AGOS Horses to Watch – March 24, 2017

March 24, 2017 by Leave a Comment

“Off the Charts” Trip Notes and Horses to Watch

Gulfstream Park

3/18/17

Race #7 – Illmatic – 6f dirt

Nik Juarez in the driver’s seat and was coming off a 55 day vacation from the races. He was bumped soundly leaving the gate and far back in the field. He moved off the rail at the 1/4 pole for clear sailing and was wide making an eye-catching run for next time out.

Race#9 – Casby’s Kid – 1 1/16 turf

Luis Saez in the irons for Jorge Navarro (22%). Son of Girolamo was making his first start in 59 days. The barn wins (35%) with maiden claimers and scores (20%) with turf runners. – He was rank and hard to control on this day and forced to check off heels while making a bid. We’ll excuse this effort as he was working out the bugs for good things to come next out.

3/11/17

Race #6 – Milbra – Claiming 6f dirt

Jermaine Bridgmohan was aboard the three-year-old filly who broke her maiden two races back. She had a bad trip last out, and was ready to make good. Claimers can have a short cycle of being ready to roll. She was 14-1 today, and showed a glimpse of good things to come next out. If she gets anywhere near this price she’ll reward her backers handsomely at the windows.

Race #11 -Sweet Ella – 7 1/2f turf

Luis Saez in the irons for Todd Pletcher as they brought a daughter of Scat Daddy to post. She was cutting back from 1 1/16 – 7 1/2f and was making her second start of the year. She was 5 wide in the final turn and splitting runners with great interest as the odds-on favorite. Maybe some added ground or a cleaner trip has her in the winner’s circle next out.

Tampa Bay Downs

3/11/17

Race #3 – Road Guard Post – 6 1/2f dirt

Daniel Centeno in the saddle as he was aboard the first time starter by Unbridled’s Song. The barn has a strong win clip of 45% with first timers. She broke well setting a blistering pace only to settle for the show dough this effort. She is bred to be something special and her work tab is solid. Second time out may be just what the doctor ordered.

Race #4 – Alum – 7f dirt

Jose Ortiz in town for Todd Pletcher, and the son of Bodemiester was a beaten chalk over the track last out. Pletcher’s usual rider John Velasquez was aboard the eventual winner Egyptian Hero. Alum was bumped soundly at the start and had to check at the 1/8th pole uncorking a rally. He’s bred to be a player and next out may be a good shot at redemption.

Race #7 – Profiteer – 1 mile turf

Jose Ortiz in the driver’s seat for Shug McGaughey. This was 2nd time lasix for the son of War Front and his second start of 2017. He was a beaten favorite, and bested in the shadow of the wire. This turf runner will give them fits next time out.

Race #10 – My Impression – 1 1/8 turf

New York-shipper for the McGaughey barn with Jose Ortiz in the saddle. The daughter of Sky Mesa was making her first start of the year. She made a stout charge at the 3/16’s pole three wide making a solid bid to be fifth this day.

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Turfway Park

3/18/17

Race #3 – Bell by the Ridge – 1 mile on the all weather

Richard Bracho in the irons for trainer Kim Hammond (27%). They brought a 10-year-old gelding to post who is 11/13 ITM over the TP oval. Bracho tipped off the rail looking for clear sailing at the 1/4 pole and took over the lead briefly before getting nailed on the wire by Twice Mike who loves the course.

Race #5 – Jersey Chaser – 5 1/2f on the all weather

Eric Reed sent a good looking daughter of Drosselmeyer to post. She had been off for 7 months shipping in from Arlington Park. She made a fast closing effort and may have needed one. – She loves sprinting and is 3/5 ITM at this distance.

Race #6 – Infinite Midnight – 6 1/2f on the all weather

Son of Giant’s Causeway had not been out in a year after shipping in from Aqueduct. First time gelding previously trained by Chad Brown won impressively on this day. He was dropping from allowance company to condition $25k claimers. Play him right back if you have time before the end of the meet on 4/1/17.

Oaklawn Park

3/18/17

Race #10 – The G-2 Rebel Stakes – Silver Dust – 1 1/16

Corey Lanerie in the irons for Randy Morse and the field of 11 three-year-olds got a bit tight around the far turn. At the 3/4 mark this deep closer had to tap on the brakes and wait for room. The son of Tapit was making his second start of the year and appears distance should not be a problem moving forward.

