A very modest race card at Oaklawn; I have a strong opinion late in the card to build around. Enjoy the race day at Oaklawn and as always let’s box a few and bet them!
I always love talking horses and handicapping. If I see anything during the race day follow me on Twitter @ BoxEmandBetEm and I’ll add up to minute info at Oaklawn Park.
Good luck and good racing!
Race 1) 6-2-1A
Top choice dropping out of MSW ranks to straight maidens, if not now, I don’t know when this one will break through; hopefully will show more speed on the drop as well. Cashanova adds the hood and will save ground from the cozy inside slot. Claimed by Cox, but it bothers me a bit that he enters for same claim price. Good as Money, for Asmussen, is a second start horse that also drops out of the MSW ranks.
Race 2) 13-1A-1
Top two choices both have to draw into the race, so please check scratches before you run to the tote. The coupled entry of Borberg, Zip ‘n Sip, is in the main body of the race and goes first out after the claim, while adding the blinks, a 26% angle for the barn.
Race 3) 6-5-3
Skip’s Song was claimed out of her last race and adds the hood, while getting a rider upgrade to Mojica as well. Debut race at OP has produced two las out winners from that race. Should be on the engine early in a race with not a lot of pace; Storm Stride, the second choice was claimed by Broberg an angle I always like for the M & M racing. Special Trip is an older filly facing younger here, so has that advantage and drops out of MSW ranks.
Race 4) 1-9-7
Tactical with Ramon staying in the saddle should be a solid proposition for the rail horse at this 1 3/16 distance. Red Again, #9, is another tactical sort that has run well at OP and should acquit himself very well. Should just sit off the inside speed. Tonbo, #7, will come flying late after being claimed Asmussen, while being freshened, but will need to get faster to overcome the top two choices.
Race 5) 9-5-4
Dropping out of the MSW ranks, though this one has had more than enough chances to break through. I do like the jock switch to Vazquez, so hopefully that helps this one get over the top. Ribbon Cane goes first out for Broberg off the claim, while Asmussen drops Foxrun out of the MSW ranks. If Foxrun breaks clean it could well be curtains for the rest of this bunch; drew the rail in debut.
Race 6) 4-1-6
Fight On is dropping the hood, while Ricardo stays in the saddle. This one hooked some decent horse’s last out. This horse has some serious hang to him, so this isn’t exactly a ringing endorsement. Adulator, the rail horse, did absolutely no running in his OP debut. I don’t know if it was the slop of simply over his head, but I expect much better here. #6, On Patrol, is in great form and will sit a nice stalking trip; this one has popped two speed figs that have come out of nowhere.
Pick 4 345678/169/8/2345711
Race 7) 7-8-4
There are very average three year olds in this MSW race. I don’t have a good feel for this race at all. Spread if playing the late pick four! I landed on Justice of War, as he draws outside after drawing inside in his previous three attempts. Is tactical and should be in the mix early. His stable mate, All About Will, wheels back quickly after running in place last out. Flat out Beautiful adds the hood and is another one that will be up front early. Again, spread here.
Race 8) 6-1-9
There is some serious knock in this race. The 1, 2 and 7 figure to be on the engine, the #7 is the speed of the speed, but I’m going to go with the Cosmic Hallelujah on top. Cohen should sit just off the pace in a nice cozy draw. The rail horse, Northern Tail, takes the class drop, but he has to go, from the rail, and I believe he’ll get cooked in the speed duel. Let’s go to the far outside and Earnednevergiven to sit a nice trip as well off the gas.
Race 9) 8-3-4
I really like this filly today. This is my single in the late pick four; she has run two really solid races, while shipping in from the Fair Grounds, off the brief freshening.; strong single. By Bye J is the solid second choice. This filly has done nothing wrong as the last out race was a tightener for this spot. I’ve always like Lady T N T, but she’s going to have to step it up here.
Race 10) 4-11-7-5
Let’s roll with Dallas Stewart in the last as my top choice. Improves last out and the two back race has produced three come back winners. Cowboy Larry sends out Dark Corner and unless he is waiting for the Keeneland meet to let this one roll, he looks very good at second asking here. The #7, Hana Highway is an expensive Quality Road filly and figures to be in the thick of it first out. Fleeterthan has caught two off tracks in both starts, so there are excuses. Is a very tactical sort that might move up on a fast track.