR and TRIACTOR. The #2 RAINBOW DASH has plenty of early speed and should be in a nice spot early; strong TRIACTOR threat.

Race #3

1st - #3 Great Form | 2nd - #4 Savin' Dimes | 3rd - #7 Not Just Dreaming

COMMENTARY : I'll try the #3 GREAT FORM in a race that I really don't have a strong opinion, she got off to a tough start having run with the $25,000 types in the spring and she really never did get on track but she's spotted for action this season and should be a major threat. The #4 SAVIN' DIMES looks to have been training well for her '08 debut and with this race coming up reasonably soft she has a good shot. The #7 NOT JUST DREAMING is another that had to start off last season in the upper claiming ranks so being spotted on the bottom claiming level she could also be dangerous if she gets a decent trip from an outside draw.

Race #4

1st - #8 Dark Forecast | 2nd - #5 Pacific Storm Cat | 3rd - #7 Buckaroo Lou

COMMENTARY : Both the #5 PACIFIC STORM CAT and the #8 DARK FORECAST have a distinct advantage over their rivals with some good winter races under their belts. I'm leaning slightly to the #8 DARK FORECAST who was running with tougher company and gets an 8 pound break from the #5 PACIFIC STORM CAT but this is a toss-up; looks like a solid EXACTOR BOX. The #7 BUCKAROO LOU was keeping up with better opponents last year as well so with him showing a sharp work on Friday (37.20) and Alvarado in the tack he might be the upsetter.

Race #5

1st - #7 Earl's Diamond | 2nd - #4 Kickboard | 3rd - #5 Soldiers Return

COMMENTARY : The #5 EARL'S DIAMOND will get blinkers for his return to Hastings after showing some ability in Northern Cal this winter; there isn't a lot of speed in this competitive dash so I expect him to be close to the pace and if he gets a good trip he should beat this group. The #4 KICKBOARD has a big class edge on the field but will need some luck weaving his way through this big field; Dave Wilson has gotten the best run out of this guy and he's back aboard today. The #5 SOLDIERS RETURN obviously has some soundness issues but when he's right he's better than most of these.

Race #6

1st - #5 Wings Of An Eagle | 2nd - #7 Zippy Zak | 3rd - #4 Perignon

COMMENTARY : The #5 WINGS OF AN EAGLE had a good season last year considering he missed the entire 2006 campaign; he should be easier to get ready this year and with this race coming up pretty soft for the level I think he git-er-done. The #7 ZIPPY ZAK was a real force in these lower level claimers last year winning four times and it'll be tough to beat him; don't be alarmed by the slow works he had the same pattern last year. The #4 PERIGNON is classy dude that will likely need a little more ground to win one but he seems to have a little more pep-in-his-step and could surprise some people at this six furlong trip.

Race #7

1st - #1 Tamarinda | 2nd - #6 Pretty Maid | 3rd - #7 Opal Haze

COMMENTARY : This was by far the toughest race to handicap on the card with some many unknowns but I'll gamble that speed is doing well and pick the #1 TAMARINDA who closed out '07 showing a lot of promise. She isn't a classy as some of these gals but she has the rail, excellent gate speed and a fantastic worktab which was enough for me to give her a shot. The #6 PRETTY MAID looked like she was headed to be one of the best three year fillies last season but things went amiss early in the summer; she looked working last week and should be a major threat. The #7 OPAL HAZE was a private purchase by owner Bud Malette last year and has worked very well over our Hastings oval; my only concern with her is the short six furlong distance.

Race #8

1st - #5 You'rejustlikeme | 2nd - #8 E Commerce | 3rd - #9 Grayross Gal

COMMENTARY : The #5 YOU'REJUSTLIKEME looks like the speed of the race so with her likely to get an uncontested lead she'll be tough to beat at this level. The #8 E COMMERCE is a consistent little filly that has worked very well for her '08 debut and she appears to be the main danger to my top pick. The #9 GRAYROSS GAL had a decent winter campaign down south and will enjoy getting back to her home course; post is a big concern but if she can get into a decent spot early she has the ability to beat this class.

THANKS FOR JOINING US ON-LINE AND HAVE A GREAT DAY !!!