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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. 12, 2017

January 12, 2017 by Leave a Comment

“Off the Charts” Trip Notes for AGameofSkill.com visitors.  A free horses to watch list

Aqueduct

12/17/16

Race #4 – Proud Lily – 6f dirt

First time starter and she brushed the starting gate at the break and was forced to rush up. Once the rider got her settled, she put in a game effort finishing a solid 4th. She’ll benefit from this race for future trips to the paddock.

Race #7 – Sir Alfred – 6f dirt

Jose Ortiz had his bumped around at the start and he rushed him up to grab a short lead. Ortiz settled him nicely, and he finished an honest 4th this day. – Good things are coming for this runner from the Todd Pletcher barn.

Tampa Bay Downs

12/16/16

Race #2 – High Pitch – 1 1/16 dirt

This filly shipped in from Presque Isle and stumbled badly at the start and was forced to take up off heels. She was heavily backed at the windows and sometimes it takes two efforts off of the synthetic to get acclimated to the dirt.

Race #7 – Dreamup – 1 mile and 40 yards

This daughter of Bernardini shipped in from Keeneland for the Eoin Harty barn. – Paco Lopez was on cruise control winning by 5 lengths and looked to have plenty in the tank. – Right back off the impressive win she deserves a playback at the windows.

 

Gulfstream Park

12/16/16

Race #1 – Eklipsado – 1 mile dirt

This runner jumped right to the lead and duked it out down the backstreet. He bumped his rival and  was DQ’ed from the win and placed second. Edgard Zayas was aboard and I love to play back a winner who was disqualified. They know how to win and I see the next effort firing right back.

Race #5 – Golden Point – 1 1/16 turf

Shipper from Churchill who was a beaten favorite this day. The hot hand of Antonio Gallardo was forced to go five wide and still managed a quick finish for the show spot this day. – Be on the look out for this runner as he’ll be sure to give you plenty to cheer about.

Race #7 – Break Away – 7 1/2f turf

Paco Lopez had his filly stalking down the backstretch when she clipped heels with another runner and lost the rider. She was backed heavily at the windows and she’ll be looking for payback next time out.

Turfway Park

1/1/17

Race #1 –Rocco Solid – 1 mile on the AW

Susan Anderson trainee was restless in the gate and broke poorly. He made up a heap of ground around the far turn and was bested by a nose in the shadow of the wire. – Just a clean trip for this guy and you’ll see something special down the lane.

Race #2 – Devil Alert – 6 1/2f on the AW

John McKee in the irons for Dan O’Hallaron. They shipped in from Fairmount Park and this mare was flat out rolling in the final stages of the race. The pace was pretty hot for this level and the next time you see her in the entries bet with both hands.

Race #4 – Que Hansen – 1 mile on the AW

Albin Jimenez aboard for Mike Maker and she did everything perfect except get beat by a nose at the wire. She was sent off the odds-on chalk for Dr. Kendall Hansen, and it looks like he is getting ready to have a great year with some talented runners in his barn.

Race #5 –  Fancy is My Name – 5f on the AW

Ten pound apprentice Shelbi Kurtz broke well and settled in nicely along the rail. Once she saw her mount didn’t have the speed to set the pace, she dropped over to the rail and tried to respond for minor awards. – Both horse and rider need a playback off this race, and keep your eyes peeled for this young and up and coming rider. She’s gonna’ do just fine and when she gets a leg up from her grandpa trainer Rick Jordan they

Turfway Park

12/31/16

Race #1 – Perfect Passion – 5f on the AW

Churchill shipper for Mike Maker was sent off the odds-on favorite, and she was circling 6 wide on the final turn showing good interest down the lane. She’ll mature nicely and Maker will have her ready to roll next up. – She is a three-year-old now, and I’m looking for good things to come from the red-hot Maker barn.

Race #8 – Belvin – 1 mile on the AW

Thom Drury runner had the services of Albin Jimenez back from Tampa Bay Downs for the winter. They broke from the outside post and this may not have worked to their favor. The Drury barn is known for getting a runner ready off an average effort and this one fits the bill perfectly. Finishing 4th going five wide into the final turn, and coming up short looks like a race to build on.

are looking for her first win picture. From two mounts she has a solid third place finish to her credit.

