Off The Charts Trip Notes – May 17, 2013

Off the Charts Trip Notes (May 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 Arlington

JJ’S CLASSIC (Race 10 @AP, May 11, 2013, Mile, turf, Claiming $25,000) Widest in the gate was widest into the first turn and widest for almost all of the backstretch. Just when field entered the far turn the rider, James Graham, dove to the inside, and just when it appeared she would make progress she had to wait. She was behind the leaders down the stretch and Graham never could let her loose. The well bet filly was much better than her finish would leave most to believe.

At Belmont Park

HYPER (Race 8 @BEL, May 15, 2013, Turf, Stakes). Bet down to 2-1 in The Good Reward Stakes, this guy was full of run turning for home when he was completed stymied behind horses while down of the rail. When he finally got clear inside the 1/16th pole, he finished willingly to gain the place spot behind the Grade 1 winner Teaks North. Unlucky trip cost him the chance for the win.

At Churchill

BARRISTER JIM (Race 8 @CD, May 10 2013, 1 1/16 Miles, Maiden Claiming $30,000) Third choice in the wagering was off a beat slow, bumped slightly and was eager for action. The gelding ran up on the backside of others going into the first turn and was taken up, and then fought the rider throughout the turn. Settled fairly well down the backstretch and stalked. Entered the stretch and fought all the way to a good close second. The early problems and energy expended cost this one his maiden victory.

TYRUS (Race 11 @CD, May 12, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $30,000 3L) Five year old was flat footed leaving the gate and was a step slow to get moving. Traveled wide down the backstretch and was caught wide throughout the entire turn. Made a respectable run down the lane, drifted in late, but secured third place despite losing so much ground.

At Emerald Downs

Davidaaronnathanne (Race 6 @EMD, May 11, 2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $4,000 3L) The colt was bothered at the break and forced to be a dozen or more  lengths behind a runaway leader. He settled on the rail and eventually made a nice rally until he was completely shut off by the eventual runner up at the eighth pole. After re-starting, this colt came again and ran down the others to gain show.

At Hollywood

MINISTER OF TRADE (Race 5 @Hol, May 11, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $16,000 2L) Big longshot was slow to start and quickly a dozen lengths behind leaders. Slow to make up ground but hung to rail in turn and started to progress once in stretch. Made a very good rally and got up for third. The effort seemed to be one that was hardly noticed and could help to make a big price next time.

At Monmouth

FIRSTTOTHELINE (Race 4 @MTH, May 11, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $25,000) Favorite hopped at start and then was steadied hard after the field ran the initial 1/16 of a mile. Far back in last she was used hard used by Joe Bravo to make up ground. A slight bump and a minor check at the top of the lane added to her misery on this day but she kept running and gained fourth. The filly is much better than her finished indicates.

TRAVELIN MAN (Race 11 @MTH, May 11, 2013, 6 furlongs, Stakes) Favorite broke slow and took a while to get rolling, was then hurried up along the rail and into contention. He looked to have a chance when the field came out of turn, but the five year old couldn’t get outside for racing room. He was forced back behind the leaders with a furlong out and then called it a day.

At PARX

BOY HAS RHYTHM (Race 6 @PRX, May 11, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $7,500 4L) Longshot had a terrible start and was left far behind. Gradually made up ground and entered the stretch about 7 wide and then was about 10 wide in the stretch. Continued to close with determination and finished a sneaky fourth.