Wish I'd had some time to get into some of the races at the Big A today, as it actually seemed like a fairly interesting card with some lively claiming events, and even a nice maiden special event on tap. From a gambling perspective, I'll take these dead of winter days over those five Grade 1's with five horse fields and 3-5 favorites days any day.
Well, at least I got a play at Gulfstream from DiscreetCat for ya:
Gulfstream - Race 3And with all due respect to the other entrants (and to Bob and my fellow Kasey K partners), if Rap Tale got the second mention in the NYRA release on Sunday's Affectionately, then I'm figuring that there ain't no Zenyattas in here. I'm all for getting her some black type, but I'd also love to see her spotted where she can win. So here's to getting third place!
#6 Sartorius (8/1 ml)
Okay, let's try this again. As mentioned yesterday, Sartorius tied for the fastest quarter at the June OBS (21.1), and more recently worked heads-up three straight times with the older stakes winner Fierce Wind, who took the Sam Davis @ Tampa Bay Downs last year. Obviously, this horse was entered yesterday going 6 1/2 furlongs, but scratched in order to run in this one-mile race. I wasn't happy about that, but it's worth mentioning that Sartorius was actually entered last week going 1 1/16 miles on turf, but landed on the also-eligible list and didn't draw in. That, combined with the fact he scratched to run one mile today, indicates that trainer Phipps must feel strongly that Sartorius wants some more ground. So despite my reservations, the longer distance may well be to his benefit. Also of note is that the hot-riding Kent Desormeax takes the call today (rather than yesterday's listed rider Joe Bravo). Kent was actually aboard a different horse yesterday (Primary Witness), and that horse won. So it appears that Kent had some interest in riding Sartorius, but passed due to another commitment. Might even be another reason why Sartorius scratched in order to run today. In any case, i'm expecting a good showing from this horse.
5 Comments:
I nominate Thursday's 2nd race at Big A as the worst race in NYRA's history, Mdclm 15k 4up f/m. With this weather I make the over/under for the final 6f time is 116.
Out of desparation (and refusal on principle to play Philly Park shippers) I actually landed on Paragallo's entry of a 5yo and 6yo mares.
Treading very lightly of course.
>>I nominate Thursday's 2nd race at Big A as the worst race in NYRA's history, Mdclm 15k 4up f/m.
Yeah, I meant besides that race. Pretty steady diet of those of late.
Bloodhorse's Maiden Watch is taking a vote on which five first-year sires to track as their 2-year-olds begin their racing careers.
I voted for Afleet Alex, Closing Argument, Ghostzapper and St. Liam.
I think the vote will continue for a couple more days.
Never ran a step. Kent stopped riding him before they even left the turn. Not sure what happened here.
Well, the 6yo mare winning says it all, but the impressive 114.4 easily beat the o/u of 116.
I like the mare, but not at those odds, so laid off and watched with little interest.
Alan, yes agree the rest of the card was an interesting puzzle. If nothing else field size seems to be up, anecdotedly.
NYRA does seem to have done a good job of recruiting from the minor league tracks this winter. Can't just print the same condition book year round.
They finally have recognized that the Big A, as lovable as we all find it, is really minor league venue this time of year except for a couple of races each day.
And Assmussen, Pletcher, McGlaughlin, Albertrani leaving some decently bred maiden and alw horses here this winter has helped as well.
Quality is down, but the races are playable which is all that matters.
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