The early talk before the Holiday Road's miscue in his last start of the year at The Red Mile had him being the early bird favorite for next year’s Hambletonian. After today's races, two other horses have staked their claims to be definite contenders for next year's Hambletonian.
In his third lifetime start, Winning Fireworks came from next to last to move three wide past the three quarter pole and raced four wide down the stretch with an impressive stretch run to win the race in 1;56.4. What makes this race more impressive is he was able to run the field down off of relatively pedestrian fractions (:29.4, :58.4, 1:28.3). Something to consider is in his last qualifier on September 15, Winning Fireworks beat a horse named Holiday Road. According to Ron Pierce, Winning Fireworks is being turned out for the year after today's race. Looks like Noel Daley wanted to get a few races under Winning Fireworks’ belt to see what he has. Explosive Matter, the best trotting colt after Muscle Hill, was also a later bloomer in his two year old season and followed a similar path. While things can change before next year, if he stays healthy it looks like Winning Fireworks just punched his ticket for the 2010 Hambletonian.
In the ninth race, Lucky Chucky has also shown he is one of the main contenders for next year's Hambletonian winning easily in 1;56.2 on an off track; now having seven wins in eight starts with his only loss to Holiday Road in the Peter Haughton at the Meadowlands. After brushing off a slow first quarter to assume the lead, Lucky Chucky was able to control the pace the rest of the way to win with rain slowed fractions (:30.4, :59.3, 1:29). Lucky Chucky may be the ticket to another Hambo victory by John Campbell.
My guess is one of these two horses will be standing in the winner's circle at next year's Hambletonian.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Friday at Lexington, Rickshawing for a Good Cause
As the Grand Circuit meet at Lexington is rapidly approaching its conclusion on Saturday, there is a lot of great racing on Friday's card. There are divisions for the Bluegrass Series for 3yo trotting fillies which include the likes of Margarita Momma, Honorable Daughter, Broadway Schooner, Windsong Soprano, and Seaside as well as divisions of the International Stallion Stake for 2yo pacing colts and geldings as well as The Tattersalls for 3yo filly pacers featuring Yellow Diamond and Showherthemoney.
Before we go into Friday's races, two year old pacing filly Put On A Show certainly did so yesterday with her brilliant win in 1:53. While not as fast as her race the preceding week, the way she had kicked it into another gear once she went three wide past the 3/4 pole was more than impressive. Her next start is in the Breeders Crown up at Woodbine but she clearly is a horse to watch next year.
Here are my selections for the major races on Friday. Due to the number of races, I am just listing my top four selections. Remember, these are the horses on paper; betting may alter the way the races are played.
2nd Race - Trot - Bluegrass Series for 3yo fillies
3 - Sirenuse (9-2)
8 - Gift Card (7-2)
5 - Margarita Momma (5-2)
6 - Honorable Daughter (3-1)
4th Race - Pace - International Stallion Stake for 2yo colts and geldings
1 - Bettor Again (9-5)
2 - OK Commander (15-1)
3 - Rock Me Please (2-1)
4 - High Def Z Tam (8-1)
5th Race - Trot - Bluegrass Series for 3yo fillies
4 - Southwind Wasabi (6-1)
5 - Broadway Schooner (8-5)
3 - Highscore Kemp (8-1)
6 - Raising Rachel (7-2)
6th Race - Pace - International Stallion Stake - 2yo colts and geldings
6 - Rockin Image (7-5)
2 - Fashion Heart (8-1)
1 - Woodstock (5-2)
5 - Just Crowned (20-1)
7th Race - Pace - The Tattersalls - 3yo fillies
3 - Yellow Diamond (7-5)
4 - West Of L A (12-1)
2 - Palazzo Princess (8-1)
7 - That's The Plan (15-1)
8th Race - Trot - Bluegrass Series for 3yo fillies
7 - Seaside (9-5)
6 - Windsong Soprano (2-1)
1 - Musical Mystery (10-1)
3 - Sea Raven (15-1)
9th Race - Pace - International Stallion Stakes for 2yo colts and geldings
6 - One More Laugh (7-5)
2 - Shoobee's Place (6-1)
1 - All Speed Hanover (3-1)
8 - Word of Rocknroll (15-1)
10th Race - Pace - The Tattersalls for 3yo fillies
6 - Shanghai Lil (7-2)
1 - Showherthemoney (7-5)
5 - Kiss Me Kate (6-1)
3 - Indulge Me (15-1)
As a side note, the yearling sales in Lexington last night had a moral victory with prices down only 12% for the opening session. When compared to what happened with the t-bred yearling sales, if this trend holds a lot of people will be very happy. While not the sales topper, the full sister to Somebeachsomewhere, Someheartsomewhere, went for $210,000.
