“Off the Charts” Trip Notes

As we close in on the final leg of the Triple Crown, there seems to be more focus on finding value than the usual talk of making history. Triple Crown winners don’t grow on trees, and this year has the interest of players with a chock-full card sure to offer up value.  The best part of Thoroughbred racing is the hope that awaits. The promise of things to come, and the beauty of majestic runners taking our breath away. Best of luck this Saturday with the Belmont card, and in the meantime. Here are some runners who deserve a good piece of your wagering bankroll.

Belmont

Mascarello (BEL 6/4/16 – Race #5 – #7 – 1 1/16 turf) –  Aaron Gryder in the saddle for H.J. Bond, and his runner saw every inch of the course this day. He was forced wide into the first turn and then even wider as the race progressed. If the field covered 1 1/16, he may have covered 1 1/8.   His mount lost by 3/4 of a length on this day and that is saying a great deal for his extended trip around New York.

Inca Saint (BEL 6/5/16 – Race #2 – #4 – 1 1/16 dirt) – jockey Javier Castellano in the irons on this day, and was checked immediately after the gate break almost coming to a full stop. Once he got his runner back on stride, he was forced out wide during other points of the race.   Give this race a pass and you’ll find a better trip next out.

Belterra Park

Too Cool (BTP 6/4/16 – Race #4 – #11 – One mile turf) –  Geovany Garcia in the saddle, and his mount relished the grass course. The rains were starting and the weeds had a little glimmer of water. Breaking from the outside post is no bonus, but when you find impressive turn of foot down the lane to win in a hurry. Sometimes you keep a gal like this on your list for a return play at the windows.

Altissimo (BTP 6/4/16 – Race #5 – #10 – 6f dirt) – rider Antioco “Coco” Murgia in the irons and his runner is a perfect 2/2 over the course. The interesting part is he came closing strongly over a course that has been favoring speed. He is slated to return on Friday 6/10, and he is a part of an entry that may have short odds. If you’re looking for value you’re going to have to work on multi-race wagers.

Churchill Downs

Casses Story (CD 6/4/16 – Race #1 – #1 – 5f dirt) – Miguel Mena in the saddle and his mount was soundly bumped after the gate break, and was put in tight quarters at the 5/16th pole. Troubled trips often give us a great wagering opportunity next out, and this guy fits the bill.

Kylers Song (CD 6/4/16 – Race #4 – #1 – one mile dirt) –  Jack Gilligan at the controls, and his mount broke tardy from the gate and to rush into contention.   Once settled, his charge caught my eye as a runner making up good ground very easily.