#Thistledown Thursday

Race 6 (3:10)
CLEVER PERFORMANCE looks a notch above the rest of this field.
SECOND by a head - confidently pressed outside the hip of speedy FIRE CHIEF, expecting to run by  that one when set down, he could not.

Race 7 (3:39)
VICTORY DANCE might have it her way today. It looks like there could be less early pressure than in her last trip.
LOST RIDER - stumbled leaving the gate, Ramon Ramos hopefully avoided injury as he fell away from horses

#Thistledown Wednesday

Race 2 (1:14)
WEEKEND GETAWAY may get brave enough to win at this distance once he inherits the lead today.

Triple deadheat for the show dough! - taken to the back after failing to make the lead, he made a mild re-rally actually
no factor here, losing be around ten lengths

Race 3 (1:43)

HEAVY STEVE stays the trip today or never.
WINNER by three lengths - drew away early and kepted on running ($3.60)

Race 5 (2:41)

NATIVE BRITCHES is the most consistent, classiest here. The trip (will there be enough pace?) is a bigger concern than the competition.
SECOND by six lengths - rallied to be much the best of the rest behind the odds on favorite

Seven in a row

Never able to see far out of the box, it is getting even tougher for me to look beyond the obvious as the 2012 season draws down.

Race 2
CASPERZAPPER was $120,000 purchase in 2010. His career certainly hasn't followed the expected route, but I'll have my eyes on him. This surface has given life to many troubled souls.
WIRE TO WIRE WINNER - 1:10.73 restrained early, running easily on his own late while widening from the others many lengths back ($2.80)

Race 4
WHY US faces a group of solid local runners in this one. Time away and the shorter distance are "bet against" considerations. However, this lady has rundown almost everyone that has tried to put her away at Thistledown. A win today would make it seven in row.
WINNER - reserved behind two early runners, she began her charge at the top of the lane to just get up ($5.60)

Race 5
JERSEY NUGGET nipped a next time winner while breaking her maiden in her first trip for Sandra Adkins. The Adkins barn has been repeating with its maiden winners at a 36% clip.
Second - went 22.1 early to earn the rail from the seven hole before the bend, shook loose, but began to weave in midstretch, nosed out at the wire by the heavy favorite

Nabu Morales today

Race 2
All systems appear to say go for BROAD SONE. This week's bias favors his running style, the barn is white hot, and Walter De La Cruz takes the assignment.
BROKE DOWN as he pulled away at the top of the stretch

Race 8
THEGAMES A BUSTOUT is another Morales runner that just seems to classier than the field he faces after summering in Erie.
WINNER  by at least a football field - kicked away early making many a tiny bit happy ($2.60)

Santa Anita Race 9
It think that is was wise to give LOVE AND PRIDE some time to acclimate to the championship surroundings. I give her a chance in the Breeder's Cup Ladies' Classic this evening.
Looked ROYAL DELTA in the eyes at + or - 1:09, the said goodbye - announcer, "Nobody beats ROYAL DELTA"

BUZZ TOWN

I'm looking forward to today's 12:45 post time. Race three, stocked with need the lead types is a real head scratcher. Your thoughts would be appreciated.

Race 6
The Radosevich barn has its young horses really sharp. DIGGIN UP A RUCKUS can be expected to show his tail to the competition early today from the rail post position.
LAST by at least 20 lengths - run hard along the rail briefly then folded the tent; yikes - last week's losing hunch bet, JODY'S POWER, over powered this group today

Race 7
BUZZ TOWN with Walter De La Cruz back a board is not a sexy choice, but he seems to be the classiest of this bunch by a long shot.
SECOND by a half - the even start kept him wide into the turn behind a loose leader that he could not run down, he may need that extra half furlong

Race 8
RACINDA threw in a clunker last time. A rebound today would not be a be a surprise given her consistent efforts the this summer.
WINNER by a length - launched a four wide bid from midpack on the turn then held on late ($10.40)

MUMKIN?

Listed as part of an entry, MUMKIN may or may not run in today's fifth race. If he does go, it will be the debut race for the NINE YEAR OLD HORSE. A win would be the makings for a movie.

