AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – July 26, 2018

July 26, 2018 by Leave a Comment

DEL MAR

OPUS WON (Race 4 at DMR, 7/18/18) – first time starter from barn that only wins 7% with debut runners also broke from a tough outside post.  Rated off the pace and when moved into the top of the stretch and the rider Flavin Prat asked her, she exploded in the final furlong, finishing willingly on her own and just missing 2nd.  Cal-bred daughter of Eddington has talent.  She’s a half to two winners including a nice stakes winner.

FINGER LAKES

SHAKESPERIAN DREAM (Race 8 at FL, 7/18/18) – this veteran mare was set to run a big race but lost all chance behind as slow a pace as you’ll ever see.  No match for the odds-on favorite who won but rallied gamely to be in a photo for 2nd after having to alter course around that rival.

LOUISIANA DOWNS

CULP’S HILL (Race 4 @LAD, 7/16/18) – gelded son of Eddington was the controlling speed on the drop to the $5,000 level and he ran a winning race, finishing 2nd to another dropper from the red hot Broberg barn.  This LA-bred four year old loves the grass, and I wouldn’t mind seeing the blinkers removed on this speedy runner.

THISTLEDOWN

I’M IN A HURRY (Race 7 at TDN, 7/18/18) – odds on favorite returning off a layoff suffered a terrible trip.  He was stuck inside of horses on the backstretch and had no where to go behind a trio of runners turning for home.  Jock decided he wouldn’t take chances going between runners and he wrapped up on him in the final 1/8th.  Should bounce back in a big way with that race under his belt and get his 18th career win.

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“Off the Charts” Horses to Watch and Trip Notes – April 4, 2018

April 4, 2018 by Leave a Comment

track announcer with binocularsGULFSTREAM PARK

MISS DEPLORABLE (Race 1 at GP, 3/21/18)  second off the layoff and first time of the turf runner was badly blocked from inside trip while turning for home in this 5 furlong turf sprint. When she finally got clear, she absolutely flew home to just miss.  Galloped out past the fortunate winner.

HOFBURG (Race 14 at GP, 3/31/18) – the Bill Mott trainee got the pace he needed and made a menacingly late move to finish a clear second to Audible in the G1 Florida Derby.  The winner came out on him slightly in mid-stretch, causing him to alter course.  Either way, he wasn’t going to get to Audible. This was only his third career start and the three year old Kentucky Derby hopeful is bred to run all day.  He’ll relish the long stretch in Louisville, Kentucky.

PARX

MR. BRIX (Race 9 at Parx, 3/19/18) – figured to get a perfect set up closing from off the pace in a race loaded with early speed. That is exactly what was happening until one of the horses in a three-way duel fell and caused all sorts of trouble for the runners behind him.  One of those was Mr. Brix who was taken way wide turning for home.  Remarkably, he finished very strong for the place spot.  Can win back in the right spot and with better luck.

Update: Sadly this was the race that was marred by the tragic spill involving veteran jockey Jose Luis Flores.  Please pray for his family and friends.

SUNLAND PARK

LAVISHLEIGH WILD (Race 7 at SUN, 3/27/18) – tough trip for this 2-1 shot in New Mexico in a state-bred for non winners of two races lifetime.  Was stuck racing inside, shuffled way back on the far turn.  He then came flying home up the inside like a real pro and just missed on the wire.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Dec. 19, 2017

December 19, 2017 by 2 Comments

Horses to Watch

Aqueduct

12/2/17

Race #1 – #5 – Black Sea – Javier Castellano / Chad Brown

Black Sea = Sent off the odds-on chalk and upon leaving the gate he broke sharply toward the inside. Once he settled out there was a solid bid made down the stretch for third place.

Race #4 – #4 – Forty Winds / Joe Bravo / George Weaver

Forty Winds = Odds-on favorite when they broke from the gate. This was a very impressive mdn winner drawing off by 4 impressive lengths. Follow this gal right back to the windows.

Race #7 – #5 – Silverado Mist / Jose Ortiz / Bill Mott

Silverado Mist = Stumbled badly at the break and once Ortiz got his mount corrected he saved ground and swung out 3 wide on the turn giving a good account of himself.

Turfway Park

12/2/17

Race #3 – #7 – Derby Dreamer / Mike Maker

Derby Dreamer = Hit gate and was away slow. Heavily bet at the windows and just jogged home not giving any effort after a compromised beginning. He’ll have plenty in the tank next out as Maker should be loaded for bear this meet.

