A Horse to Watch maiden claimer on the Tampa turf is a good way for us to begin the racing week in Oldsmar, especially when there’s a real chance of securing value. There’s not much–unless your a race watcher to suggest that Our Grey Ghost (10-1) is anything special.
But that’s just the thing; nothing is obvious. It’s the incremental improvement we see from the first time we picked him up here on DEC 9–that, an improved post draw, a race shape that fits his style, and finally the idea he was scratched Sunday in favor of today’s spot.
Back at his proper level after a rough trip placing vs better recently in an off the turf seven furlongs, Dean Butler has seen fit to stick with the gelded three-year-old one more time and we’re taking the rider along with him, price permitting:
We’re willing to take 6-1 or greater in the straight pool and will key-box exactas with Monday’s With Mike (4-1) given a fence draw with Hector Diaz in the boot for Kathleen O’Connell, Top Bomb (5-1) who showed big improvement last out, New Account (20-1) getting two significant changes and a switch to Camacho.
(Note that we would also include and double-dropper Lowcountry (3-1) for Mike Stidham if he draws in from the Also Eligibles).
