Mike's Race Analysis July 28, 2007
Race #1
1st - #2 Toni The Iceman | 2nd - #3 Just A Tribute | 3rd - #4 Nordic Trick
COMMENTARY : The #2 TONI THE ICEMAN is down a one notch in class after a solid runner-up effort for $20,000 and looks to have found a group he should lead gate to wire. The #3 JUST A TRIBUTE has been quiet sharp in his last three and looks to be the main threat to the #2 TONI THE ICEMAN. The #4 NORDIC TRICK is another that is down in class but he relies on contested paces for his best results and I don't see an overly quick pace being set so he might have to settle for third or fourth money again today.
Race #2
1st - #5 Lady Vitesse | 2nd - #1 Entry | 3rd - #3 Lookonthebriteside
COMMENTARY : The #5 LADY VITESSE ran by far her best race career last time as she led until the stretch and was very game to hold second in an excellent time; a repeat performance gets her the cash. The #1 CLASSICAL has the speed of the entry and the #1a CALL HER KELLY is dropping out of stakes company and will be coming from off-the-pace so this entry has some potential . The #3 LOOKONTHEBRITESIDE tried tougher maiden allowance company in her last from an outside post in the slop so her seventh place finish isn't as bad as it first appears; she's back in for $25,000 and likely to get a fast racing strip so I look for her to rebound with a good showing.
Race #3
1st - #4 Simply Rose | 2nd - #2 Perfect Peggy | 3rd - #7 Marquetry Rose
COMMENTARY : The #4 SIMPLY ROSE ran well in her '07 debut and with this race really not coming much tougher if she repeats her last effort she should win. The #2 PERFECT PEGGY has been threatening to break free of this condition for two years now and I'm sure she'll be right there at the end of this one. The #7 MARQUETRY ROSE has split her season between Hastings and the B-circuit up country most recently in Vernon; she has speed and looks better than most in here.
Race #4
1st - #3 Classic County | 2nd - #1 C.L.'s Tiger | 3rd - #7 J D's Carson Copy
COMMENTARY : The #3 CLASSIC COUNTY was shuffled back a bit on the inside last time and couldn't quite get up for the win and had to settle for second; he moves off the rail and should get a clear shot at victory. The #1 C.L.'S TIGER has been rock solid for most of the year and I think he'll be tough to beat again today. The #7 J D'S CARSON COPY has been freshened up a bit after a disappointing fifth place run as the second choice; he drops down in class so look for him to be more of a factor today.
Race #5
1st - #2 Zippy Zak | 2nd - #6 Diamond Terner | 3rd - #9 Rampoldi
COMMENTARY : The #2 ZIPPY ZAK has deserved a better fate in his last two starts but two horses ran their career best to beat him on both occasions; today looks like the day for him !!! The #6 DIAMOND TERNER has had his share of problems this year which have led to his fall down the claiming ladder; he'll need to be better in the gate to be competitive even at this bottom level tag but I still have to respect him even with his current form. The #9 RAMPOLDI can't get lucky with the post draws as he continues to receive outside posts; he'll need a lot of luck to win but just a little to get into the top three.
Race #6
1st - #4 Arizona Drifter | 2nd - #10 Arkansas Bankroll | 3rd - #1 Soldiers Return
COMMENTARY : The #4 ARIZONA DRIFTER is taking a big dip in price after a decent effort with better; a repeat performance should him the mula. The #10 ARKANSAS BANKROLL has been very good at this level but had a rough trip last time and I'll gamble that he gets a better one today. The #1 SOLDIERS RETURN is in cheaper looking for his first win of the year; he has speed, the rail and leading rider in the saddle so beware !!
Race #7
1st - #1 Singing Along | 2nd - #3 Belle Of Rainier | 3rd - #4 Amber Morn
COMMENTARY : The #1 SINGING ALONG is in an easier spot today and looks to be the controlling speed so I'll take her to win it. The #3 BELLE OF RAINIER is probably the best filly in the race but unless someone goes with my top pick she may have to settle for second this afternoon. The #4 AMBER MORN has been beating up on easier competition of late and get a tougher assignment in her first race after the claim; she's sharp and the top two fillies have been off for awhile so this could be a great opportunity for her.
Race #8
1st - #4 Crown Victress | 2nd - #8 Hex | 3rd - #6 Black Fives
COMMENTARY : The #4 CROWN VICTRESS has been quick in the a.m.and hails from a barn that has been red-hot of late. The #8 HEX is out of a very fast mare and if this foal has half of her speed she'll be very dangerous at this short trip. The #6 BLACK FIVES is one of three Frank Barroby runners in the lineup and with Dave Wilson usually getting the 'live' one I think this filly could be the best of the three.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND ENJOY YOUR DAY THE RACES !!!