Who's ready today?

This afternoon I am intrigued by the fifth and seven races. The fifth race is a contest between several successful Thistedown trainers. In the seventh race jockey Jeff Skerret seems to have selected one horse over another for today's trip. Each situation is its own handicapping challenge.

Race 5
BLUES CROSSING (Radosevich) drops in class, and knows how to win at this distance in Cleveland. MEADOW VESPERS (Rettle) seems to be the most consistent runner in the field. Morning line favorite, COME UNDONE (Hamm), may be turning his attention to Thistledown after campaigning in Erie last summer. STEPHAN'S QUEST (Fiesman) ran some neat numbers at longer distances last summer. AFLAIR (Schuster) was sharp in 2011 at shorter distances. When any of these trainers show up solo in a race, they have a shot, but usually go off at slim prices. This race provides an opportunity to score with all-right odds - if you identify the winner.

I'll probably stand behind Radosevich's BLUES CROSSING here. Third off of a break, taking a class drop, this could be a peak performance, especially if Ernesto takes advantage of what appears to be a lack of early speed attempt wiring this field.

Ernesto Oro did take BLUES CROSSING to the lead and seemed into control until chalky MEADOW VESPERS proved "much the best," running off to an eight length victory. BLUES CROSSING was third by nine lengths, beaten by much better. I'll give him another chance next time racing against weaker.

Race 7
Of the horses in this race that have run here this meet, my choice, REGGIE'S CAT seemed to have a far superior trip. Since Jeff Skerrett rode two horses in their last races, it appears that he thinks REGGIE'S CAT gives him the best chance to win. I take that as a positive.

This could be a reckless assumption. I do not know the details concerning Skerrett's decision to ride for Fiesman today. Also, Bart Barnes put Luis Gonzalez on the mount that Jeff jumped off. Both are excellent riders . . . ?

REGGIE'S CAT was a dominant winner as the 4/5 favorite.