Off the Charts Trip Notes – August 29, 2013

The exclusive and free AGameofSkill.com feature Off the Charts Trip Notes (August 29, 2013) searches out horses throughout the country who encountered some type of significant or meaningful trouble in their most recent start or just gave an extremely impressive performance. Please note that horses spotlighted in Off the Charts Trip Notes are never an automatic bet back, but rather runners to give a serious look at given the trips and the trouble spotted by our expert handicappers at AGameofSkill.com.  Horses below listed in track name order. 

Delaware Park

SENSEOFENTITLEMENT (Race 6@DEL, August 21, 2013, one mile turf, MSW) The favorite was in a good position to win at the top of the stretch when the eventual winner came over and completely shut him off forcing him to gear down to a crawl. He started running once the intrusion was over and still managed to gain second.

Del Mar

CINMARS DANCE (Race 5 at Del Mar, August 21, 2013, md50, 5 1/2f).  First time starter from 4% debut barn was left at the gate but proceeded to put in a solid late run to get up for third in a remarkable performance.  Two year old son of Cindago is bred to win early and can score soon for Eric Kruijac.

SEBASTIAN FLYTE (Race 4@DMR, one mile turf, Claiming $32,000) The favorite ran along the inside and reached contention into the final turn. He was making a move on the inside when the eventual winner crowded and pinned him along the rail, forcing the favorite to almost come to a complete stop. He ran on and finished fourth. The winner was disqualified for his actions.

CLOUDS CLEARING (Race 5@DMR, 5 ½ furlongs, Maiden Claiming $50,000, 2 YO) Dismissed on the tote board CLOUDS CLEARING was an impressive debut runner especially considering the traffic trouble. He broke in air and was left at the back of the field. He gradually made progress staying to the inside and became a contender just before the top of the stretch. He moved well once in the stretch and then tried to angle out near the furlong marker but was bumped from the outside. He then went to the inside and continued a determined rally while in tight quarters, never quit, and won by a head.

Gulfstream

BAMA ROSE (Race 5@GP, August 25,2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $20,000) Going from turf to the main and from two turns back to one, BAMA ROSE was in excellent position to score tracking the pacesetter in second down the back stretch. Drawing closer just before reaching the top of the stretch, the eventual runner up tightened her position from the outside while the leader moved out. BAMA ROSE was squeezed at the most critical point of the race and had to take up enough to lose position. A few strides afterwards, the pacesetter gave way and then bore outward forcing BAMA ROSE into another opponent. Despite the tough luck, she fought back and gained fourth. She was probably no worse than second before the  mugging.

Penn National

CUBAN DEVIL (Race 4@PEN, August 21, 2013, 5 furlongs turf, Allowance 1X) The third choice in the wagering traveled along the inside stalking the leaders in tight quarters. When entering the turn the was checked sharply to keep off heels and lost ground. Staying on the inside he went through the turn and waited for the rail to open, which it did and he darted through and beat all foes to the wire. The gelding had to work a little for the win, which was due to his traffic trouble.

Saratoga

TALK THERAPY (Race 5 at Saratoga, Aug. 21, 2013, 1 1/8 miles, OptCl).  This seven year old son of top NY sire Freud got off to a terrible start when he lept in the air, and then was steadied and shuffled back on the far turn.  Still, he somehow managed to re-rally in the stretch and get up for second in a pretty remarkable performance.  Can dirt, mud, or turf.

Suffolk Downs

SUN DANCE MOON (Race 9@SUF, August 21, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $6,250) The favorite stumbled at the start and was left at the back of the field before rushing up to contention wide down the backstretch. He made a good rally when entering the turn but was 5-6 in doing so and was wide through the entire turn and when he entire the stretch about 5 lengths behind the leader. Despite a good effort that landed him second 4 lengths behind, he had too much to do to make up for the unfortunate events.

Woodbine

Mr. Monty (Race 3@WO, August 25, 2103, 5 furlongs, Claiming $12,500) The favorite, a need to lead type, hesitated and was very slow from the gate. He was then rushed up to the field and was trapped on all sides into and through the turn. After much encouragement in the stretch he finally angled out and rallied, just missing the place position. Not a bad race considering his running style was immediately compromised.