Mike's Race Analysis August 8, 2008
Race #1
1st - #5 Laurel’s Gold | 2nd - #4 Yankee George | 3rd - #1 Entry
COMMENTARY : The #5 LAUREL’S GOLD looks to be the best speed in the lineup and with no real other challengers for the front end he should lead this field from the gate to the finish. The #4 YANKEE GEORGE came close to my top pick last time out despite a poor trip from an outside post; he’s the logical one to play to beat the #5 LAUREL’S GOLD today but with no one chasing that rival early he may have to settle for another runner-up cheque. Both halves of the #1 ENTRY will be competitive in this spot but it appears that the top two are a bit better and a TRIACTOR placing is likely for them today.
Race #2
1st - #3 Goldy Fox | 2nd - #4 Saratoga Flame | 3rd - #7 Bamboo Diva
COMMENTARY : The #3 GOLDY FOX turned in a better effort last time getting second money and as these maiden races gradually get easier it’s going to be her day to shine very soon and I think it’ll be this afternoon. The #4 SARATOGA FLAME has been on the board in both of her starts this year and is one that could easily win today in her first try going long. The #7 BAMBOO DIVA ran her best race on the season last time finishing a game third; she may be able to control the early pace which would give her a shot at winning.
Race #3
1st - #2 Surgical Strike | 2nd - #4 Slick Victor | 3rd - #1 Entry
COMMENTARY : The #2 SURGICAL STRIKE was afforded an easy lead going long in his most recent race and he held well to run second and with him likely to get the same favourable scenario I like him to stay on for the win. The #4 SLICK VICTOR was at a disadvantage with the pace scenario last time but he still responded gamely in the final stages to be a closing third; if he gets any pace help at all today he’ll win it. The #1 ENTRY of TROUBLE SHOOTER and JUSTIFIABLY are both very accomplished at this trip but neither appear to be in top form although they still should be given a shot for the TRIACTOR.
Race #4
1st - #9 Gallery Girl | 2nd - #7 El Perro Negro | 3rd - #3 Fashionable Affair
COMMENTARY : The #9 GALLERY GIRL set extremely fast fractions before tiring going 6-furlongs and she figures to be very tough to catch with the move back to the nursery course. The #7 EL PERRO NEGRO worked a sharp 3-furlongs in :35 and change on Aug. 4 and comes out of a barn that is doing very well with their babies. The #3 FASHIONABLE AFFAIR has decent morning trials and has attracted leading rider to the saddle.
Race #5
1st - #6 Paulswithdavid | 2nd - #1 Fraseview | 3rd - #3 Sideline
COMMENTARY : The #6 PAULSWITHDAVID should get a more relaxed trip as he moves off the rail which should lead to a better result this afternoon. The #1 FRASERVIEW never seems to get any respect at the windows and all he does is run big races and I expect another one from him again today. The #3 SIDELINE blew the start in his last costing him any shot of winning; he’s been competitive at this level in the past and might be a nice price in this spot.
Race #6
1st - #6 Post Rio | 2nd - #5 Da Svedonya | 3rd - #2 Rich Debut
COMMENTARY : The #6 POST RIO turned in a good effort in her first start in almost a year and if that race didn’t take too much out of her I like to win in this easier spot. The #5 DA SVEDONYA also gets an easier assignment today and if the pace scenario is a contested one then she has a shot as well. The #2 RICH DEBUT almost got the job done two weeks ago but was nailed in deep stretch by a Seattle invader; this dash has come up considerably tougher so she’ll need to be even better if she’s to win today.
Race #7
1st - #5 Afleet Allstar | 2nd - #7 Gold Ticket | 3rd - #1 Victim Of Love
COMMENTARY : The #5 AFLEET ALLSTAR gave an excellent account of himself checking in a game second behind some tough $35,000 open claimers; this dash has come up a little easier and it looks like he’s going to get a perfect trip sitting in behind what should be a very fast pace. The #7 GOLD TICKET was pinned down on the inside in his last race and he’s never been comfortable running down on the rail so with him moving outside and having better spacing in between races I think he’ll rebound with a good showing today. The #1 VICTIM OF LOVE had everything his own way last time and was just reeled in late at the $25,000 tag; he’s up in class and finds the speedy #3 HUFFMAN two stalls down in the gate so a pace duel is imminent although I think he’ll stay on for a piece of the TRIACTOR.
Race #8
1st - #8 Angel Came Down | 2nd - #5 Launch Our Star | 3rd - #6 Land Of Silver
COMMENTARY : The #8 ANGEL CAME DOWN looks like the one to beat in this spot she’s been razor sharp all season and I think she’ll get the job done. The #5 LAUNCH OUR STAR had no chance last time out as she was fanned wide early and never got into the kind of favourable position that needs for her best performance. She’s drawn better for her style today and will be more of a factor on the pace - value play !! The #5 LAND OF SILVER should get a lively pace being set in front of her and even though she’s NOT at her best distance I think she’ll catch some tiring speed late and get into the top three.
GOOD LUCK EVERYONE AND ENJOY YOUR FRIDAY AFTERNOON AT THE RACES !!!