Mike's Race Analysis August 10, 2008
Race #1
1st - #6 Stephanwolf | 2nd - #1 For N Krnc | 3rd - #5 Officer’s Approval
COMMENTARY : The #6 STEPHANWOLF wasn’t disgraced in his debut finishing fifth here at Hastings then ran last week in Kamloops with very weak competition and cruised to an easy win; this is a soft spot and experience is always a plus at this short trip so I’ll take him to win it. The #1 FOR N KRNC has shown good speed in his two-turn races but has faded badly in the final quarter-mile both times; this shorter race will undoubtedly help him. The #5 OFFICER’S APPROVAL has a good pedigree and has some decent morning trials for an outfit that can send one out ready to roll.Race #2
1st - #1 Summer Song | 2nd - #5 Foxy Like A Cat | 3rd - #2 Scottish Billie
COMMENTARY : The #1 SUMMER SONG had a race over the course finishing a no-threat third with similar; she looks like one that’ll enjoy this longer trip and should be better today in her second start after the big layoff. The #5 FOXY LIKE A CAT finally completed a race (ducked in sharply losing the rider in two races) checking in second after setting a sensible pace; she’ll be a pace factor. The #2 SCOTTISH BILLIE is a full sis to multiple stakes winner Napa who is very accomplished at this trip; she’s definitely one that should improve and will be a nice price.
Race #3
1st - #3 Juvee Hall | 2nd - #1 Archery | 3rd - #6 Elegant Avie
COMMENTARY : The #3 JUVEE HALL hasn’t run a bad one this year so it’s a bit of a surprise to see her down at this level; she should get a nice setup today but will still need her best to beat this group of sharp fillies. The #1 ARCHERY posted an impressive score at this same tag early last month and is the main danger to my top pick. The #6 ELEGANT AVIE should get a perfect trip sitting on the outside of the speedy #5 HEX and if they can slow things down a bit early she has a shot to pull off the minor upset.Race #4
1st - #1 Dramatic Charmer | 2nd - #4 Chianti Dancer | 3rd - #2 Count Your Dreams
COMMENTARY : The #1 DRAMATIC CHARMER is getting a much easier assignment today dropping down from the mid-level ranks into this non-two for $8,000; her better races have been at this distance so she looks good in this spot. The #4 CHIANTI DANCER is another facing easier competition but this will her first try going long. The #2 COUNT YOUR DREAMS has been running well since returning to Hastings and last time made the lead at the top of the stretch but got tired to finish fourth; better post and light weight could get her home this time.Race #5
1st - #5 Service Ribbon | 2nd - #6 Mining Interactive | 3rd - #7 Dancer’s Halo
COMMENTARY : The #5 SERVICE RIBBON tried open company after her impressive win at the non-two $8,000 tag, she returns to the restricted $8,000 races and is definitely the one to beat. The #6 MINING INTERACTIVE missed the break in her last but she still managed to weave her way through the field under a great ride and get the win; she won’t be able to spot these mares that much at the break so she better be on her game if she’s to repeat. The #7 DANCER’S HALO finished a good second in her latest. Considering that it was the first time she has gone this far there is a very good chance she’ll take a big step forward. She’s a serious threat in a wide-open event.Race #6
1st - #8 Wings Of An Eagle | 2nd - #3 Sunrise Serenade | 3rd - #7 Area Code
COMMENTARY : The #8 WINGS OF AN EAGLE has run his best races when he’s on the outside and gets a good draw for his style today; strong wire-to-wire threat. The #3 SUNRISE SERENADE is back in at his winning level and should be a good off-the-pace chance. The #7 AREA CODE is a better sprinter but I’ll still throw him in the TRIACTOR.Race #7
1st - #4 Candy King | 2nd - #6 Aragorn | 3rd - #2 Harlem
COMMENTARY : The #4 CANDY KING was too far back in his last giving him no shot of ever catching the speed; I’m sure he’ll be closer to the early pace today and if he is then I really like his chances in this spot. The #6 ARAGORN was a big factor on the pace finishing second last time with the light weight on his back and even though he’s picking up 10 pounds I think he’ll be a threat on or near the lead. The #2 HARLEM gets into an easier spot today and should be in the top three.Race #8
1st - #1 Viable Asset | 2nd - #5 Holy Mack | 3rd - #3 Swinging Fox
COMMENTARY : The #1 VIABLE ASSET has turned in two solid efforts so far this year and will race in blinkers for his first start in his new barn; the extra ground shouldn’t be a problem and I like him to go wire-to-wire. The #5 HOLY MACK has back-to-back runner-up performances of late and seemed to adjust nicely to this longer trip; definite threat. The #3 SWINGING FOX has been better since stretching out to this distance and with his favourable post draw could threaten for the win.
GOOD LUCK AND ENJOY THE DAY !!