Off the Charts Trip Notes – January 30, 2013

Off the Charts Trip Notes (January 30, 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 Fair Grounds

AWESOME BANDIT (Race 4 at FG, allowance, 6f dirt). Favorite in this field was much the best, certainly better than his margin of victory. He steadied twice on the backstretch when stuck racing down on the inside. Swung out when clear at the top of the lane and drew off with authority. Solid.

At Gulfstream Park

BERNIES BEST (Race 5 at GP, Jan 17, mdspwt, 1 1/16 miles turf). Very unlucky trip for the 3-5 favorite in this maiden turf race. The Mark Hennig runner was full of run heading into the stretch run when an also-ran came out on him, side swiping him and costing him the race. He was knocked silly, losing all momentum which he could not recover from. Settled for third in a race he would have won.

At Laurel Park

HORSIN’ AROUND (Race 4 at LRL, Jan. 21, Opt 1x, 5 1/2 furlongs). Aqueduct invader was bet down to second choice in this field and finished a close fourth, but she had a rough trip en route to this respectable finish. She was bumped hard at the break, was stuck down on the inside, altered course in the stretch run after being blocked and finished well. She can move forward off this performance for top trainer Mike Hushion.