“Off the Charts” Trip Notes – Jan. 27, 2016

Horses to Watch from AGameofSkill.com – the free horse racing watch list

AQUEDUCT

Beyond the Green (Aqueduct – Race #6 – 1/22/16 – Alw $57,000 – #2) –  Kendrick Carmouche in the irons, and he came under urging at the 5/16’s, and showed a nice late kick. This really caught my eye as a “wager in waiting.” – Love the rider, and for breaking dead-last and rolling late. – I’ve got my eyes peeled for this colt.

Rockford (Aqueduct – Race #7 – 1/22/16 – Starter Alw – #6 – 1 and 70 yards on the inner track) –  Jose Ortiz was the rider for Bruce Levine, and his runner threw his head at the start cracking his noggin against the side of the gate. – The rider knew this was going to be a workout and just wrapped up and jogged the distance. – I’ll toss this one, as he looked like a million bucks on the track. Add in being claimed four times in a row, and we have a horse that has the attention of trainers and bettors.

Gulfstream Park

Nena (Race #7 – 1/22/16 – Mdn Claiming -#3 – 1 1/16 on the dirt) –  John Cruz had the call on this filly, and she did a great job of tracking the early speed over a sloppy (sealed) track. – She tried to kick off the rail for clear sailing, and ran into a heap of trouble and was “boxed in” waiting for room late in the lane. She showed good interest once she broke free, and that is plenty to watch when this filly takes the track next out.

Cheri’s Win (Race #3 – 1/23/16 – Claiming – #7 – 6 1/2f on the dirt) –  Vincente Gudiel had the call, and the apprentice rider gave a bit of a questionable ride. – I’m not into blaming,  so I’ll toss the race as he may not have been familiar with this filly. – She was five wide the entire race in a field of seven runners. I think this caused her to lose plenty of ground, and when he called upon her she finished with a steady advance as the beaten chalk. – I’m a big fan of “bug” riders, and maybe they’ll use him right back. – Either way, I think they may have a nice runner looking for a little better trip.

Tampa Bay Downs

Fort Prada (Race #10 – 1/20/16 – AOC $32,000 – 5f on the turf – #4) – top rider Antonio Gallardo in the irons for Chris Block, and she was off slowly going a short turf event. This usually has you looking to the next effort, but she made up a great deal of ground with the rail out at 30 feet and a 57.2 time. – She was on fire down the lane and should bring the heat next time to the races.

Slip of the Tongue  (Race #6 – 1/20/16 – A.O.C $75,000 -#2 – 1 1/16 on the turf) – Manny Cruz in the saddle for Eoin Harty. This filly was making her second off the shelf from Presque Isle, and was dropping in class from the $100k Sandpiper Stakes. – She made a professional move around the far turn, and this (22-1) shot ran a better race than shows on paper. She’ll mature off this effort and light up the board next out.