Race #6 – #3 – Memorial Blue / John McKee

Memorial Blue = Here was another impressive winner on the night that needs to be played right back. He won by 4 and is even more impressive after breaking awkwardly and gathering his steam to draw off with authority.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Sept. 4, 2017

September 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGOS Visitors

Saratoga

8/15/17

Race #6 – Mdn Claiming – 1 mile on the turf

New Canaan = Jose Ortiz in the saddle for Linda Rice (23%), and they were dropping in class and going from 5 1/2f – 1 mile. She was sent off the odds-on chalk and was forced to check up sharply at the break. Sometimes a bad start can end the race before it begins, and this race needs to be kept in mind as a very good excuse.

Race #7 – The Yaddo Stakes – 1 1/16 on the turf

Ack Nasty = Joel Rosario in the saddle for Chad Brown. This gal was making her 2nd off the layoff (21%) and 5/6 ITM at the Spa. She stalked at the rear of the field and was blocked badly down the lane this day.

Race #8 – Seek the Ante Stakes – 6 1/2f

Newport Breeze = Jose Ortiz in the irons for Peter Eurton. They were coming off a win at Del Mar moving up the class ladder. Ortiz had her moving around the far turn this day and looked to be running “green” as a youngster sometimes does. She was forced to settle for 2nd money this day and she’ll only benefit from this effort moving forward.

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Saratoga

8/26/17

Race #10 – The G1 Sword Dancer – 1 1/2 on the turf

Money Multiplier = Javier Castellano aboard this son of Lookin At Lucky making his 2nd start of the season. He was 3/3 ITM at the Spa and probably on the same plan as last year heading into the Breeders’ Cup. He’ll most probably move to Belmont putting the finishing touches on his plans. This plan looks exactly like 2016 and could be a good time to be on the watch. He swung out 6 wide at the top of the lane and started to pick up ground getting bested at the finish. This race is a good sign of things to come.

Race #11 – G1 Travers  Stakes – 1 1/4

 Gunnevera = Edgard Zayas aboard for Antonio Sano. This son of Dialed In was making his second off a break from the Triple Crown run. He scored easily in a $100k stake at GP and owns a bullet work coming into this race. He was bumped hard at the start and rebounded nicely looking the major danger. The freshening and maturing may be coming at the right time for a fall campaign. He looked very good this day but caught a tiger named West Coast.

Race #13 – Mdn Claiming – 1 1/16 on the turf

Admirals Cove = Manny Franco in the driver’s seat for David Donk. This son of Hat Trick has been off for 3 months and dropping down in class (20%). – He stumbled badly at the start and finished with a good late kick showing promise for his next effort.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Aug. 27, 2017

August 27, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGOS (AGameofSkill.com) visitors

Belterra Park

8/18/17

Race #1 – Claiming – 5f on the main – #8 – Scotch is My Candy

#8 – Scotch is My Candy = Carson Sullivan in the irons for John Alexander Ortiz (22%). This daughter of Sidney’s candy was shipping in from Indiana Grand. She was taking a huge plunge in class and the barn is 9/9 ITM at the meet. She was off slow at the start and was forced to rush up quickly making a strong bid this day. The barn is solid and she’ll get it together next out.

Race #6 – O.C. $25,000 – 1 mile on the turf – #9 – In the Shoes

#9 – In the Shoes = Very solid gal coming off a win at BtP, and trainer Donna Taylor is winning (30%) at the meet. This daughter of Congrats ran into a little trouble during the race and was forced to check twice into the far turn and fanned six wide. After all the activity, rider Dick Cardenas got her rolling late and made a powerful late bid to be a bridesmaid this day. A little bit of racing luck and she’ll be getting a trip to the winner’s circle.

 

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Saratoga

8/19/17

Race #5 – Mdn Sp Wt – 6f – #6 – Variant Perception

#6 – Variant Perception = This was a 1st-time starter by Curlin for the Chad Brown barn. His dam Mystery Trip has 5 winners from 5 starters and came in off some good works. – He broke in the air prior to the start and brushed leaving the starting gate.  Brown will have him ready for the races next up and wins at a solid clip 2nd trip out.

