Off the Charts Trip Notes – January 17, 2013

Off the Charts Trip Notes (January 17, 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 Delta Downs

HONKEYTONK BULLY (Race 3 at DED, Jan 10, mdcl 10, 7 1/2 furlongs). This maiden claimer encountered serious trouble when he ran up on heels entering the far turn. Subsequently, he was steadied hard and shuffled back, losing momentum and numerous lengths. He proceeded to rally into the stretch and finished a very 3rd behind two logical runners. May be able to finally break through with a clean trip next time.

At Gulfstream

TEMPLE LION (Race 4 at GP, Jan 10, cl 6,250, 1 mile dirt). Second choice in the wagering, this filly finished with a sustained and willing run while chasing the 6-5 favorite around the far turn and into the stretch run. She was racing against the prevailing bias so this was a very good effort. Can win back at this level.

SPRING REASON (Race 6 at GP, Jan 10, Mdspwt, 1 mile turf). Augustin Stable runner raced inside with nowhere to go on the far turn, as she suffered from traffic woes during a good part of this race. The second time starter finished well on her courage up the inside of this turf race, while no threat to the winner, in a good performance for Jonathan Sheppard. El Prado filly wins soon.

At Turf Paradise

GABES GOLD (Race 7 at TUP, Jan. 14, mdcl $5,000, 1 mile). One of the contenders in this bottom level maiden claimer, this guy suffered a brutally wide trip. He broke from the ten hole, went 7 wide around the first turn and then proceeded to race 4-5 wide on the backstretch into the far turn. Despite that, he was in contention at the top of the lane before understandably tiring. This “professional maiden” was well beaten with the jockey entirely to blame for the exaggerated margin of defeat. He has finished in the money in 7 of 16 starts and can fare better next time with a major rider switch.