The American Natoinal Goes on Hiatus

The American Nationals, which have been prominent in the mid-west appears to be a race without a home after tonight's running.  The race, which in Chicago have been contested at Sportsman Park before moving over to Balmoral Park will be going into hiatus with the closure of Balmoral at the end of the year. 

Being Hawthorne will be hosting the standardbreds earlier in the year, there appears not to to be a home for the stakes race, at least for 2016.  Unless the race is taken over by another track or racing at Hawthorne is moved to the late summer or fall in subsequent years, this race seems to be destined for the history books.

It would be wrong if we let this historic series of races go without taking a stab at handicapping the final running of these races so I present my take on the final races (races 1-7). Without further ado, here are my picks.

1st Pace - $78,450 - American National 2yo Fillies

1 - Roll of Dreams (Gingras, 9-5) - Finished 3rd in his first race back against the morning line favorite.  Driver change may be the trick in reversing the results.

2 - Can't Touch This (Shelter, 8-5) - Highest money earner in the field has been racing strong at Hoosier Park; expect similar effort here.

4 - Rocknroll Hoochoo (Curtin, 12-1) - Green horse came from last to first in nw1.  Steps up in class but may have returned from layoff as a totally different horse.

3 - Lexington Lady (Carpenter, 3-`) - Winner of two straight has looked the best but has been racing against state-breds.  Tries open company.

2nd Pace - $74,000 - American National 2yo Colts and Geldings

4 - New Talent (Campbeell, 5-2) - When flat he appears unbeatable, but staying flat is the big question with this one. . Need decent odds to give this one a whirl.

1 - Mystical Rock (Tetrick, 7-5) - Miller trainee has been a consistent one in his brief career.  Will be ready to pounce if top choice jumps off.

6 - Lindy Beach (Zeron,7-2) - Last race was not much but raced well in Lexington late closers.  Has the speed but a question of seasoning.  Expect him to finish in the money.

3 - Western Redhot (Leonard, 8-1) - Seems to be the best of the rest.  Use in your super tickets.

3rd Pace - $120,000 - American National 3yo Fillies

7 - Devil Child (Tetrick, 5-2) - The easiest of winners in last two.  Look to repeat.

4 - Rockin Good (Finn, 8-1) - No chance in last. Winner of 4 of last six starts.  Second best.

1 - Southwind Roulette (Gingras, 3-1) - Draws the rail the first time in ages.  Could be what she needs.

2 - Daut Full (Zeron, 5-1) - Winner of two straight in overnights. Include on tickets.  May be worth a play if stays at 5-1 or higher.

4th Trot - $120,000 - American National 3yo Fillies

4 - E L Love (Rekila, 7-2) - Reklia racing south of the border?  That's all you need to know. 

3 - Muscle Baby Doll (Miller, 8-5) - Won the last going the overland route,  Easier trip here puts filly into contention.

6 - Bright Baby Blues (Tetrick, 9-5) - Showed in Futurity and placed against #3 in last start.  Don't ignore.

5 - Kelsey's Keepsake (Bongiorno, 6-`) - Broke in last two yet finished well.  Want this one in your tickets.

5th Pace - $159,000 - American National 3yo Colt and Geldings

2 - Freaky Feet Pete (Tr Tetrick, 6-5) - Jiggle It Wiggleit's nemesis is in a class of his own.  Lucky to get 4-5.

4 - Lost For Words (Miller, 7-2) - Finished 3rd in Breeders Crown,  Flat in last but never ignore Burke trainee.

6 - Mohawk Warrior (Ti Tetrick, 8-1) - Nice effort in last.  May pick up the pieces.

3  - My Hero Ron (Gingras, 5-1) - Last two were poor; but before then going well.  May rebound to land in money. 

6th Trot - $204,000 - American National 3yo Colt and Geldings

1 - The Bank (Miller, 5-2) - Breeders Crown winner looks to repeat.

6 - Homicide Hunter (De Long, 4-1) - Had long win streak before second place finish.  Looks to rebound.

3 - KY Lucky (Wilfong, 15-1) - Last better than it looks.  Races well here.  Include in tickets.

4 - Win The Day (Tr Tetrick, 12-1) - Reid trainee may be good enough to grab final spot in Super.

7th Pace - $136,500 - American National 4yo and up

1 - Luck Be Withyou (Tetrick, 4-1) - Draws rail against this field.  Looking for mild upset.

3 - Always B Miki (Miller, 8-5) - Logical favorite,  Will likely be 4-5 or lower.  A question of value.

5 -  Foiled Again (Gingras, 9-5) - Veteran pacer can never be discounted.  Will land on the ticket.

4 -  Ultimate Beachboy (Campbell, 10-1) - Been a while for this one but Burke may have this one ready for a good effort.  May improve this rating.