To brighten your day, here is a video clip for the 'colt' division of the Rickshaw Rumble which was recently held at Harrington Raceway to benefit Horse Lovers United.
There were separate Filly and Mare divisions. All kidding aside, this was a fun way to help horse adoption groups. Other tracks should put on similar events. Not only is it for a good cause, but it is an opportunity for media attention.
Before we go into Friday's races, two year old pacing filly Put On A Show certainly did so yesterday with her brilliant win in 1:53. While not as fast as her race the preceding week, the way she had kicked it into another gear once she went three wide past the 3/4 pole was more than impressive. Her next start is in the Breeders Crown up at Woodbine but she clearly is a horse to watch next year.
Here are my selections for the major races on Friday. Due to the number of races, I am just listing my top four selections. Remember, these are the horses on paper; betting may alter the way the races are played.
2nd Race - Trot - Bluegrass Series for 3yo fillies
3 - Sirenuse (9-2)
8 - Gift Card (7-2)
5 - Margarita Momma (5-2)
6 - Honorable Daughter (3-1)
4th Race - Pace - International Stallion Stake for 2yo colts and geldings
1 - Bettor Again (9-5)
2 - OK Commander (15-1)
3 - Rock Me Please (2-1)
4 - High Def Z Tam (8-1)
5th Race - Trot - Bluegrass Series for 3yo fillies
4 - Southwind Wasabi (6-1)
5 - Broadway Schooner (8-5)
3 - Highscore Kemp (8-1)
6 - Raising Rachel (7-2)
6th Race - Pace - International Stallion Stake - 2yo colts and geldings
6 - Rockin Image (7-5)
2 - Fashion Heart (8-1)
1 - Woodstock (5-2)
5 - Just Crowned (20-1)
7th Race - Pace - The Tattersalls - 3yo fillies
3 - Yellow Diamond (7-5)
4 - West Of L A (12-1)
2 - Palazzo Princess (8-1)
7 - That's The Plan (15-1)
8th Race - Trot - Bluegrass Series for 3yo fillies
7 - Seaside (9-5)
6 - Windsong Soprano (2-1)
1 - Musical Mystery (10-1)
3 - Sea Raven (15-1)
9th Race - Pace - International Stallion Stakes for 2yo colts and geldings
6 - One More Laugh (7-5)
2 - Shoobee's Place (6-1)
1 - All Speed Hanover (3-1)
8 - Word of Rocknroll (15-1)
10th Race - Pace - The Tattersalls for 3yo fillies
6 - Shanghai Lil (7-2)
1 - Showherthemoney (7-5)
5 - Kiss Me Kate (6-1)
3 - Indulge Me (15-1)
As a side note, the yearling sales in Lexington last night had a moral victory with prices down only 12% for the opening session. When compared to what happened with the t-bred yearling sales, if this trend holds a lot of people will be very happy. While not the sales topper, the full sister to Somebeachsomewhere, Someheartsomewhere, went for $210,000.
To brighten your day, here is a video clip for the 'colt' division of the Rickshaw Rumble which was recently held at Harrington Raceway to benefit Horse Lovers United.
There were separate Filly and Mare divisions. All kidding aside, this was a fun way to help horse adoption groups. Other tracks should put on similar events. Not only is it for a good cause, but it is an opportunity for media attention.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Sales Begin, Urging Changing?, Thursday Picks
Tonight is the opening round of Lexington Selected Yearling Sale and people are anxiously waiting to see how weak the market will be for yearlings. While many don't expect the dramatic drops the thoroughbreds suffered at their sale, many acknowledge that the market will be somewhat softer than it was last year. It is just a question of how soft.
