Thursday’s ninth in Hallandale is a fascinating puzzle and the sense is that no matter which horse you land on, you will be paid fair, true odds.
Even before checking the video, we had five horses open that would justify serious consideration:
Igloo (4-1) is coming off a long layup–a profitable 25% scenario for Jonathan Thomas. Headline Hunter (8-1) owns the right style and was claimed by Jose D’Angelo last out, a 29% favorable angle.
Bill Mott turnback Runaway Rockette (6-1) will run late instead of stalking. Bullet worker Mamba Wamba (5-1) goes for Brian Lynch and Julien Leparoux, a top turf team that excels with long-term returnees.
On consistency, however, it’s Abuse of Power (7-2) who rates to be considered the most probable winner.
Making her second start off a lengthy layup, the 4-year-old filly figures to move forward with that tightener, a race where she was seriously tested for half of the six furlong sprint and she fought very gamely to the end. Turning back to a suitably shorter route, she has versatility, a good mid-gate draw, and is reunited with a familiar partner, Paco Lopez.
She worked stoutly subsequently at her Payson Park base for Philip Aristone, 2-for-3 plus a money finish in her last three when making a second start for this barn. With tactical speed, Paco should be in position to push the button at the appropriate time. Hw do you read her last at Belmont Park on OCT 22, Race 8? Check it out.
Taking Abuse of Power to win at 5-2 or greater, an exacta box with Igloo, and using “Headline’, ‘Runaway’ and ‘Mamba’ is the super-exotics mix.
