Off the Charts Trip Notes – March 13, 2014

This exclusive and free AGameofSkill.com feature Off the Charts Trip Notes (March 13, 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

MAMA ZEE (Race 7@AQU, March 6, 2014, 6 furlongs, Starter $20,000) Second choice in the field wasn’t off in a straight line and hesitated at the beginning, showed some speed after correction and then was held up in tight quarters in the early stages of the race. She went wide throughout the turn and even wider when the field reached the stretch. Ran well when completely clear and just couldn’t make up several lengths to the winner, who got a good jump on her earlier.

Fairgrounds

MY MYRINA (Race 6@FG, March 6, 2014, mile 70 yards off turf, Claiming $30,000) The fourth choice was a little wide and traveled behind foes looking for room most of the backstretch, was steadied off heels of an opponent around the 3/8 pole and then moved about 6 wide coming to the top of the lane. She rallied with interest and dashed down the center of the track to win impressively, especially considering her difficulty.

Gulfstream

HOT COTTON (Race 7@GP, March 6, 2014, 5 furlongs off turf, Claiming $25,000) The second choice in a big field reared and slammed into the side of the gate very hard at the start. She was left so far behind she had no chance. The race should be disregarded.

LATE NIGHT ARTIST (Race 9 @GP, March 12, 2014, 7.5 f turf, Mdcl $75). This first time starter from the Dale Romans barn broke sharply in her debut and went quickly up to dictate the way at a very difficult distance.  The daughter of sire Corinthian, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, led every step of the way until the favorite came at her strongly in the final yards.  It looked like she won the race but she got all the worst of the bob.  This was a ‘winning’ effort first time out.

Hawthorne

LAKOTA WOLF (Race 4@HAW, March 5, 2014, 6 ½ furlongs, $5,000 Claiming) The favorite endured a horrible start being squeezed hard on both sides and was forced to start at the back of the pack losing significant ground. He moved up along the rail but was still at the back of the pack when the field was moving through the turn. He continued to advance and was nearing the leaders at the top of the stretch but was in need of room. He moved out a little, moved back to the rail and made some more progress and then moved out some, eventually finished fourth.

Laurel

EXHILIRATE (Race 2@LRL, March 6, 2014, one mile, Claiming $5,000) The big odds-on favorite bobbled when the gates open and was forced to steady shortly after the start, then moved between horses trying to get to the front. She was forced to stay on the rail in second in tight quarters for a good piece of the race and could not get through. Eventually she was shoved through on the rail but began to give out of gas after the 3/16^th pole. The bad start primarily ruined her chances and she finished fourth.

Tampa

YANKEE INJUNUITY (Race 9 @TAM, March 5, 2014, one mile turf, Claiming $16,000) The 10 year old was the fifth choice and away well, but was trapped along the rail and boxed in almost the entire backstretch. Had plenty of run midway in turn when the serious part of the race began but his position was always compromised with no racing room. He swung in and out at the top of the stretch, then had to take back in order to swing wider to have a run. Closed well to recover several positions lost. Much better effort than final running position shows.