Even my old friend Harvey Pack, whose signature phrase was “never bet a horse to do something it hasn’t done as the favorite,” might have to agree there are exceptions to every rule.
We have no idea if Driftwood (2-1) will close as the favorite in Friday’s seventh race in Oldsmar but if he should, we still can’t look past the gelding 5-year-old in the turf route for $20,000 starter horses.
For one, who is going to run with him early? Secondly, is there any rival that can class up? The last time he raced at this level he won over the Tapeta surface as Presque Isle.
Finally, he gets some relief from the optional 2X class he’s been meeting throughout the recent meet. But give him this; he’s improved in every recent grass start.
Last time out, he led for every stride until the very last when e was out-headed by Good Governance. Check it and see if you agree” Tampa Bay Downs, FEB 4, Race 7. He returns with good spacing and has done his best running at today’s trip. Jose Ferrer stays aboard for Ron Potts.
We’re prepared to take Driftwood to win but at no lower than his early line, and key-boxing exactas with recent Tony Wilson claim Dream Liner (10-1) and Obiwan (5-1), exiting the same race as the choice.
