Off the Charts Trip Notes – January 1, 2013

Off the Charts Trip Notes (January 1, 2013) 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 Gulfstream

PANYIOTA (December 23, 2012, tenth race at GP, Non-Winner two lifetime, 6 furlongs on main track, Claiming $10,000). Fifth choice in a field of 12 distaff runners. Mare had the stuff to possibly win, but all chances were nullified at the start. She was squeezed and took something of a small hop. By the time the rider had control she was hopelessly beaten and just enjoyed a workout. A decent start at this level makes her a threat.

At Santa Anita

PRESS BARON (GB) (Race 5 at SA, Dec. 26, 1 mile turf, 3yo G2 stakes).  This guy was blocked badly along the inside at the 1/8th pole when he appeared to have a “lot of run.”  Got clear briefly but had lost valuable momentum as he was outfinished in the final 1/16th. Was steadied again nearing the wire in a sneaky good 3rd place finish.  Owns two lifetime wins against much weaker, one on turf and one on all-weather overseas.

At Tampa Bay Downs

MISS SCOUT (Race 6 at TAM, Dec. 21, 1 1/16 miles turf, mdspwt). This young filly raced greenly again but if not for a rough trip, she might have gotten her picture taken. She was full of run at the top of the stretch but was completely blocked behind horses at the 1/8th pole. Steadied hard, swung out and finished willingly for third in a sneaky good effort. Chad Stewart runner may need a rider change for her next turf attempt.

SWIDGEN (Race 7 at TAM, Dec. 22, 6f, mdcl 12.5k). Son of Bandini raced very wide on the backstretch and was further off the pace than expected in this maiden claiming sprint. Never gave up and continued on willingly to finish a good 2nd to the logical winning favorite. Next race will be third off the layoff.

At Turfway
BAHAMIAN RUM (December 23, race 7 at TP, Two Year old optional claimers 1X $50,000, one mile on the main track). The colt broke outward slightly from the #3 stall at the break, which caused the rider to settle the youngster. He then moved smartly into contention but was in tight quarters in the first turn and was forced to take up in the turn and pull back at the 6 furlong marker. He began a good run along the rail once into the backstretch but encountered tight quarters again at the 5/16 pole and was forced to pull back some. Having lost ground for the second time he was moved into the center of the track but was too far back to be a threat in the drive to the wire.