Mike's Race Analysis June 28, 2008
Race #1
1st - #6 Zippy Zak | 2nd - #4 Western Admiral | 3rd - #2 Viscount Victor G
COMMENTARY : The #6 ZIPPY ZAK was a fast closing third with better in his latest so with him facing an easier task and being reunited with his winning pilot today he should be able to get up for the win at a short price. The # 4 WESTERN ADMIRAL fired huge first time out (for the second consecutive season) winning by almost two lengths over a wet track. He's facing a tough one in the #6 ZIPPY ZAK this afternoon but if anyone is going to knock him off it's going to be the 'Admiral'. The #2 VISCOUNT VICTOR G could possibly get a better trip near the lead today which would obviously help his chances so I think he's worth a look.Race #2
1st - #2 Kinda Special | 2nd - #6 Trouble Shooter | 3rd - #1 Irish Opinion
COMMENTARY : The #2 KINDA SPECIAL is unproven at this longer trip but it looks like he's going to be able to set a comfortable early tempo and I'll gamble that he can stay the trip. The #6 TROUBLE SHOOTER hasn't shown much in his two sprints so far this year but he seems to be a better horse at this distance and with this race coming up very soft for the level he has to be respected off of his solid tries at this distance last year. The #1 IRISH OPINION saved the chalk players in his Hastings debut as the lesser fancied part of a 6-5 entry (Zippy Zak was the favoured one) the 11-year old rallied from last to get the money. This distance should suit him nicely but I'm a little concerned about the lack of early pace in here which is why I've left the veteran in the third spot but he's obviously capable with the right trip.Race #3
1st - #3 Rockahula Miss | 2nd - #5 La Veloz | 3rd - #4 Date With Anna
COMMENTARY : The #3 ROCKAHULA MISS closed up well to get her first career victory three weeks back; she showed promise in her lone try at this distance last year and I think she'll be tough to beat in this spot. The #5 LA VELOZ has improved with each outing and scored an easy win at this same trip in her latest so she should be a major factor again today. The #4 DATE WITH ANNA is a newcomer that just broke her maiden in Northern Cal going a mile; there isn't much early pace in here so her 'deep closer' style might hurt her today.Race #4
1st - #8 Sideline | 2nd - #4 Albihighway | 3rd - #3 Sunrise Serenade
COMMENTARY : The #8 SIDELINE is the best horse in the race and even if he has to go a little fast early to get the lead I think he'll win even at this longer trip. The #4 ALBIHIGHWAY might be able to take advantage of a hot pace and get into the top three. I liked the #3 SUNRISE SERENADE last time and he had every shot to win with a perfect trip but ended up second; this race has come up tougher so I've left him in the third spot.Race #5
1st - #4 Sales Gal | 2nd - #2 Comet Seven | 3rd - #9 Goldy Fox
COMMENTARY : The #4 SALES GAL had a tough post last time but still closed strongly through the final quarter-mile and just missed getting second money; she has a better draw today and should be tough to hold off in the stretch. The #2 COMET SEVEN ran reasonably well in her first try at this trip and would only need to slightly improve to threaten for the win. The #9 GOLDY FOX hit the board in both of her tries going long last year so with two sprint preps under her belt she could be the VALUE play.Race #6
1st - #10 Undersecretary | 2nd - #9 Superior Straits | 3rd - #2 Vintner
COMMENTARY : The #10 UNDERSECRETARY is back in with restricted non-three company after a solid runner-up effort sprinting with open $8,000 claimers; he has an outside post but it might just be a blessing as it'll keep him out of trouble. The #9 SUPERIOR STRAITS had a tough trip in his first try going long two weeks ago; he's reunited with the pilot that seems to know him best which is a big plus. The #2 VINTNER was caught up in a three-ply speed duel with much tougher company which contributed to his last place showing in his return to Hastings; he's in an easier spot today and with leading rider up he's worth a look.
Race #7
1st - #6 Usher Inc. | 2nd - #3 Postmaster General | 3rd - #5 Afleet D
COMMENTARY : The #6 USHER INC. is being offered for a price for the first time in his career after a disappointing run as the 3-5 favourite in an allowance event; he has a good post for his style and should be a strong pace threat. The #3 POSTMASTER GENERAL took advantage of a contested pace in his victory at the non-two $20,000 level and with the threat of a pace duel looming likely in here he has an excellent shot to repeat. The #5 AFLEET D made an early run three deep on the backstretch and got caught late finishing up a close fourth. This race could set up nicely for him so he deserves respect in the exotics.Race #8
1st - #4 Ultraforce | 2nd - #6 Rainbow Dash | 3rd - #9 Spirit Bear
COMMENTARY : The #4 ULTRAFORCE has actually performed better than his form indicates and I think he'll run very well today; he's exiting some tough maiden heats and should appreciate this easier assignment. The #6 RAINBOW DASH just missed with similar so he'll likely be the favorite although I think he's a vulnerable 'fave'. The #9 SPIRIT BEAR ran much better in his latest and his speed makes him a strong threat even though he's up in price.
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