This exclusive and free AGameofSkill.com feature Off the Charts Trip Notes (Jan. 29, 2014) finds horses throughout the country who encountered some type of noteworthy 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.
Aqueduct
BELLE GALLANTEY (Race 6@AQU, January 20, 2014, mile 70 yards, Allowance 1x) Third choice stumbled at start and was then caught in between runners while racing behind a leading pair. Remained boxed in and under restraint until the group neared the far turn where the mare began to move out and away from her foes and began to circle the leaders. She went around those with ease, grabbed the lead at the quarter pole and ran away. Much the best despite a little trouble.
Fairgrounds
THOUSAND EDENS (Race 4@FG, January 20, 2014, one mile turf, MSW) Fourth Choice broke terrible, reared, and then almost lost rider, all within about 20 yards from the gate. The rider eventually got back in the saddle and got his mount going even though they were more than 20 lengths behind when the leaders entered the first turn. She began to catch the field midway in the turn and was moving extremely well along the rail, tried to get out once in the stretch but was blocked, then moved back down to the rail and continued to rally with interest. She finished fifth 8 lengths from the winner but only 3 lengths from the show position.
Gulfstream
HARBOR MISTRESS (Race 6@GP, January 20, 2014, 5 ½ furlongs, Maiden Claiming $12,500) The favorite was steadied and pulled up shortly after the start and left at the rear of the field. Moved toward the rail while being urged and was checked sharply around the half mile pole to do her in for the day. She had no chance at all.
Oaklawn
FLYING RAPUNZEL (Race 1@OP, January 23, 2014, 6 furlongs, Claiming $7,500) Second choice stumbled badly and her nose touched the ground, was the rushed up inside to reach contention. She raced third somewhat hemmed in going into the turn, was then free when the field hit the stretch and ran determinedly to finish then second when passed within the final pole.
TOOLPUSHER (Race 5,@OP, January 23, 2014, 1 1/16 th miles, Maiden Claiming $35,000) Fifth choice stumbled badly with his head hitting the ground and began last. Moved up into contention and was in a little tight around the half mile pole. Moved up to challenge the leader, who was the favorite that was allowed to set very slow and easy fractions. Was alongside the leader at the top of the stretch but couldn’t get past. An impressive race considering the trouble and the leader’s pace.
Santa Anita
PUBLIC INTEREST (Race 5@SA, January 23, 2014, one mile turf, MSW) The favorite dwelt badly and was left at the start very much behind the rest of the field. He was about 15 lengths behind the leader when he entered the first turn. He raced wide down the backstretch, made up ground by the time field got to the far turn, weaved back out and was 6 wide entering the stretch and behind another foe. Tried to move inward but was kept outside by the rider and closed with some interest to finish a respectable third just a couple of lengths behind the winner.
About Editor
Speak Your Mind