Diving into an interest trip race, Thursday’s eighth, in which several have had a reason that hurt their chance of breaking maiden last out. Trips, indeed, but interesting angles, too. The one we are going to shade is Deep State (4-1), shipping in from Churchill Downs for his turf debut.
Recall there was no grass racing at the recently ended session.
First thing to do is check the trip the gelding had on debut, CHURCHILL DOWNS, NOV 21, Race 6. You will see he had a troubled start, was taken immediately out to the middle of the track. somewhat curiously, fought restraint, slipped down inside, made a good rail rally as the pace was heating up but tired late from all that wasted effort.
Subsequently, Brian Lynch put him back on the track 14 days later for a solid five-furlong move, shipped south and promptly worked him on Palm Meadows grass twice, showing better speed than he had previously, thus showing some affinity for the new surface.
As a soon to be five year old, the drop to the $50,000 level here is sensible as is the switch to turf ace Julien Leparoux, and of six siblings to win, three of those came on turf so the pedigree is there, obviously. A cozy inside draw clinches the deal for us.
We’re taking Deep State to win at 7-2 or greater, and quinellas with well bred Golden Indy (3-1) for Jonathan Thomas, who usually has his turf and racing debut runners set for a good go, and Lord of War (6-1), making first start at a reduced level since claimed by the Mark Casse barn last winter.