Race 5
MONETARY REWARD faces no competition today. I hope she isn't adverse to some gooey going.
WINNER by a length - stalked the pace boldly then took the lead with some strong urging ($2.60)

Race 7
Expecting two in a row from HOLD ME MOLLY is asking a lot, but why not like the chances of the horse least likely to be eating mud today?
Sixth by four lengths - couldn't make the lead leaving the gate, ran evenly

Race 8
Going the OPPOSITE way here. This one is the most likely to eat mud for most of the mile trip. The field is filled with runners that seem to need/want the lead. Perhaps OPPOSITE can score late.
Last by an amazing 37 lengths - jogged for a half; quit

I hate mud

I have an urge to hide while Hurricane Sandy plays havoc with the racing surface. My embarrassing "mudder" selections Saturday left me less than anxious to visit the windows today. However, I lack the discipline necessary to save my wallet.

Race 2
STAR ISABELLA seems to like dirt a lot more than Tapeta, rating to victory in Cleveland after disappointing in Erie for her new barn. This is not a soft spot. If she is ready, the price could be right.
WINNER by a head - chasing in the second flight through the turn, was taken to the middle of the track to close willingly while drifting to be the widest winner I've ever seen ($7.00).

Race 5
POWERSTOWN gets my nod here despite the stretch out and some classy competition from the Radosevich barn. He is ultra consistant. Perhaps he can carry his speed another quarter mile.
EASED - pressed the pace gamely into the second turn where he began to back up dramatically and was eventually eased.

Race 6
PYRITE MILL seems likely to break his maiden today. He is cutting back from a powerful move on "Best of Ohio" day.
SECOND by a half - worked hard from his far outside post through the bend to overtake the leader who was along the rail; was briefly in control until caught at the wire.

R DIRTEATER

Today's "her mother's mother was a mudder" specials are:

Race 1 ULTIMATE BLISS
SIXTH by nine

Race 3 SNACK DADDY (Pick 3 races 3-5 = 5/5/1245
FOURTH (of 5) by 16

Race 4 DIAMOND LAD
WINNER ($2.60)

Race 5 R DIRTEATER
THIRD by one

Race 7 ACTIVE TRADER
OFF THE BOARD

WOW! That was sad.

EPIDAVOS

I will be very interested to see the odds on Jeff Radosevich's first time starter, BRING HOME T BACON, in today's first race. I think that I will watch and, hopefully learn from, that race.
He paid his backers ($5.60). He looked like a handful for the jock, was sorta awkward in the stretch, but still won with ease. 

Pressed for time, this will be a one play day.

Race 2
EPIDAVOS and "Lady Jane" return to the claiming ranks for Richard Genovese. Hopefully, he will be the "speed of the speed" facing three other three-year-olds. A win by old man and long shot, DUST DEVIL, would leave me with some serious egg on my face.
SECOND by maybe a dozen - dueling early, he kicked free on the turn until BUCK THE SYSTEM chewed him up and spit him out.

GENERALISSIMO

Race 2
JUST SMOK'N has had some rest and a sharpener since his last outing. Jeff Radosevich seems to stretch horses out as well as anybody. What to do with his mystery purchase, YAROSLAV?
SECOND by three - lived up to his name for three quarters, but had no response when passed in the lane; the "mystery" horse was a stalking third

Race 4
MYASTORM gets the rail today at his preferred distance.
WINNER by many - away alertly, he led by open lengths throughout ($3.60)

Race 6
GENERALISSIMO showed as much courage as I've seen on the front end here in his last trip to Cleveland. He could find a similar trip today in "the race of the day."
SECOND by a widening five - this one ran his heart out until Benny Feliciano's classy shipper,FIFTH STREET, picked up the pieces in the stretch.

FAKE PERSONALITY

Race 5
FAKE PERSONALITY has been facing stiffer competition out of state.
THIRD - allowed to stalk early, he made a bold move on the final turn, but lacked a final kick finishing tired, three behind

Race 6
BIG SISTER gets Walter De La Cruz back and should enjoy clear sailing along the rail.
WINNER - controlled the pace throught, but had to fight off a bold challenge to win by a neck ($3.20)

Race 7
Third of the claim, BLINGS RISING STAR may be in position to nocth a victory for Sandra Adkins' stable.
WINNER - pressed a hot pace (21.82/45.08), then got up in the final strides to win a length in a sizzling 1:11.68 ($3.40)

DUTY CALLS

Race 3

Robert Gorham's MPM shipper ruined me Friday. Maybe I'm too late, but I'll try that angle here with DUTY CALLS.
THIRD, fading at the wire - was perky into the deep stretch, than gave it up behind old friend YOUNG APOLLO (Richard Rettelle).