The Ontario Racing Commission has modified the urging rules for thoroughbreds and the expectation is the rules will be modified for standardbreds. Speculation is rampant as to what will be changed but many are focusing on the portion of the rule which mandates an automatic disqualification of a horse when a driver whips one handed regardless of the number or type of its used. While this provision may be altered, the provision should be replaced with something stronger than the fine given to jockeys. Under the new guidelines, a jockey in a race with a purse over $100,000 is fined 20% of what the rider makes. If a horse finishes worse than fifth, the rider will be hit with a fine of 20% of what the fifth place finisher earns. A more appropriate fine for this particular violation if the spirit of the original rule is to be preserved would be a fine of what the winning driver would make on the race. After all, if a driver was fined 20% of their earnings, if it is a real big race it might be worth taking the fine. Making sure the driver didn't profit at all would make sure drivers kept both hands on their lines.
Some people are arguing that Ron Pierce's 10 day suspension (being appealed) for violating Kentucky's whipping rules is unfair to the owners as well as the fans. If this line of thinking is correct, then perhaps we should not suspend drivers for interference, or any other racing infraction as it may cause the owner to lose their driver. If this logic is correct, then perhaps we should only fine trainers that violate medication rules because the owner would be punished? If a driver is suspended, there are many competent drivers out there that would be more than capable to drive the owner's horse. For example, let's say Pierce's suspension meant he could not drive Well Said at Lexington or in the Breeder's Crown, I am sure the owners would be able to find a driver with similar ability of Ron Pierce to drive Well Said. Don't we have drivers drive a particular horse through most of their career then take themselves off to drive another horse or to race at another track? Driver changes are part of the sport, owners need to deal with it all the time. As for the fans? They are constantly handicapping races with drivers switching horses. We may disagree with a specific penalty for violating a rule, but a driver suspension being unfair to an owner is not a valid argument.
As a side note, others have indicated with all the different whipping rules how can a driver possibly know the rules? In the case of The Red Mile, the bottom of the condition sheet clearly indicates: Beware of the new whip Rule! See Judges. All a driver needs to do is ask. That being said, perhaps if the USTA at this past annual meeting had revised the whipping rules instead of punting by just toughening the penalties, the states would have had a model rule to adopt instead of going their own way.
There are five divisions of the International Stallion Stakes for 2yo trotting c&g on Thursday. Due to the length of this entry, I will just list my top four horses in each race in order of preference.
3rd Race: 4 - Kash's Caviar; 1 - He's Spooky; 3 - Caviar De Vie; 6 -Olla Podriga
5th Race: 2 - Wishing Stone; 1 - Hard Livin; 8 - Big Stick Lindy; 4 - Sailaway Dream
7th Race: 8 - Winning Fireworks; 1 - Rap's Legacy; 2 - Cuzzin Rob; 3 - Chimon
8th Race: 3 - Jetblue Volo; 4 - Senor Glide; 1 - Priority Photo; 8 - Call the Warden
9th Race: 5 - Temple of Doom; 4 - Shaq Is Back; 2 - Lucky Chucky; 1 - Empire Hanover
The Ontario Racing Commission has modified the urging rules for thoroughbreds and the expectation is the rules will be modified for standardbreds. Speculation is rampant as to what will be changed but many are focusing on the portion of the rule which mandates an automatic disqualification of a horse when a driver whips one handed regardless of the number or type of its used. While this provision may be altered, the provision should be replaced with something stronger than the fine given to jockeys. Under the new guidelines, a jockey in a race with a purse over $100,000 is fined 20% of what the rider makes. If a horse finishes worse than fifth, the rider will be hit with a fine of 20% of what the fifth place finisher earns. A more appropriate fine for this particular violation if the spirit of the original rule is to be preserved would be a fine of what the winning driver would make on the race. After all, if a driver was fined 20% of their earnings, if it is a real big race it might be worth taking the fine. Making sure the driver didn't profit at all would make sure drivers kept both hands on their lines.
Some people are arguing that Ron Pierce's 10 day suspension (being appealed) for violating Kentucky's whipping rules is unfair to the owners as well as the fans. If this line of thinking is correct, then perhaps we should not suspend drivers for interference, or any other racing infraction as it may cause the owner to lose their driver. If this logic is correct, then perhaps we should only fine trainers that violate medication rules because the owner would be punished? If a driver is suspended, there are many competent drivers out there that would be more than capable to drive the owner's horse. For example, let's say Pierce's suspension meant he could not drive Well Said at Lexington or in the Breeder's Crown, I am sure the owners would be able to find a driver with similar ability of Ron Pierce to drive Well Said. Don't we have drivers drive a particular horse through most of their career then take themselves off to drive another horse or to race at another track? Driver changes are part of the sport, owners need to deal with it all the time. As for the fans? They are constantly handicapping races with drivers switching horses. We may disagree with a specific penalty for violating a rule, but a driver suspension being unfair to an owner is not a valid argument.
