Off the Charts Trip Notes – from AGameofSkill.com, August 11

Off the Charts Trip Notes (August 11, 2012) spotlights 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.

At Del Mar

SPEARGUN (Race 1 on Aug. 2 at DMR, mdcl 30, 6 furlongs). Second choice in the wagering, this guy was completely boxed in turning for home. Looked like he might get a clear run at the eighth pole but the eventual runner-up again boxed in on the rail. Lost all chance at this point but got up for third in a willing effort.

THE HUMANCOMPLAINT (Race 3 on Aug. 4 at DMR, mdspwt). First time starter entered this race off a strong workout and was bet down accordingly. He broke slowly and was never really asked to run until the very end by jockey Rafael Bejerano. Barn rarely wins first time out this was clearly an educational experience for the son of Tribal Rule. Will take money and rightfully so in second career start.

At Saratoga

ARCH SUPPORT (race 7 on July 30 at SAR, 1 mile inner turf). This two-time winner at the Spa was sitting mid pack 5th in the field of eight when she received a weak and poor timely move from jockey Irad Ortiz. She was making a run in mid-stretch when she simply was not given a clear path to run. Daughter of Arch was wrapped up last and finished last but only beaten a little over two lengths for all the money. She could be a big price next time out at the same “optional 3x” level.

GIMME CREDIT (Race 6 on Aug. 1 at SAR, 1 mile inner turf). In his first start since May and only third start since last fall, this 9yo gelding made a furious late charge and just ran out of real estate in this one mile optional claimer. Son of Artax was making his first start for top turf trainer Chad Brown and clearly likes his new surroundings. Would benefit from a stretch out to 1 1/16 miles. Owns two wins at Saratoga lifetime from 8 attempts.

KRISSY KAT (Race 5 on Aug. 2 at SAR, mdcl 50k, 1 mile inner turf). Filly was making her second start off the layoff and first on the grass for the barn of Ralph Nicks. She was steadied briefly in mid stretch and that cost her valuable momentum as she making a nice late run. She would not have caught the winner but should have been second. 3yo is bred well on both sides for the grass.

LORD OF LOVE (Race 6 on Aug. 4 at SAR, ny-mdspwt, 1 mile inner turf). New York-bred 3yo has shown sneaky great improvement since returning from a layoff for longtime trainer John Hertler. He was making a nice run up the inside but did not have a clear path late and was steadied at the 1/16th pole behind the winning favorite from the Chad Brown barn. Son of Not For Love is knocking on the door.