Race 4

SURVIVING NEW YORK has done most of her racing at this quirky distance. Bennett's pair must prove that they can do it in the dirt. I hope that they take some money . . .
FIFTH, twenty back - inexplicably bet down to even money, he was hung six wide on the first turn, continued to hustle for a half mile, then quit.

Race 7

BURLEY'S GOLD has probably been facing better the last few trips. Toss in a sharp workout that adds to the allure. Anthony Rini slips JODY'S POWER back into action; a tasty price would tempt me to back the sneaky good trainer.
SECOND by a half length - running early with the winner, BEAU MAC and JODY'S POWER, he took the lead in the stretch as JODY'S POWER faded, be could not hold off the other.

SNARGLE?

Race 2 
SARDENGA'S LADY skips to the lead and romps on paper.
WINNER by a slim head - had to work harder than expected to wire this bunch ($3.20)

Race 3

ON THE WING has a huge class/speed advantage - so tell me why Adkins drops him in for a tag?  SNARGLE has two wins; both gate to wire on the slop. Today he'll be firing from the rail. You tell me what to do.
THIRD by three lengths - ran hard with the leaders, three wide, then gave in late.

Race 6

POLITE COMPANY looks like she has a pace advantage here. Of course, I read a couple of those senerios way wrong yesterday. I'll have my fingers crossed.
THIRD by nine lengths - had no problem laying off the pace and no luck catching it.

GRASSHOPPA

Race 1
HARLOW'S COURT has shown the best recent form in this bunch. I find this son of A. P. Indy hard to avoid. MOUNT BREVETOR won their September face-off, but I don't think he'll get that type of pace to run into today - even with the return of race 1 master, Hector De La Cruz to his saddle.
THIRD by 17 lengths - I was shocked to see DEVIL'S LUST fry himself and my horse, setting up a perfect trip for MOUNT BREVETOR/Cruz; 15 length winners.

Race 4

GRASSHOPPA seems like the most likely in this field to rate behind a bunch of "needs the lead" types. His 6/8 record at Thistledown will earn him lots of attention. - Beware of Jeff Radosevich's other runner, BIBLICAL NOTES, here. Nephew, Jacob Radosevich gets the leg up.
SIXTH by 10 lengths - just didn't show up.

Race 6

GREAT CAUSE enjoyed his first trip under Fedrico Mata; they may be the controlling speed again today.
SECOND by two lengths - led into the stretch, but showed no fight as he was passed.

Jeff Radosevich continues to keep his stable busy today. He saddles four more this afternoon.

DIGGIN UP A RUCKUS

Race 2
EQUAL JOY should be sharp when Richard Rettelle returns him to the races after a brief freshening. The cowboy has two in here and puts Alvardo on this one.
THIRD - pressed then faded; seven length loser.

Race 4
Benny Feliciano trains the Bris.com selection, NO CONTEST, in this race. I thought that I spotted him at the track on Friday. Remembering when he was the hot young jock in town makes me feel ancient.
SECOND - on the lead until collared by Anthony Rini's improving filly that was up by a couple at the wire.

Race 5
DIGGIN UP A RUCKUS is one of six runners that Jeff Radosevich saddles today. This one looks like he can sail to the front to make it two wins in a row.
WINNER - gate to wire by seven ($3.00).

Race 6
SEVEN DAY FOOL has then advantage of Walter De La Cruz and a hot pace to run into. It will be interesting to see if that's enough to over come his class disadvantage.
WINNER - pressed the pace into the stretch, then went by to by two ($6.00).

Race 7
THEGAMES A BUSTOUT will probably be gunned to the lead by Hectot Roserio. If he clears
REDRITEEIGHTYEIGHT, he'll be tough to catch.
WINNER - another gate to wire victory, this one was a five length leader ($9.40); the pick-3 paid  $46.20 for my buck.