As a side note, others have indicated with all the different whipping rules how can a driver possibly know the rules? In the case of The Red Mile, the bottom of the condition sheet clearly indicates: Beware of the new whip Rule! See Judges. All a driver needs to do is ask. That being said, perhaps if the USTA at this past annual meeting had revised the whipping rules instead of punting by just toughening the penalties, the states would have had a model rule to adopt instead of going their own way.
There are five divisions of the International Stallion Stakes for 2yo trotting c&g on Thursday. Due to the length of this entry, I will just list my top four horses in each race in order of preference.
3rd Race: 4 - Kash's Caviar; 1 - He's Spooky; 3 - Caviar De Vie; 6 -Olla Podriga
5th Race: 2 - Wishing Stone; 1 - Hard Livin; 8 - Big Stick Lindy; 4 - Sailaway Dream
7th Race: 8 - Winning Fireworks; 1 - Rap's Legacy; 2 - Cuzzin Rob; 3 - Chimon
8th Race: 3 - Jetblue Volo; 4 - Senor Glide; 1 - Priority Photo; 8 - Call the Warden
9th Race: 5 - Temple of Doom; 4 - Shaq Is Back; 2 - Lucky Chucky; 1 - Empire Hanover
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
A Canary Called Quebec
In a warning which should be heeded by the standardbred industry in the United States, it appears harness racing is done in the province of Quebec. Attractions Hippiques, the operator of the only operating standardbred racetrack in Quebec (Sulky Quebec) has suspended live racing after this past Sunday's card, and indicated unless they can quickly get some additional funding, they will close up and liquidate. All the racetracks in Quebec (including Hippodrome de Montreal) were operated by Attractions Hippiques which filed for bankruptcy in 2008 and only Sulky Quebec remained active for live racing. Last month, the operator issued their reorganization plan which depended on the provincial government continuing to provide financial support. However, the provincial government has finally said 'enough' and will no longer provide the track operator any financial support. As a result, the government plans to suspend making VLT payments to the track operator.
That's right. These tracks had VLTs. The government finally decided time has run out on standardbred racing and is discontinuing VLT payments to the track operators (the operators were also asking for additional assistance). The provincial government has determined, harness racing is no longer viable and the only assistance the industry will get is an aid package for breeders to allow them to get out of the industry in an orderly manner.
The canary has died (pardon the coal mine reference). This should serve notice to all involved in racing that VLT support for racetracks occurs at the pleasure of the government. For sure, VLTs were introduced at racetracks to support the horse race industry (all breeds) as well as help states balance their budgets. However, as governments continue to have budget issues, they will, if not now, be looking to see if horse racing interests have used this VLT revenue to rebuild their industry and determine if subsidizing racing continues to be a good investment. The measure of success will be increased wagering and more people in the stands; not horses racing for large purses in front of empty grandstands where the wagering handle will only cover 5% of the purse account. Unless racing reinvents itself, it is just a question of when, like Quebec, the government will say 'enough'.
For Quebec, all appears lost. However, all the stakeholders in racing elsewhere should take heed of the canary and try to save themselves by working on reinventing the sport to make it more relevant. Otherwise, other states and provinces will join Quebec.
Wednesday's race card at The Red Mile features three divisions of the International Stallion Stakes for 2yo pacing fillies. The first division (third race) features Higher And Higher as my favorite to win the race as she won her Bluegrass split last week with a :26.2 final quarter. Artcam is my second pick with her third place finish last week. One Last Kiss raced a credible third place finish in her first start back and is eligible to improve. Cool Jazz completes the superfacta.
Put On A Show is the odds-on favorite in the second division (seventh race). This undefeated filly was parked out in her last race and should be able to repeat. Skinny Dip finished second in her first effort over the mile oval; should improve. You See L A finally seems to have hit her stride; runs into a tough competitor here. Say So bombed in her last start. This does not appear to be the spot to bounce back.
The final split (ninth race) is perhaps the most competitive of the three. Siri Hanover looks to improve off her first start at Lexington and with a better trip can win. Casino Nights has been racing well; can challenge top selection. Western Moonlight has tailed off. Has back class to be a factor here despite the post. Wenditions is lightly raced but improving. May be the upset choice of the three splits.
