Mike's Race Analysis September 28, 2008
Race #1
1st - #4 Shirleyanne | 2nd - #3 Sunrise Finale | 3rd - #6 Paradise Cruiser
COMMENTARY : The #4 SHIRLEYANNE is in a good spot today after her comfortable score over a field that might have been a tad better than this group so I like her repeat. The #3 SUNRISE FINALE just broke her maiden but was traveling well at the end and seemed like the type that’ll appreciate more ground so I think she’ll give a good account of herself this afternoon. The #6 PARADISE CRUISER didn’t seem to care for the track conditions last time as she finished well back; she’s better than that race and has a good shot if she handles the going today.Race #2
1st - #3 Buckaroo Lou | 2nd - #2 Smart Gamble | 3rd - #4 Winforus
COMMENTARY : The #2 BUCKAROO LOU looks the best on paper in this dash and with him probably able to set a sensible early tempo this afternoon he should prove tough to catch. The #2 SMART GAMBLE took advantage of a hot pace last time and rallied to win from off the pace at the non-two $8,000 level; he’s in a little tougher but should be on the board. The #4 WINFORUS is in restricted company after challenging $15,000 three year olds earlier this month; he’ll need to stay close early if he’s to win so the break will be crucial for him.Race #3
1st - #2 Twofourtime | 2nd - #4 T Drive | 3rd - #7 Collin Bros.
COMMENTARY : The #2 TWOFOURTIME has been extremely fast in his two-turn races and that type of speed will likely get him the victory as he shortens up to three and a half furlongs. The #4 T DRIVE was bounced around leaving the gate in his latest which is why he wasn’t a little closer to the lead; his prior races plot him in the hunt so I’ll give him another shot. The #7 COLLIN BROS. is out of a mare that had a lot of speed and judging by the works he has some talent as well; he’s giving up experience to the top two but he might end being a threat if he breaks with the field.Race #4
1st - #2 Saratoga Renegade | 2nd - #3 Annie Laurie | 3rd - #4 Tendra’s Way
COMMENTARY : The #2 SARATOGA RENEGADE has been aggressively spotted down at this restricted non-three $8,000 level after a win at the non-two $20,000 tag; she has speed and should be in a great spot early so she’s going to be tough to beat again today. The #3 ANNIE LAURIE has tackled considerably tougher company in her last two and if she can get a pace battle up front she’ll be the main threat to my top pick. The #4 TENDRA’S WAY was a little too sharp on the head end in her latest and if she settles a bit early she likely stay on for a piece of the TRIACTOR.
Race #5
1st - #6 M Beth | 2nd - #3 Mia Dolce | 3rd - #8 Sargent Sally
COMMENTARY : I‘m going to take a shot on the #6 M BETH who flashed good speed in her debut and with her dropping down to a better level and getting in with a group that doesn’t have much early speed in it she could surprise some people today. The #3 MIA DOLCE will undoubtedly take all the action as she’s hit the board in her last three and will likely win a race very soon; these kind are usually under-valued which is why I went shopping elsewhere. The #8 SARGENT SALLY made some progress late in first start in blinkers and if she continues to improve she could threaten for the win.
Race #6
1st - #2 Faith To The End | 2nd - #3 Sheisrough | 3rd - #4 Mocha Time
COMMENTARY : The #2 FAITH TO THE END has blazing early speed and should find her way to the lead although there is other speed in the lineup; she’s in with much easier and even if she has to duel hard for the front I think she’s good enough to last for the victory at this level. The #3 SHEISROUGH has been very sharp of late and has actually learned how to rate and come from off the pace which has led to a couple of big efforts of late; she’s likely to get a similar setup again today so she deserves respect. The #4 MOCHA TIME is another filly riding a winning streak that could be right in the thick of things in the stretch. TOUGH RACE !!Race #7
1st - #4 Midnight Babe | 2nd - #6 Deadly Zone | 3rd - #2 Sheen Falls
COMMENTARY : The #4 MIDNIGHT BABE is an easier spot this afternoon getting tossed into a couple tough spots after breaking her maiden; she’ll likely let the speed go early and I think she’ll get a solid pace to run at. The #6 DEADLY ZONE just missed in her latest at this same level but with more speed in this dash she have to work too hard early and may to settle for a minor award. The #2 SHEEN FALLS was a maiden winner in her last start which was almost three months ago on the ‘Tapeta’ surface at Golden Gate; she’s had a spotty work tab of late which is why I didn’t pick her to win it but her off-the-pace style should reward her connections with an on-the-board placing.Race #8
1st - #8 Savo Island | 2nd - #4 Right Honorable | 3rd - #3 Brother Jake
COMMENTARY : The #8 SAVO ISLAND is the best sprinter in the race and even though he has an outside post it may work to his advantage as he seems to be a better horse when he’s get to race on the outside; strong wire-to-wire threat. The #4 RIGHT HONORABLE finally ran to his potential last time out and if he can work out a similar trip today then he’s the one with the best chance to knock off the #8 SAVO ISLAND. The #3 BROTHER JAKE is coming into this race off of an easy score over no-tag maidens; things are tougher today but I think he stacks up well against most of these and I think he’ll be in the TRIACTOR.Race #9
1st - #2 Master Foolish | 2nd - #4 Share An Otis | 3rd - #5 Psammead
COMMENTARY : The #2 MASTER FOOLISH has been running well in some tough maiden heats that have produced many next-out winners and I feel this race has come up easier than his last two so if he can repeat his last effort against this group I think it’ll get him the winners’ cheque. The #4 SHARE AN OTIS figures strongly off of his last race in which he finished a solid second after chasing a hot pace; major player again today. The #5 PSAMMEAD was hurt by the slow fractions last time out and with a quick pace looming he could be the one flying from off-the-pace.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL AND HAVE A GREAT AFTERNOON AT HASTINGS !!!