Race #6 – Alw $85,000 – 1 1/8 on the main – #5 – Hookup

#5 – Hookup = Manny Franco in the saddle and this son of Union Rags has been away from the races for 8 months. – He was knocked around the start and was taken out of stride. After being forced into another, Franco picked up the action and made a solid bid finishing up to be third this day.

Race #9 – G1 Alabama Stakes – 1 1/4 on the main – #1 – New Money Honey

#1 – New Money Honey = This was her first time on the dirt and has been a turf monster. She was looking three-in-a-row and her 3rd off the shelf. – Javier Castellano in the irons and Chad Brown the conditioner (33%). She was in tracking mode and forced to steady and tap on the breaks at the 1/4 pole weakening down the lane.

Saratoga

8/20/17

Race #5 – Mdn Sp Wt – 1 1/16 on the turf – #5 – Lemoona

#5 – Lemoona = Two-yr-old filly by Lemon Drop Kid, and she has the breeding that suggests she’ll relish the turf. – She was sandwiched and slammed leaving the starting gate. Junior Alvarado did a great job-saving ground and was forced to sweep 5 wide at the 1/4 pole making a late bid for 2nd money.

Race  #9 – $100,000 Summer Colony – 1 1/8 on the main – #4 – Romantic Vision

#4 – Romantic Vision = Javier Castellano in the saddle for Rusty Arnold. She’s been away from the races for 60 days since Churchill Downs and had a couple of works over the deep Oklahoma training track. This was not her day at all as she stumbled badly at the start, took up and bumped. After all this action she never regained her momentum and called it a day. Look for her to return at this level of the upper stratosphere of the allowance ranks.

 

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AGOS Horses to Watch – 8/21/17

August 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Arlington Park

Race#7 – G1 Secretariat – 1 1/4 turf – #6 – Taj Mahal

Taj Mahal = Ryan Moore made the trip across the pond for trainer Aidan O’Brien. He rated well and moved into the 2 path around the 1st turn. Continued to rate and was forced to swing out 6 wide making a strong late rally being forced to settle for 2nd money this day.

Race #8 – Bruce D Memorial – 1 mile AW – #10 – Society Beau

Society Beau = James Graham had the call for trainer Neil Howard and was far back in the field shortly after the start. His efforts weaved through traffic and uncorked a strong late rally making this race a to follow right back to the windows for good things to come.

Race #9 – G3 American St. Leger – 1 11/16 turf – #8 Bullards Alley

Bullards Alley = Irad Ortiz aboard for trainer Tim Glyshaw. All reports had this runner looking great coming into the race and was forced wide around every turn in the race. He was forced to check at the 5/8th’s and appeared to call it a day after a taxing trip. – You can bet dollars to donuts you’ll see a much better effort next up.

Race #10 – G1 Beverly D – 1 3/16 turf – #5 – Grand Jete

Grand Jete = Joel Rosario in the saddle for trainer Chad Brown. He rated well from the start and tried to kick out for clear sailing being forced to wait until the 1/8th pole where he finished up with a very strong late run. – This race is a sign of very good things to come.

Belterra Park

8/12/17

Race #8 – Claiming – 6f on the main – #3 – Dancing Ava

Dancing Ava = Perry Ouzts in the irons for trainer Larry Smith where they win (21%) as a team. He broke slowly from the gate and made a very strong late rally up the rail settling to be the bridesmaid this day.

Saratoga Race course

8/12/17

Race #7 – Mdn Sp Wt – 7f on the main – #2 – Coal Truth

Coal Truth = Javier Castellano aboard for trainer Chad Brown this day. They were sent off the odds-on favorite and hit the side of the stall upon leaving the starting gate. After grabbing his mount and getting back on course he was forced 6 wide at the top of the stretch and was running strong late in the lane.

Race #9 – Allowance Optional Claiming – 6f on the main – #9 – Cerro

Cerro = John Velasquez aboard for trainer Bruce Levine. They were 3-4 wide going into the first turn and were sent off the post time favorite at race time. – This is one of the best gambler’s move to come right back and make repeat play.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Belmont Park, more – June 5, 2017

June 6, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGOS Visitors

Belmont Park

5/29/17

Race  #4 – Ancient Secret – 1 mile turf

She was making her first start of the 2017 season for Chad Brown. Irad Ortiz in the saddle and was tracking perfectly in the two path and weakened down the lane to finish 4th this day. – Toss this race as needing one and you’ll be pleasantly surprised next time she hits the track.

