With no stakes or allowances races on the Laurel docket to begin the weekend, we decided to look at Saturday’s finale since always interesting turf sprints are known to produce a surprise or two.
Unfortunately, that does not appear to be the case here as perennial leading trainer Claudio Gonzalez has this race to himself–whether it remains at 5 1-2 furlongs on grass or is rescheduled to the main track.
While weather handicappers tripped us up a few days ago, we trust that Friday’s scheduled rains will cut the course up a bit, but Saturday’s promise of bright skies should help the finale to remain on the surface for which it was carded.
You’re Doing Fine (5-2) is very well named for this spot. When last seen on turf, the Charitable Man 3YO was a troubled but game-finish second at the $25K level. Today, the flag has been lowered to $16K.
The two-class drop in a Gonzalez specialty, an easy call given his 41% strike rate. What followed his $25,000 claim were two scheduled two runs for $40K, but both turf sprints were rained out.
Her recent wide-trip run was not great but good enough to keep ‘Wes’ Hamilton on board for another try.
Should management decide to reschedule, Gonzalez has Main-Track-Only Lady Fox (5-2) laying in wait. Claimed at this level last out, she returns for the same price, coming off a much improved third when dropped into this class last time.
‘Fox’ rates to improve since the first-off-claim category is another strong one for the barn, Gonzalez a profitable 29% given a large sample. Everyone knows he moves them up first time for his barn, yet the angle is still a money-maker.
We’ll taking either one, whatever the price. Bettors don’t get to choose when their choices appear to lay over the competition– rivals that happen to leave much to be desired here.
