Turf Paradise 22 February 2009
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His Way landed a similar contest over a mile here, with Fast Missile nearly six lengths behind in third. He should confirm those placings but a better bet for the main prize could be INSTANTLY, second over 6f here in this grade. However, he's better over a route, as his C&D success four starts ago in a better contest demonstrates, and he should prove too good here back over a route.
It would be a major surprise if this didn't go the way of EL MIRAGE winner of a similar contest over 6f three starts ago and second in a much better contest next time out. That form should be easily good enough to land this. Talk Circuit beat Maltese Tiger by a neck in a weaker contest two starts ago but then blotted his copybook with a poor effort next time. Both can figure here, however.
Little form to go on here but SNOW GIRL impressed when a close second over five and a half furlongs here last month after been tried in tougher company. She's up in class tonight but not too much and she looks the one to beat. Simply Dazzling has reportedly been working well at home and could be the one for the exacta on her debut while Bercause has shown some ability and might not be too far away.
Plenty in with chances here but it should pay to side with FOREST ECHOES. After a string of near misses, he was an impressive winner of a $30k maiden optional claimer over six and a half furlongs here despite a tardy start. A repeat effort should be good enough to land this. Get Thee Hence and In The Day have claims but Aficionado, winner of both his starts to date but up in class now, could be the one for the exacta.
PUT ME UNDER has already had 13 opportunities to break her duck, but may be worth one last chance in this bargain-basement grade. She took plenty of time to show any form, but has really found her niche at this track in recent weeks and has finished second in this sort of contest in both of her last two starts. That form is better than anything her rivals have achieved. Punkin Do was well backed last time but tired quickly on the muddy track. Jordyn's Halo can only improve for the experience of her debut.
SECRET RIDGE has taken quite well to life at Turf Paradise, winning on his debut at the track last month before going on to finish a nose second under today's jockey subsequently. He knows how to get his head in front and gets a narrow vote in an open contest. Count Orange has made the first three in all six of his starts here and should be close enough again. Janzig Affair wasn't far behind the selection last time and is another to consider.
This will not take much winning and it is worth chancing a return to form for ROYAL ROCKET who will appreciate the step up to this trip. Thinkin Bout Blake rates a danger along with My Call who is certainly no superstar but he gives his all and should not be overlooked.
Always Royal has been running well in defeat of late and shouldn't be too far away again but preference is for GATO VIEJO. The 5-y-o was always in command when powering clear around here last time although this is a shade tougher, he looks well up to this. Smart Time is another who comes here in good form and he makes up the short-list.
In what looks a tricky end to proceedings, it could pay to side with QUAKER RUN. He lost little in defeat when runner-up over this track and trip last time and a repeat performance may well be good enough. Forsman stayed on strongly when third over 6f here latest and should benefit from this step up in trip, while Da Nicky is another with claims.
