Hawthorne 05 November 2008
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Absolutely no throw-outs in this septet and slight nod goes to CRATER MAKER. There is a chance this five-year-old has gone off form with a dismal effort on the main track last time but may be a pure turf performer these days. He should get a good ground saving trip behind the speed under regular jockey Jose Ferrer. Lighthouseville also disappointed in the same 'off turf' race as the selection and is also of interest on the surface switch. If veteran jockey Randy Meier can rate him on the front he may have plenty left for the stretch.
In these maiden claimers it often pays to look for horses dropping into the bargain basement for first time rather than those that had chances at this level. With that in mind, RUN FOR SILVER is worth a second look. His runner-up finish at Gulfstream in February reads well in the context of this race and he has every right to improve off a modest comeback effort versus higher priced maidens. Har Ber High and Squander also get class relief and should show more today. Approval Miss has only one failure at this level and has more upside than the exposed and badly drawn Chosen Deputy.
Concentrating on the new faces in this grade with WHERE'S WINSTON being one of them. This is the first time the rail runner has been offered for sale after being overmatched in a pair of maiden special weights. He lost any chance at the start last time and his debut run looks a nice class fit here. B B's for Boys also takes the plunge into maiden claimers and the winner of the maiden he ran in last time came back and won a stakes race on Saturday. His debut run at Arlington is a cut above this. The doubts are the surface and a regressive form profile. Infuriating debuts for a barn adept with debutants and merits a look.
Someone has to win this race, the problem is these gals have got out of the habit of winning. MISS SHE GONE is typical with a number of good efforts at this level but at least draws better than her last race where she missed by half-a-length. Many will point out that My Chicago Rose has been facing much better opposition recently but it is worth noting that she couldn't break through at versus similar in the summer. Lady Teabing ships in for a top barn and tries dirt for the first time. She has regressed in every start in the U.S. but maybe the surface switch turns her around?
INTENSLYCONFUZZLED could be quicker early than the other speed horses and that could mean a winning effort for this three-year-old. He has ran well off a lay-off before and is reunited with jockey Tim Thornton who was aboard when breaking his maiden over course and distance. Bud's Bear drops in class, cuts back in distance and switches surfaces for a top barn. He could be a late threat. Chief Wildcat is in-form but a profile of minor awards suggests he's best used in the underneath spots in exactas and trifectas.
The class drop and tactical speed make ALDOUS a logical play in this spot. There was nothing wrong with his even effort against open company last time and should be well positioned to stalk the pace and get first jump on the many deep closers here. Rabboni is a rebound candidate. He draws a far better post than his last start and has upset potential with the right kind of ride. The likes of Bright Storm, Show Me Your Beads and Possum will be charging late from off the pace. Will the bird have flown by then?
Backers of the entry get two legitimate contenders here with UNBRIDLED VICAR and Rags. Both are fresh and have worked well for this after being in some tough races at Arlington this summer. Ashe's Cat retains the services of regular rider Eddie Perez despite moving barns via a claim. The five-year-old has run his best races at this unique track. It's Never to Late is a threat to steal from the front under his apprentice rider but supporters would prefer some of the other speed to scratch out of the race.
After two defeats as favourite this autumn, maybe blinkers will do the trick for ROAD TRACK'S DREAM. What is certain is her barn couldn't be in better form and jockey Terry Houghton will help make her mind up if she has any ideas of not putting it all in. Unlike many of these, Penelope Wonders shouldn't be inconvenienced by this trip. She loses Chris Emigh which is a negative but does help with a bigger price. Superfine Time is better than her latest run suggests and worthy of consideration for the exotics at least
ISN'T SHE WICKED showed speed in a contested pace duel and faded badly at a higher level in her Hawthorne debut. At that time the track was favouring off the pace types and the drop in class and a much fairer track should see a bold show. Note she has worked very well since that race. Mysterious Beauty now runs for a deadly jockey/trainer combination after showing nothing after a poor start in her Florida debut for another barn. She could be a different proposition here. Safari Dream gets the services of a hot apprentice and her best career race was fresh.
