By Dave Brower, Race 1 Review – Saturday, July 4, 2020
1 WHATS INTHE ESKY A – After a bit of a slowish start, Esky came on belatedly and flashed some nice pace. Finished his mile in 50 flat, so that’s pretty quick. Lands the same post, with that race under his belt. He should be ready now.
2 SPIRIT OF TRUTH – I will admit, I didn’t see that coming! Paid a healthy price against a weaker field in just first start back, so barn definitely had him ready. Now, he starts the step back UP the ladder and this is where it gets dicey.
3 DREAMFAIR CHARRO – Tough to get a real read on Charro right now. Barn hasn’t showed up with much past few weeks. Yes, I can see the sizable drop, but wakeup calls are hard to predict. This fella would need one to upset.
4 ANCLE – Kind of the same story as #3. Hasn’t delivered much yet. I need to see more before I could endorse.
5 ROCK THE NITE – Used pretty hard in that battle down at Philly. He didn’t quit that badly, and I see the broken equipment. Gets a better post and is versatile. Could be lot stronger on the drop, with a race under his belt.
6 SPICEBOMB – Every once in a while I guess right on the bomber! I’m guessing not tonight. Off since December.
7 VANQUISHED N – Any time Vallee lists Yannick, it’s a sign of positive intent. I’m not promising he’ll be 100% ready, but don’t be shocked if he is. Has gone some big miles here in the past, against better fields. A real maybe here.
8 GRIFFON HANOVER – Griff figured to have a solid chance in that race two weeks ago and A Mac put him in play. Gets additional class relief and is most dangerous on a drop like this. Will be flashing speed for sure. Big chance to win it.
9 KERRIN JOSEPH A – Talk about the bad post blues! It continues here and I will take a pass on the class hike.
10 IM A DIRECTOR N – Here’s the wild card in the race. That looked like too tough a spot for his debut here. And, it ended up being a very fast race. He just wasn’t ready for that. I’m more concerned with second straight pp 10. Tuf call.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Andy McCarthy 5 over 6,8
Yannick Gingras 7 over 9
Top Contenders 1-8-5-7
Race 2 Review
1 ROCK N BLUE – Hasn’t gotten lucky yet in 2020, but then again, neither has anybody else! Dangerous barn in a spot like this, especially after that speed tightener. IF the price is right, I wouldn’t talk you off using this fella.
2 ALL IT TAKES – I guess this will be the favorite and I have no problem with that. That was an excellent comebacker, with a nice late kick. Tetrick may have to drive him a little different here, since I just don’t see a ton of other speed.
3 IDEAL CHILL – Barn is starting to click on all cylinders, so respect for that. Faced a much stronger bunch in his first start since December, so we’ll give a pass for that. This looks like perfect spot to get healthier. Will be stalking #2.
4 BUNGALOW BILL N – Looks like he just “went around there” in his return. Those slow starts don’t help. My bigger knock is that Bill hasn’t won a race in a very long time! That’s hard to get past. A longshot.
5 MISTER TRUTH – Picked up two checks for the new barn after the February claim. Then, they had to feed him for three months. Came back with a less-than-ideal qualifier. I just don’t think he’s primed and ready for this yet.
6 JOHNNY CHIP – That was a VERY fast last half down at the farm and this fella blew right by late. I guess the added Lasix and new barn made a difference? A Mac chose here, over #1, but we expected that. Let’s see how good he is.
7 CITY HALL – Veteran warhorse is capable at any time, but sometimes these “seniors” need a race or two to get back to full form. He’s stuck outside the main players tonight. Do we wait one more week? I’m guessing yes. Trainer: He doesn’t have much luck getting good posts lately. Definitely hoping for some better luck.
8 MCSPIDEY – Technically, he was facing better before the shut-down. Drops a tick, but still no love from the post gods. It took a while to work his way down the ladder, but I might be enticed to wait for a softer spot, and better post.
9 NOX VEGAS BLUECHIP – Another that’s 0-for the year so far. I hate the post. Owns little speed. I’ll just pass.
10 WILLIE BOOTS – I’m still shaking my head about the ton of betting money that showed up for Willie a few weeks ago. It certainly wasn’t mine and I feel bad if you took that short of a price. Plus, Willie wasn’t very good! Now, it’s post 10.
DRIVER CHOICES:
Andy McCarthy 6 over 1
Top Contenders 1-2-6-3