That's right. These tracks had VLTs. The government finally decided time has run out on standardbred racing and is discontinuing VLT payments to the track operators (the operators were also asking for additional assistance). The provincial government has determined, harness racing is no longer viable and the only assistance the industry will get is an aid package for breeders to allow them to get out of the industry in an orderly manner.
The canary has died (pardon the coal mine reference). This should serve notice to all involved in racing that VLT support for racetracks occurs at the pleasure of the government. For sure, VLTs were introduced at racetracks to support the horse race industry (all breeds) as well as help states balance their budgets. However, as governments continue to have budget issues, they will, if not now, be looking to see if horse racing interests have used this VLT revenue to rebuild their industry and determine if subsidizing racing continues to be a good investment. The measure of success will be increased wagering and more people in the stands; not horses racing for large purses in front of empty grandstands where the wagering handle will only cover 5% of the purse account. Unless racing reinvents itself, it is just a question of when, like Quebec, the government will say 'enough'.
For Quebec, all appears lost. However, all the stakeholders in racing elsewhere should take heed of the canary and try to save themselves by working on reinventing the sport to make it more relevant. Otherwise, other states and provinces will join Quebec.
Wednesday's race card at The Red Mile features three divisions of the International Stallion Stakes for 2yo pacing fillies. The first division (third race) features Higher And Higher as my favorite to win the race as she won her Bluegrass split last week with a :26.2 final quarter. Artcam is my second pick with her third place finish last week. One Last Kiss raced a credible third place finish in her first start back and is eligible to improve. Cool Jazz completes the superfacta.
Put On A Show is the odds-on favorite in the second division (seventh race). This undefeated filly was parked out in her last race and should be able to repeat. Skinny Dip finished second in her first effort over the mile oval; should improve. You See L A finally seems to have hit her stride; runs into a tough competitor here. Say So bombed in her last start. This does not appear to be the spot to bounce back.
The final split (ninth race) is perhaps the most competitive of the three. Siri Hanover looks to improve off her first start at Lexington and with a better trip can win. Casino Nights has been racing well; can challenge top selection. Western Moonlight has tailed off. Has back class to be a factor here despite the post. Wenditions is lightly raced but improving. May be the upset choice of the three splits.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Spice Up the Video, Tuesday Stakes Preview
Racing needs to attract the younger generation for racing to prosper and we miss the boat completely when it comes to presenting our product. Our target market is enthralled with video games which send them visually into sensory overload. Yet, for the most part, we still show our races the same way we did when I first started to follow the sport with only the split screen to show a close up on the backstretch the only innovation. For 99+% of our races, it is still the camera shot from the grandstand the whole way around the track. Our racing product is visually unappealing to a generation weaned on video games; there is no way to emotionally get them involved with the race. To the younger generation, watching our races is like watching the keno board at a casino. Hence, we lose the opportunity to attract a younger generation of fans.
We need to 'NASCAR' our video presentation, making the fan part of the race. I am not suggesting putting a camera on top of a driver's helmet (though on occasion it could present an interesting view), but we need to show the race from different angles to make the spectator part of the race.
Dean over at Pull the Pocket on his latest blog entry has the video from the Arc de Triomphe (runners) and the Kentucky Futurity. In addition, I have taken a random French trotting race for your review so you can see how a harness race is typically shown in France. The camera angles they use allows the fan to become part of the race by showing the race from different perspectives. If you are trying to attract the younger generation to your sport, which presentation will engage the fan more?
We need to get the younger generation involved if we want racing to prosper in the future. Before we can get people wagering on our races, we need to get them interested as fans first. Changing the way we 'view' our races will be a step in the right direction.
Tuesday starts the second week of racing at The Red Mile. Once again, two year old filly trotters are being showcased with the International Stallion Stakes. With a lot of these horses now having at least one start over the The Red Mile oval, form should be a little more evident.
The second race is the first division of the ISS. Impressive Kemp was very impressive in her Bluegrass split winning by 8+ lengths last week after making two moves in her second lifetime start; will be odds-on. Behindclosedoors finished second in her split with a :27.3 last quarter; more racing experience appears to be only advantage she has against the favorite. Nannina has shown signs of ability at times, may land third. Glide By shows one good start in Peaceful Way elim, completes superfecta.
