Thursday’s eighth race in Hallandale does not boast the largest of fields with seven entered, but does offer an interesting value play opportunity.
Free To Roam’s off odds are unlikely to match the early line quote of 8-1 but we posit she will offer uncommon value for a reason, her Thoro-Graph figures don’t quite match up with several faster fillies.
But she is on a forward line, the Ralph Nicks barn has been live, winning with four of his last nine entrants through Sunday’s racing, and Tyler Gaffalione continues to impress with his decision maker and strength.
Having won an open $50K optional maiden event, Nicks enters her back under favorable conditions, a Florida-bred allowance sprint, doubtlessly encouraged that two winners have emerged from her maiden breaker [FEB 15, Race 9].
If greater significance, that run also was her All-Weather debut in which she battled head to head throughout yet still dug in determinedly for the win. She has good spacing into this in her return to proven, favorable dynamics.
Taking Free to Roam to win at 4-1 or greater and key-box exactas with Horse for Course Clay Solider (5-2) and well spotted favorite Lil Darlin (2-1).