5/27/17

Belmont

Race #1 – The Crocheron Kid – 6f turf

Jose Ortiz in the irons for David Donk. This guy had an overland trip spinning wide into the lane costing precious ground. He scored this day, and is a perfect candidate for a repeat preformance at the windows.

Race #7 – Vigor – 6f turf

Jose Lezcano in the saddle for Bill Mott and they do very solid work together. He was wide grabbing the lead and later inhaled by a solid winner Rublinda. Give him a hard look next out, and catch him if you can !

Fear No Evil – (Same race)

Luis Saez at the controls for trainer Thom Albertrani. He was tracking perfectly and shut off trying to tip off the rail. He dove right back to the inside and found no room. Saez wrapped up on his mount and saved plenty of gas in the tank for next out.

Race #8 – Kitten’s Cat – 7f  turf

John Velasquez for trainer Joe Sharp. It was a quick pace and he came flying late in the lane, but couldn’t pass the impressive winner Big Handsome. Shipping in from Churchill Downs;  his second time out in the “Big Apple” will make this son of Kitten’s Joy ultra tough.

Santa Anita

5/27/17

Race #5 – Avenge – 1 1/8 turf

Flavien Pratt in the irons for Dick Mandella. She grabbed the lead from the rail and was heavily backed at the windows. She faced a monster this day with Lady Eli and if she catches anyone else she’ll give them all they want next time she hits the track.

 

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Feb. 26, 2017

February 26, 2017 by Leave a Comment

“Off the Charts” Trip Notes – Results from recent horse races.

Gulfstream Park

2/18/17

Race #2 – #7 – Gran the Man – 5f turf

Luis Saez in the saddle for Jason Servis (29%). This son of Grand Slam was making his 2nd effort off a two month layoff, and loves the turf going 4/4 ITM on the sod. He was forced to steady early after the break and this seem to stop his motion. He’ll rebound nicely with a better start and be a major player sprinting on the turf.

Race #6 -#4 – Sprindetti – 6f dirt

Solid filly looking to make it two-in-a-row lifetime and exited an impressive win in her maiden break at boxcar odds. She stumbled badly leaving the gate and was sandwiched by her foes. Let’s toss this race and look forward to her next out.

Race #9 – #5 – Take Your Guns – 1 mile dirt

1st time starter by Blame for the Chad Brown barn. He had his go-to rider Javier Castellano in the irons for his first start at the races. He put in a slight bid showing interest but didn’t get his diploma this day. The Chad Brown barn does very well with 2nd time runners and you can bet dollars to donuts he’ll have him ready to roll next up.

Race #12- #9 – Tricked Up – 1 mile turf

Joel Rosario for Chad Brown and they have been winning (38%) as a team the last few months. The son of Distorted Humor made his first start in 50 days, and was caught up in traffic for most of the race and tipped out three wide making a mild bid. He finished 6th and should give a much better effort next out.

Turfway Park

2/18/17

Race #3 – #4 – Forest Warrior – 5f  AW

Gabriel Lagunes aboard this son of Ready’s Image and came in 3rd off the shelf. He was a beaten favorite last out and broke slow on this day. He made a strong rally and went six wide getting second money for this effort.

Race #5 – #4 – Porter Street – 1 mile AW

Alonso Quinonez in the saddle for Wesley Ward. Son of Giant’s Causeway took the lead at the 1/4 pole and was bested down the lane after a furious drive. He’ll get his diploma very soon.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Feb. 21, 2017

February 21, 2017 by Leave a Comment

“Off the Charts” Trip Notes and Horses to Watch for AGameofSkill.com visitors.  Put some or all of these runners in your Stable Alert account.

Tampa Bay Downs

2/11/17

Sam F. Davis Stakes – Tapwrit – 1 1/16 miles dirt

Up and coming three year old colt raced inside and then, just when about to make a move, he got blocked by favorite McCracken’s winning move. Altered course in the stretch and finished well, actually galloping out past the winner in track record time.

 

Gulfstream Park

1/28/17

Race #3 – Genre – 7f dirt

John Velasquez in the saddle for Todd Pletcher as they brought a daughter of Bernardini to post. 2nd start off the shelf and was cutting back from the one mile distance. She stumbled at the start and was carried out wide down the backstretch. She got her action back and made a strong late rally to settle as the bridesmaid this day.

