Golden Gate Fields 18 December 2005
Instructions
Please click on the “View Full Racecard & Odds” button to get the full racecard information.
Only beaten a neck when tackling similar opposition earlier this month, AT A BOY LUTHER is fancied to go one better now he switches to an in-form high-percentage jockey. Recent winner Top Victory is an obvious danger, especially as he also won when last seen under today's pilot, while Deputy Lee has been working well in training and could defy a two-month absence.
Beaten only a head and half-a-length in his last two starts, MAGIC AVENUE is fancied to put his fastest best dirt speed figure to good use and gain a deserved first success. Powermetoglory finished third in tougher company when last seen just over a year ago, so must be considered if ready for his reappearance, while Solid Sensation is returning from an even longer absence, but was well supported on his debut and is clearly held in some regard.
He never scores by far, but ATTITUDE E. REE keeps winning, so it would come as no surprise if he completed a five-timer despite now taking on tougher opposition. Haint It Hot rates well against the remainder and could be involved in the finish, along with Cayerless And Bold who has only once failed to reach the frame in 12 starts this year.
Connections of TOMATHAN must be wondering what they have done wrong as their gelding has finished second in each of his six races, latterly against tougher opposition. Today could be the day that he deservedly goes one better. Booker Time has failed to reach the frame in only one of his five starts and must have a chance of earning place money again, while the switch to a high-percentage trainer could prompt improvement from Copper Cadet.
Narrowly beaten in more valuable events last winter, LITETHELUCKY should have the class to overcome a long absence and the booking of a high-percentage jockey suggests that connections are of the same opinion. A comfortable winner when last seen a couple of months ago, Tizzy's Queen might provide the sternest opposition, but a big run from Southern Soldier is not out of the question.
Heavily supported when returning from a six-month break a month ago, JOHNNY R was a big disappointment, but he appears to have a decent opportunity here. Providing he is none the worse for whatever ailed him last time, Big Black could run a big race but Simply Bellissimo, third against tougher last time, might be the one for the exacta.
Freshened up during a month off, ROUTE WORK is fancied to extend his sequence of reaching the first three at the very least, especially as his trainer has been on target recently. Elusive Babe boasts the highest speed figure at today's distance and is a logical alternative, while Summer Stitch is not without a chance on this return to sprinting.
Just two victories in a 30-race career is hardly a confidence-building statistic but, after hitting the crossbar in his last two starts, NATIVE APPROVAL still makes most appeal on this occasion. Returning to turf will almost certainly help Time To Honor become competitive again, so he rates the biggest danger ahead of Slew A Soldier.
Reportedly working well in training, INSTANT CLASSIC is fancied to atone for a disappointing effort just over three weeks ago. Freshened up during a ten-week break, Deposit Account is entitled to run a big race for his in-form trainer, while Mystical Memo could be capable of improvement.