Fashion Feline is the top pick in the fourth race. Has six wins out of nine starts and she won the PASS championship for 2yo filly trotters. Barham Hanover has been knocking on the door, finished one length back in last to top pick. Finished third in Goldsmith Maid; completes chalky exacta. Secret Magic is the pick out of the local horses finished second in the Bluegrass; lands third. Bar Slide disappointed in her last, can redeem and complete superfecta.
In The Mean Time is a tepid pick for the third division (sixth race). Was racing very well but quit in the stretch in last race. Can bounce back but be wary if odds-on. Boinga is an upset selection. Finished fourth in first start at Lex; prior start was an impressive second in Helen Dancer at Freehold. Should improve with first start over the track in last start. Religulous has been fringe player since meeting open company. Don't see her at 9-5 but may pick up third spot. Full Tank has been racing well prior to last start; can bounce back to complete the exotics.
Perfect Chance leads the fourth split of the ISS (eighth race). Was parked out the whole mile in Peaceful Way final finishing third; any trip relief clinches the race. Tequila Slammer won her split of Bluegrass but faltered in Peaceful Way before; pick for second. Spicy Wings was a speedy winner in last but showed little success before last start; completes trifecta. Ultimate Cameron is best of the rest.
Southwind Samurai is the pick to shock the final division (tenth race); lightly raced but improving. Being favorite will be overbet, she may be worth the risk. Poof She's Gone is the logical selection but at a likely 2-5 or less, not worth the wager. Crown Laurel is lightly raced; lands part. Munis Blue Chip is best of the rest; tries open company.
We need to 'NASCAR' our video presentation, making the fan part of the race. I am not suggesting putting a camera on top of a driver's helmet (though on occasion it could present an interesting view), but we need to show the race from different angles to make the spectator part of the race.
Dean over at Pull the Pocket on his latest blog entry has the video from the Arc de Triomphe (runners) and the Kentucky Futurity. In addition, I have taken a random French trotting race for your review so you can see how a harness race is typically shown in France. The camera angles they use allows the fan to become part of the race by showing the race from different perspectives. If you are trying to attract the younger generation to your sport, which presentation will engage the fan more?
We need to get the younger generation involved if we want racing to prosper in the future. Before we can get people wagering on our races, we need to get them interested as fans first. Changing the way we 'view' our races will be a step in the right direction.
Tuesday starts the second week of racing at The Red Mile. Once again, two year old filly trotters are being showcased with the International Stallion Stakes. With a lot of these horses now having at least one start over the The Red Mile oval, form should be a little more evident.
The second race is the first division of the ISS. Impressive Kemp was very impressive in her Bluegrass split winning by 8+ lengths last week after making two moves in her second lifetime start; will be odds-on. Behindclosedoors finished second in her split with a :27.3 last quarter; more racing experience appears to be only advantage she has against the favorite. Nannina has shown signs of ability at times, may land third. Glide By shows one good start in Peaceful Way elim, completes superfecta.
Fashion Feline is the top pick in the fourth race. Has six wins out of nine starts and she won the PASS championship for 2yo filly trotters. Barham Hanover has been knocking on the door, finished one length back in last to top pick. Finished third in Goldsmith Maid; completes chalky exacta. Secret Magic is the pick out of the local horses finished second in the Bluegrass; lands third. Bar Slide disappointed in her last, can redeem and complete superfecta.
In The Mean Time is a tepid pick for the third division (sixth race). Was racing very well but quit in the stretch in last race. Can bounce back but be wary if odds-on. Boinga is an upset selection. Finished fourth in first start at Lex; prior start was an impressive second in Helen Dancer at Freehold. Should improve with first start over the track in last start. Religulous has been fringe player since meeting open company. Don't see her at 9-5 but may pick up third spot. Full Tank has been racing well prior to last start; can bounce back to complete the exotics.
Perfect Chance leads the fourth split of the ISS (eighth race). Was parked out the whole mile in Peaceful Way final finishing third; any trip relief clinches the race. Tequila Slammer won her split of Bluegrass but faltered in Peaceful Way before; pick for second. Spicy Wings was a speedy winner in last but showed little success before last start; completes trifecta. Ultimate Cameron is best of the rest.
Southwind Samurai is the pick to shock the final division (tenth race); lightly raced but improving. Being favorite will be overbet, she may be worth the risk. Poof She's Gone is the logical selection but at a likely 2-5 or less, not worth the wager. Crown Laurel is lightly raced; lands part. Munis Blue Chip is best of the rest; tries open company.
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