Race #5 – Madefromlucky – 1 1/8 dirt

Javier Castellano in the irons for Todd Pletcher and they were making his second start off an 8 month layoff. He was travelling wide down the backstretch and at the 5/16th’s he clipped heels losing all action. Jockey Castellano helped him rebound and displayed a quick turn of foot down the lane finishing 3rd.

Race #8 – Blind Ambition – 7f dirt

This son of Tapit was a first time starter from the Pletcher barn. John Velasquez had the call and owned a solid clip of morning works at Palm Beach Downs. He was sent off the odds-on favorite and stumbled badly leaving the starting gate. No worries here as Team Pletcher owns a solid record with second effort runners.

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Race #9 – #3 – Long on Value – 5f on the turf

Joel Rosario in the driver’s seat for Bill Mott. He was making his first start in two months and was far back in the field. He unleashed a furious rally late in the lane getting bested a 1/2 length. There are good things to come from the Bill Mott barn.

Race #11 – Sadler’s Joy – 1 1/2 on the turf

Julien Leparoux for Thom Albertrani. This son of top turf stallion Kitten’s Joy had been off for two months and was forced three wide gaining rapidly. He was under a full head of steam and was beaten a head for the whole prize. This turfer needs a play right back for the winning score!

Pegasus World Cup – Shaman’s Ghost – 1 1/8 dirt

The $12 million dollar Pegasus World Cup focused on the battle between Arrogate and California Chrome. The race did not disappoint with a strong effort by the winner and offered up some runners for future races. Jose Ortiz was aboard for James Jerkins and Ortiz ran a winner’s race but caught a real monster with Arrogate. Give him a little class relief taking on anyone but Arrogate, and we’ll have another runner who’ll have a strong 2017 campaign.

Aqueduct

1/21/17

Race #4 – Carthon – 1 mile on the inner track

Antonio Gallardo was the rider, and this was the first time his mount had blinkers. Trainer Gary Sciacca may have been looking for some changes as he switched riders and made an equipment change. He was stretching out in distance and broke awkward fighting his rider down the backstretch. This colt is on target to reward his backers and get his diploma at a price.

Turfway Park

1/21/17

Race #6 – #12 – Hollywood Talent – 6 1/2f on the AW

Presque Isle invader shipped in on a cutback in distance. This was his first start in 7 months and top jock Albin Jimenez was in the irons. This was the Forego Stakes, and a good payday was on the table. Down the lane he was closing in high gear and was bumped soundly twice by eventual winner Crewman. There were three objections and still no change to the order of finish. Rule this race to bad luck, and he’ll reward his backers at a handsome price as he was 19-1 this day and just missed.

Race #7 – #5 – Miss O’Meara – 6f on the AW

Perry Ouzts in the drivers seat and just missed last time out. Ouzts was in perfect position against the rail down the backstretch and was forced to steady sharply. He shifted out four wide and came up a little shy. Come right back with this gal and she’ll make amends.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – Jan. 1, 2017

January 1, 2017 by Leave a Comment

“Off the Charts” Trip Notes & Horses to Watch for AGOS Visitors

Fair Grounds

12/26/16

Race #1 – #3 – King of Honour – 1 mile dirt

He was in great tracking mode under Colby Hernandez and was forced to check up sharply at the 7/8th’s pole. Top notch trainer Karl Broberg claimed this runner, and he’ll be worth a great play next out.

Race #2 – #2 – Red Hot Cherry – 1 mile turf

She was bumped hard at the break and settled out nicely. Right at the 3/16th’s pole she was forced to steady and run wide. She still finished up a solid second on this day.

Race #3 – #6 – Right Squall – 6f dirt

Cisco Torres was in the irons aboard the odds-on favorite, and bumped strongly at the break. Torres found his best stride and made a strong run to win the race. Red-hot trainer Joe Sharp claimed him off this effort and he does very well new comers to his barn.

Race #8 – #8 – Wyeth – 5 1/2 f turf

Thom Amoss trainee who was bumped at the start and forced to take up off heels at the 3/16th’s pole. After this wide troubled trip he still managed a very good effort for the show spot.

Race #10 – #8 – Daddy’s Placer – 1 mile and 70 yards

Florent Geroux in the saddle for Thom Amoss and the two-year-old was wide on both turns and five wide into the lane. He’ll benefit from this effort and the barn will have all the screws tightened to go next out.

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