Date:
Apr 28, 2010 Through The Binoculars….
A list of horses that look ‘live’ and solid ready to win prospects, at tracks across North America. Horses are considered playable for win only at odds of 3-1 or better, and 5-1, for win-place. Each horse is playable a maximum of three times.
April 25 (Churchill Downs)
NOWHERE TO HIDE
Kentucky Derby starter last year, was making second ever start on turf, was in tight and then steadied. Did get going again in the stretch when clear to just miss second money. May have found a new home on the ‘green’.
(Hollywood Park)
CUTE N SASSY
Another debuter from the Mandella-barn had been working well and was entered in a tough Maiden Special. Broke out at the start, but did race well enough to recover for third. Trainer is usually better second time out!
ORIENT EMPEROR
Here’s your possible longshot play! One time winner looks to be rounding back into form after several dull races in a row. Was almost 47-1 on the board, and despite this, led into the stretch at the 7-furlong distance with some sharp fractions (for the class) in tow. Follow him along!
SOLDIER BETTY
Thought this mare had a big shot in 1 1/16th turfer, but she bobbled at the break and that seemed to unsettle her. Might be better on the synthetic surface as well.
TWISP
Solid works for this debuting two-year-old, but fill broke out at the start then was forced to race three-wide for most of the race. Hung in until deep stretch though and might be better next start, with that educational race under her belt!
(Woodbine Racetrack)
BYE BYE FOR NOW
First-time starter debuted with good works from a solid barn. Broke well but was soon headed on the turn but still ran on to finish a good fourth. This girl might be better when the races stretch out!
ROYAL RAGE
This fellow was on our list last year, and was making his first start since that good turf effort last July. Showed some speed and a good four and five wide move, only to flatten out in the stretch. That race may have helped to shake some of the rust off!
THE BOY’S RING
Didn’t take the tote action as most expected in his four-year-old debut and actually looked a little flat in this dash, even though a series of good works leading up were showing. Don’t give up on this lightly raced fellow just yet!
April 28 (Churchill Downs)
NOROAMIN
A prime example of a ‘z’ pattern horse. Forced the pace, dropped back at the top of the stretch, then rerallied for third in a good effort, despite post time odds of 31-1. Tampa shipper looks to be rounding back into form quite quickly.
OLIVER’S COVE
In the same event as Noroamin, was cutting back from a 1 1/4mile event to a flat mile. Despite a three-wide middle move, fellow seemed to hang again, a habit he seems to be ‘enjoying’ recently. Gelding is 3 for 10 at the mile distance though, so maybe next time if he is entered at his preferred distance.
(Golden Gate Fields)
I.C. ROSIE
Was closing quickly even though she hopped at the start, to just miss for second. Shouldn’t be held off much longer!
(Hollywood Park)
LANA’S SMILE
Debuting two-year-old opened up showing some serious money on the board. Colt showed some run to finish second and Maiden victory should be in reach shortly.
MISS NIKKI C
Another heavily bet two-year-old making her debut, but perhaps left her race in the morning work, a bullet drill five days ago. Didn’t help as well that the filly was in tight for part of her debut dash, and certainly deserves another chance.
WOMAN WARRIOR
Thought that this girl was taking an edge with a good record showing for the track and distance, but she didn’t fire. Perhaps she may have bounced off that career best Beyer in her last start and certainly deserves another chance, synthetic or grass!
(Woodbine Racetrack)
CHRISTINES CHOICE
Season debut from the 12-hole in a short dash-not the best of scenarios. Gelding broke 12th, but was noticed closing 6-wide in the stretch. Perhaps a future longshot special!
DREAM SOCIETY
Well-regarded on tote board, filly bobbled at the start, then rushed up the inside to challenge the leaders, only to flatten out for third. With a better break and next time will be the third off the layoff.
MOLINARO JOYFUL
Three-year-old filly was making her second lifetime start in Ontario-sired Maiden Special, after debuting in an open Maiden $16K. Was visually impressive, after laying off the pace, then blocked in early stretch, this girl found a seam and just cruised to an open length victory under a hand ride. Looks to be a filly with a future, especially when they stretch out!