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AGOS Horses to Watch – April 6, 2016

April 6, 2016 by Leave a Comment

Horses to Watch for AGameofSkill visitors

You’ll want to commit these runners to memory as they may offer up a bit of value next time they enter the starting gate.

Aqueduct

Japhir (AQU Race #2 – 3/26/16 – #5 – 1 mile 70 yards dirt) – Manny Franco in the saddle for Bill Mott, and they were settled in stalking behind a dawdling pace. When they turned 1:16.3 for 3/4, he looked to have his work cut out. – The slow fractions usually play against the closers, and he finished up gamely splitting runners trying to wheel in the chalk leader from the Pletcher barn. – Give him an honest pace, and he’ll stalk the leader and inhale them down the lane.

Gulfstream Park

Ousby (GP Race #5 – 3/26/16 – #6 – 1 mile on the turf) –  Nik Juarez up for trainer Marcus Vitali, and they have been the talk for awhile for the solid team they have become. This son of Shakespeare got himself a little tight at the 1/4 pole and had to shift over to the rail and await room. He finished with a solid effort, but a little cleaner lane would have been very welcome by the punters.

 Our Azure (GP Race #5 – 3/25/16 – #1 – 1 1/16 on the dirt ( Originally scheduled for the turf)) – Jockey Eddie Nunez struggled with his filly down the backstretch, and appeared to have trouble getting her to settle down. Once she got comfortable, she put in a very nice effort going past the chalk only to be bested late in the lane. She may be better suited with a solid gate break, and hopefully we’ll see a little better price.

What Power (GP Race #2 – 4/2/16- #8 – 1 mile on the turf)  Paco Lopez had the call, and he ran into trouble in the first turn and had to check up. Lopez saved ground and looked for a hole to make his charge and was all dressed up and no place to go with his mount. – Once he shook loose, he made a solid bid for minor awards. A clean trip may be just what the doctor ordered.

Songoficeandfire (Race #11 – 4/2/16 – #7 – 1 1/8 on the turf) –  Junior Alvarado had the call, and his mare settled out nicely and  saved ground along the rail. He looked to have his charge in a good spot when he waited for a seem to open at the top of the lane. Well, it never appeared in a timely fashion, and bottled her up until she finally saw daylight and exploded for a strong bridesmaid effort. – I’ll bet dollars to donuts she’ll tip off the rail nearing the 1/4 pole and give them fits down the stretch.

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Fair Grounds

Susie Bee (FG Race#6 – 3/26/16 – #10 – 1 1/6 on the turf) – top rider Javier Castellano in the saddle for Mike Maker. She was kept in under a hammer lock of a hold waiting for room down the backstretch. Once she shifted off the rail looking for a lane, she brushed against Christie’s Ready and never found full stride but managed to still show very good interest to finish up with good energy.

Eagle (Race #7 – 3/26/16 – #10 – 1 1/8 on the dirt) –  Javier Castellano settled near the back of the pack and brushed repeatedly with Storm Driver into the first turn. – He relaxed a bit and was forced wide to find running room, and Castellano gave a “pop of the crop” to give a strong hand ride to the wire not using all the gas in the tank. – Next up gets has him soaring down the lane.

 

Oaklawn Park

Scout Leader (OP Race #3 – 3/31/16 – #2 – 1 1/16 on the main track) –  Joe Rocco did an excellent job making up a heap of ground, and dove to the inside rail as the eventual winner started drifting out inside the 16th pole. He ran a very game effort, and 2nd money on this day was a good indication of efforts to come. – He’ll be the major danger next up.

Roxy Rocket (Race #4 – 3/31/16 – #9 – 1 1/16 on the dirt) –  Julio Felix in the irons, and he closed stoutly down the outside under soft fractions. She circled up wide and once she leveled out Felix gave a strong effort to the wire. I filed this one under “running out of real estate.”

Turfway Park

Hughhoofner (TP Race #1 – 4/2/16 – #8 -6f on the poly track) –  John McKee in the saddle for this speedster, and he broke out before the start and expended some well needed energy. McKee sent the Bill Connelly charge in the four wide path about the 3/8th’s pole. – I watched him warm-up, and he looked better than a shiny penny. – Speed balls need all of their energy, and he left most of his on the track with the premature gate break.

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