This is a very interesting card. I've fallen on some possible price horses - unusual for me. Wednesday's are work days for me, so  I'll miss the fun of following the action in real time.

COOLRIDE

Race 5
ALL ON ME went so easily in his last trip that his probable short odds look well deserved.
WINNER - allowed to ease to the front from behind a rabbit after a half, he relaxed near the wire ($3.40)

Race 6
COOLRIDE catches my I eye here. The word is that slot injected Hoosier Downs is spitting out decent runners. Although distance is a question, I don't think that today's competition will run him off his legs.
SECOND - running easily along the shoulder of the leader until asked in final turn, he could not get by, trailing by three lengths at the wire - distance is certainly a concern for my wallet now

Race 7
BROAD STONE is the most interesting horse in today's most competitive race. Nabu Morales' red hot barn is trying to keep the 6yo son of Birdstone's career alive after being sidelined in 2011 and trying Mountaineer a couple times this year. The field of is full of consistent runners that would not be surprise winners. I'll checking the early money and "will pays" before this play.
DREW STAR ($13.20)  closed in the lane after pressing the pace.  According to the chart, BROAD STONE ran well and "finished willing" from mid-pack to finish fourth by a length and a half. His 2/1, favorite, odds were too short for me, given his history's - I passed the race.

Saturday food for thought

Race 3
WESTERN PIRATE is a consistent type with a good chance here.
WINNER - Patiently ridden into the stretch behind crisp fractions ($7.80)

Race 5
INSERT NAME HERE is too fast for this group, if  she brings her "A" game.
SECOND - relaxed off the pace when she couldn't make the early lead, she rallied back to the front at the top of the lane, allowed another closer the rail to beat her by a couple

Race 7
NOTGIVINMYLOVEAWAY heads a testy field. Rather than over think it, I'll concede that in the end he'll probably out last these in Radosevich style.
FOURTH or FIFTH - cooked by two outside challengers, he was backing up in midstretch

Friday's horses of interest

Race 1
#7 KING KITTEN has been enjoying his relocation. Today's race seems to provide the pace that could return him to the winner's circle. I think that it would also land Walter De La Cruz in that circle after race 1 for the seventh consecutive day. How low can those odds go?
SECOND - Found a sweet rail trip, closed to assume the lead in the stretch, but was caught by a late rusher in the middle of the track

Race 4
I assume that Tim Hamm will leave cross entered, #3 BLAZING BLING, in with these fillies. If he does, I expect a repeat of the Miss Ohio Stakes. Used to racing easily on the lead, the stretch out should be no problem.
WINNER - The job got easier when a challenger for the lead scratched after rearing in the gate, pedestrian early fractions allowed her to romp on the lead ($2.60)

Race 8
All systems seem to say go for #2 EYES SUPER FREAKY. He seems stronger as the running gets longer.
FOURTH - Surprisingly went to the lead early, was clear into the stretch, then gave it up, lost by about six lengths

Thursday's horses of interest

Race 2: Don Rowe returns #2 SHEE'S SWIFT to a realistic level after trying allowance company  off her long awaited maiden conquest. It would be helpful if #3 AT HEAVEN'S DOOR and #4 SUGAR FREE hook up in the early going.
Scratch. AT HEAVEN'S DOOR beat those that remained when Jeff Skerrett eased behind SUGAR FREE until rushing by leaving the turn ($7.20)

Race 4: #1 NEW YORK STYLE looks like the likely gate to wire winner for the aggressive Radosevich stable. The less than even money odds will surely follow him on the class drop.
JAMZDEANFNKLSTEEN ($29.80) made a lot more sense when the confident selection, let go at 1/5, couldn't get by in the stretch.

Race 5: Despite two runners from Team Radosevich, it is difficult to avoid landing on chalk again. Wasn't #6 ZIPPIN ALONG quick enough in her local debut, to believe that today will be her day, against these?
1:12.50 was all the zip she needed today to win by many ($2.80)

Let me know what you are thinking.

Free Cigars . . .

. . . in exchange for beer or bourbon.

If you are a Thistledown "Tweet," taking in the Best of Ohio races trackside Friday, it might be interesting to meet. Sharing cigars and booze could make for an interesting ice breaker. I'll be looking for you near the paddock.

Unable to quit hearing myself talk, I was unable to kill this blog.