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John Pricci

HorseRaceInsider.com executive editor John Pricci contributes to his "Feature Race Analysis" section five times a week, focusing on New York.

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No Hop Like a Subtle Drop

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Heading to Northern Florida for today's featured 9th race from Tampa Bay Downs, a restricted turf route for older males going one mile. Favored Taproot (5-2) will be a tough out; dropping into a restricted condition for the first time, he returns with ideal spacing with tactical speed and kick and Goncalves on the re-ride. He had no chance in his latest when trapped in midstretch with no room to run. However, we're inclined to throw deep with Ellio (10-1).

Entering this off a New Pace Top at 7 furlongs, he's also coming in off a Delayed Pace Low following a promising turf debut in a prior start, both over this course. Today he returns to turf for the first time as a 4-year-old for a barn that's adept with stretchouts. Regular rider Fernando De La Cruz retains the mount.

Taking Ellio to win at 8-1 or greater and an exacta box with Taproot.

Running Totals: (1017) 314-202-148 Total Dollar Return: $2,1572.20 [win selections only]

Tobasco Cat says:
02 Feb 2012 at 06:26 pm | #
Touchdown!!!

Nice pick Preach, Tampa is one strange track. I hear Animal Kingdom will be running his comeback race there.
John Pricci says:
03 Feb 2012 at 08:59 am | #
True enough, Cat; AK will race there later this month. Two things about me: I never gloat and I’m not a sore winner, but how could Taproot blow the place with that trip!!

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