Postscript: Delaware Park #7

The entry missed the board at 4/5.  Forest Jingles ran sharp in the stretch to pay a solid $15.20 to win.

Questions Answered:

Does Able Baker Charlie maintain his career form?

No.  He tired in the stretch.  The chart comment “gave way grudgingly” seems a bit generous.

Does Interchange enjoy the return to Delaware?

He ran well, but needed more in the stretch.  Jury is still out on him — next race will be key and hopefully over this surface.

Can Winding Road handle this class level?

No.  He was a non-factor.  A lifetime claimer trying allowance is using conditioning and is usually a good bet against.

Chart (provided by Equibase)

 

Postscript: Belmont Park, Race #3

The field ran up to Charge Now on the turn, but he had plenty in the stretch to pull away under a hand ride from Joel Rosario. Lieutenant Seany O ran well to be a clear second.

Questions Answered: 

Will Charge Now emerge as a contender in the three-year old division?

Absolutely. He’s reportedly being pointed towards the Travers. He’ll be fun to follow as the summer progresses.

How will Lieutenant Seany O appreciate the added distance?  

He appreciated the distance and stayed sharp for David Jacobson.  He ran well and stayed on in the stretch to finish a clear second as the third choice.

Is Howl a potential Belmont Park “Horse for Course”?

He made a nice move to Charge Now on the turn, but didn’t have anything substantial for the drive. The jury is still out on Howl, but he could move forward against the right field.

Chart (Provided by Equibase)

Postscript: Prairie Meadows 8

Sir Smart Alex tracked the pace, hit the front in the stretch, and found plenty to light up the tote board at 23-1. Pontiff had some run, and looked like he might run down Sir Smart Alex, but stalled and didn’t have nearly enough to win.

Questions Answered:

Will Pontiff realize his early potential?

The jury is still out on this one.  He didn’t respond to the blinkers with more early speed and seemed to be struggling, despite his second place finish.  He certainly can win at this level, but his future as a stakes horse is very much in doubt.

How hot will the pace be?

The pace wasn’t too hot, mainly due to Pontiff not joining the fray. Again, pace is a much better factor to explain a poor performance than to predict one.

Will Spotsback enjoy the stretchout?

He ran well, but did not have the stamina to win here.  He should do better in a return to sprinting in the maiden claiming ranks.

Chart (provided by Equibase)