We return to our preferred surface, the Tampa Bay turf, and will try to beat two strong favorites doing so. It will not be easy, going against Chad Brown and Christophe Clement trained turfers, a first-time starter and first-time U.S. import. But if we’re correct, we will get paid.
Chad will be a tough out with Isle of White (2-1), making her first American start for Peter Brant. So will Clement’s Minglewood (3-1), debuting for 1% connections. And so, too, will Emirates Affair (6-1), making her third start off a layup adding blinkers for Mike Dini.
But we will Take Joy (6-1), literally and figuratively, if blinkers do the trick for Arnaud Delacour’s second time starter, who never really got involved in the proceedings on debut but showed lots of interest, albeit too late and very wide into the lane.
Blinkers should supply the needed focus for a barn that excels in LAY-2 scenarios. And there might not be a hotter jockey on the grounds right now than Raul Mena. It will not be easy but the reward should be commensurate with the risk.
Betting Take Joy to win at 5-1 or greater and key-boxing exactas and trifectas with the three rivals listed above.
Chad has the
