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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Saturday Night Spotlight Races

There are some good races Saturday night and the main focus for the night is Balmoral Park (Mohawk could be argued to have the big races, but they are eliminations) with the American-Nationals for 3yo trotters.  The Hambo and Oaks winners are scheduled to race Sunday in the Zweig Memorial at Tioga Downs, assuming they get the card in.  Just the same, the Am-Nats are worth watching.

A couple of interesting points regarding the now controversial Crys Dream.  First of all, she gets to race without getting a court order.  Did the IRB capitulate?  No, their rules only allow for reciprocity for licensees, and as we know, horses don't apply for licenses so they could not ban the horse from racing during the 90 day suspension from the ORC.  However, next time it may be tougher as the IRB is considering changing their rules to apply reciprocity for horses as well.  In addition, Crys Dream has a new driver and trainer, Jean Dubois, who is the majority owner and comes in from France for the driving assignment.  Is it a displeasure with Henrik Hollsten which necessitated the change?  My guess is Dubois is in for the upcoming yearling sales and decided to take over the reins since he is in the states.

Since the favorites will be going off at low odds in both divisions of the American-National, we are going to try to beat Crys Dream and Whit respectively.

We'll also take a look at a few NYSS races from Vernon Downs for 3yo pacing colts as we can expect to see some of them racing at Delaware and Lexington.   

Balmoral Park 4th Trot - $121,500; American-National - 3yo Fillies
9 - Lady Rainbow (Zeron, 8-1)
7 - Crys Dream (Dubois, 6-5)
2 - Wincinnatti (Whittemore, 6-1)
1 - Iron Lady (Magee. 9-2)
LADY RAINBOW got away slow in the Oaks and was parked, yet closed from eighth to miss winning the race by 1/2 a length.  Draws outside but that should not present a problem.  CRYS DREAM of course is the best 3yo filly trotter around but moves out.  Dubois should give a good account of himself but at likely 3-5 odds, we'll try to beat her.  WINCINNATTI came back from a dull Oaks and finished a respectable 3rd in the NJSS.  IRON LADY had no chance in the Oaks; races lile she did in the elimination and she should complete the superfecta.

Balmoral Park 5th Trot - $113,000; American National - 3yo Colts and Geldings
4 - GH Photo Victory (Miller, 8-1)
2 -Whit  (Whittemore, 2-1)
3 - Ax Man (Zeron, 4-1)
1 - Valiant Warrior( Carpemter, 10-1)
GH PHOTO VICTORY has been racing well at Balmoral and devestated them at Springfield in the State Fair trot.  Never better and worth a shot.  WHIT finished 2nd in NJSS last start and has raced well back east, but just hasn't set himself apart.  At 2-1 ML, I'm passing.  AX MAN finished second in the Review Stakes at Springfield and has raced well in 2nd tier stakes; can improe.  VALIANT WARRIOR has had a middlin season but with the rail may land the final spot in the super.

Vernon Downs 4th - $49,289; NYSS - 3yo Colts and Geldings (1st Division)
4 - Sea Vemture (Stratton, 5-2)
1 - Denver Dolly (Bouchard, 12-1)
3 - Overnight Delight (Morrill, 7-2)
6 - Test Of Will (Lems, 6-1)

Vernon Downs 7th - $49,289; NYSS - 3yo Colts and Geldings (2nd Division)
4 - American Rage (Stratton, 9-2)
3 - Mojo Terror (Morrill, 6-1)
7 - Wind Me Up (Teague, 5-2)
2 - JK Camelot (Merton, 7-2)


Vernon Downs 10th - $49,289; NYSS - 3yo Colts and Geldings (3rd Division)
7 - Feel Like A Fool (Teague, 8-1)
1 - Fantaddy (Morril, 9-2)
3 - Flipper J (Straton, 5-2)
9 - Art Z (Simpson, 7-2)

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