Lots of question marks in the Sunday feature in Hallandale, including the runner we fear most as we look to end the week on a winning note.
The one entrant for which there is no question is Danzig Chips (9-2), a late developing grandson of Hard Spun who moved forward in last despite moving up in class and has good spacing for his return.
A look at the work pattern suggests Jena Antonucci is taking a similar track to get read as she has employed with the celebrated Arcangelo–sparing, well spaced workouts.
As for the question marks, can Joe DiBaggio ( 12-1) handle the steep rise for lower claiming company to the state-bred preliminary allowance level?
Clearly, owner/trainer Gary Jackson loves this horse, having claimed him back twice after losing him via the claim box; he’s certainly fast enough to upset on his best run.
What’s going on with Apocalypso (5-2)? He makes his return after losing his rider last out but Saffie is using a low profile rider as opposed to main man Edgar Zayas. But note that Vincente Gudiel has won a race in four rides for this outfit.
Finally, there is Spy Hunter (8-5), making his first start in 372 days. But he won his debut at 2 by open lengths, earning an excellent figure and adds first-Lasix for Jose D’Angelo, who’s been hotter than a SoFla summer. Obviously, he easily could prove best but a likely underlay given the layup.
But we’ll stick with a known, Danzig Chips to win, fair value at 4-1 or higher, and an exacta box with Spy Hunter. The others would make good exotics fillers.
