Fair Grounds – Sunday, February 17, 2019
After a super Saturday, with the WoW factor, Sunday at FG is a card comprised of mostly claimers, but doesn’t mean we can’t have a few winners. Today’s card is anchored by a competitive optional claimer, a tough MdSpWt on the grass, and book ended by 5K claimers. Hoping the weather holds out so races stay on the grass (always more competitive, more interesting betting prospects).
Race 1: 1-5-2
Fostering Harmony, a Stonestreet filly running at the bottom, not often seen, the for sale sign shining brightly. A repeat of the maiden win would make her very formidable here, as she is placed to win right back. Rail draw works to her advantage, tries to wire’em. One Shot to Win – should improve off the Sharp claim, who runs her back at the level. Dance is 3 for 4 in the money on G dirt, likes pieces, gets another.
Race 2: 8-9-1A/1
Kraft’s Rate really broke her maiden impressively, even though figures dropped. Thinking she’s improving, Lanerie stays, solid maintenance work off the win, makes another forward move. Wanna Snuggle, can’t fault her turf form, and the ability to navigate an outside post (see last). Will be tough. Forgotten/Lurey Ann – both recent claims for Asmussen (personally) – only one will go. Looks like either will be formidable as it is likely they were claimed for this condition (42K purse!! – puts you at $24k+ for a win).
Race 3: 4-5-6
It’s not often bottom claimers have 3 coming off wins – and going up in class? (by race condition…) Lots of speed signed on, but think Pam’s Meadow actually sits close and finishes best. The drop helps as well. Diva’s Ransom is compromised by a couple in here, but seems the classiest of the speeds. Salute My Lady picks up a share.
Race 4: 4-8-3-6
Thenextbestthing has a couple of bullet works leading into this, showing real speed. Speediest of which was out of the gate. Has the breeding and connections to win first out. On the Muscle – tired off slow fractions in debut, shortens up today. Has some bottom off the first out, and 4 interim works, see improvement coming, and a change of tactics. The Last Zip also from the Stidham barn – debuts off a series of good works. A City Zip sprinting on the grass, seems natural. Expect marked improvement from View Magic in first out for Cox.
Race 5: 5-9 -7
Plummeting off the first out, for high powered connections, Simple Pleasure looks to take this, and likely get a new address as well. Last work indicates readiness, look for more speed today. Laser Ladee, returns to dirt where she’s placed twice. Turnback in distance should actually help, Beschizza times move better than two back when going longer. Her Name is Um – improves off the debut, drop helps as well.
Race 6: 7-3-10-11
Fascilitator takes the necessary drop, but looks to be the class of the race. Reunites with Geroux, needed last sprint – return turf helps wake up, as only turf race was a stake where he did pretty well. Lays close, finishes. Celerity, drops into NW3L – after taking previous condition in a grass allowance. Return to turf moves him way up. Roar of the Lion and Wildscore are hard to separate. Seem to finish near together when matched up.
Race 7: 3-2-7
Flashy Brew – takes next step on path to statebred stakes races (if last is any indication – check our speed figure). Should clear, and if not, sit right off O’L Red, and them clear and go on. Nice maintenance work since last. Charge the Line and Where Y’at Joe Joe – are gamers – and have finished noses apart in their last two. Each is honest and consistent and should get their share.
Race 8: 8-5-2
Many of these have been running against eachother, trading finish placements – No Boundaries – think he receives a more patient ride from Bridgmohan, lays close, and finishes. Two nice works leading into today’s out. Nobutzaboutit brutal trip in last (note NB skipped that one), seems to find trouble every out, but a clean trip puts him right there. Arch of Ages – looks to benefit, a lot, from the inside draw as ended up 8 wide vs. these last out. Saves ground, finishes well.
Race 9: 12 – 8 – 5
Morning Mischief – takes a plummet – not just a drop – for red hot Scherer barn. Wins, is last, or scratches. Post does hurt regardless. Pinch Assault – always tough at the level. Improves off last with barn change. Boston Bob was pitched a little too high last out, back with familiar foes where he is always competitive.