Mike's Race Analysis September 7, 2008

COMMENTARY : The #4 TALENTED TANA was stuck in behind the speed in her last race and ran reasonably well but today she should be able to get in the clear early and will likely be more of a factor; winning pilot returns. The #1 ZETHAR is the logical play off of her narrow loss at this level last time out; it was her first start on Lasix and is definitely the one to catch. The #2 BRYMIC’S STARLITE was taken out of the running style that got her second money two starts ago as she sitting too close to the pace and finished well back; if she can relax early then she has a shot of being a threat in the late going.

Race #2

COMMENTARY : The #1 VYING STAR was very impressive in her latest as she battled hard on the pace and held well to keep third money; she’s come back with a good work and should prove tough to catch today. The #5 CRITICAL CHOICE lost the battle with the #1 VYING STAR on the pace last time although it was her first race in nearly two months; she’ll likely get a perfect trip so she deserves respect in this spot as well. The #6 CIELO ROJO had a pace duel in front of her and every shot to win her latest and couldn’t which is why I like the top two fillies a little better today.

Race #3

COMMENTARY : The #2 GALAHAD improved noticeably in his last race without the blinkers and with the horse that beat him that day coming back to win it adds even more to his last performance; he’s up slightly in price but this race really didn’t come up all that tough. The #3 HEZA PLAYBOY is facing easier company and stretching out to a new distance so perhaps better will be in store for him. The #7 KINGS FJORD closed up strongly through the stretch last time at this trip and if the top two falter he’s the next best.

Race #4

Race #5

COMMENTARY : The #8 BOCEPHUS had a rough trip in his latest and failed as the 6-5 favourite but it appears that he’ll get a perfect trip sitting just in behind the speed so he should visit the winner’s circle this afternoon. The #3 MIGHTY ALL STAR went a little crazy on the head end last time and it cost him as he was very tired in the stretch; he has a fast one beside him in the gate which could be a problem but I think he’s one of the more talented runners in the field and I’ll give him another shot. The #1 RAINBOW DASH has been freshened up after his poorest showing of the season; his works are good and with the threat of a pace duel in here he could make his presence felt in the late going; VALUE play !!

Race #6

COMMENTARY : The #1 MY GOLD BAR should get a decent pace set in front of her again today but the noticeable difference is the field size which will play in her favour. The #7 BEAUTIFUL BREEZE just missed in her last and really only needs a repeat performance to get close to winning the money. The #4 STINGOFTRUTH will appreciate getting back on fast track and is another with a chance in this competitive heat.

Race #7

Race #8

Race #9

COMMENTARY : The #6 MONEY X CHANGE is right back in at his winning level and with him likely to get a nice trip just off of the speed he’s going to be tough to beat once again. The #1 JOY OF THE LORD is back in at a better distance for him and if he can avoid a pace duel he has a big chance of defeating my top pick. The #5 TOP DIS N THAT is a newcomer that could be very ’live’ in his Hastings debut; he has speed and has been competitive in Northern Cal and actually has a better form than JOYOF THE LORD who also came from the same track. 

Race #10