Turf Paradise 22 February 2011
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OPTIMISTIC BULLET was just behind Kitty Bopper when third here last month but has every chance of reversing the form over this longer trip. The last-named looks the one for the forecast as she has been going closer with each run and seems to be coming to the boil. Loaded Gun blew away the cobwebs earlier this month on what was her first start since June and is another to consider.
CRUZ BLANCA underperformed here last time but is better judged on his preceding effort when posting what was close to a career-best speed figure. The selection is proven to see out this longer trip and can get the better of Makinyourmark to score. The last named was forced wide when fourth here last time but should be suited by this extra yardage. The eased-in grade Glenwick completes the shortlist.
SPEED MCTREEB has the pace to be effective over this shorter trip and looks the best option in a trappy contest. Ellusive Disguise has barely seen a racecourse over the last couple of years but showed a smattering of ability remains when third at Rillito Park on his penultimate start and shouldn't be too far away. Zacravation wouldn't need to be anything out of the ordinary to figure on his racecourse debut.
This should go the way of HANDSOME CHARMER, who has been campaigning with credit in much tougher contests. Dropped to this grade for the first time, she should open her account at the ninth time of asking. Julies Magic and Bev's A Pistol can be given a chance on the pick of their form but the latter has run well in better company and could be the one for the exacta.
SECRET CITY was a good third in a valuable stakes race over this trip at Arapahoe Park last time on just his third start. He has much less to do tonight and should be capable of breaking his duck. Cousin Clayton has been well held on his two starts to date but takes a big drop in class tonight and might chase the selection home while Maui Paniolo showed enough on his debut here last month to be given a chance.
Hard to rule any of these out but preference is for SPOKANE DANCER, who landed a $3.5k claimer over C&D in outstanding style two starts ago. She followed it up with a second in this grade last time, when she had the likes of Therussianrocket (third), Rollin Stock (sixth) and Bye Bye Ladies (seventh) in behind. She didn't get the best of runs last time, being blocked as she made her move, and a clear run tonight should see her score.
EL JACAL was doing all his best work in the closing stages when runner-up over 4f at Rillito last time and he will be fancied to regain the winning thread stepping back up in trip tonight. Just Expectations faces his easiest task of late and is most feared, while Metal Marble is no forlorn hope on best form.
PURE PROMISE certainly wasn't stopping when landing the spoils over 6f here last time and he could take some stopping in his bid to follow up. Kerzner won a better race than this at Emerald Downs on his penultimate outing but fitness has to be taken on trust, while Frosted Donut can usually be relied upon to run his race.
It could pay to side with BUCK'S BULL on his racecourse debut. He shaped promisingly in a recent workout here and Dennis Sowers is sure to have him fairly wound up. Mrshakey and All Star General finished second and third respectively in a race over five and a half furlongs at the track latest and they may be left to scrap it out for minor honours once again.
