The problem with small field racing sometimes is that races, such as Saturday’s Alma North Stakes at six furlongs become even more competitive when race dynamics lack real definition.
The issue with this group of fillies and mares is that their best efforts have come on or near the pace and the race lacks a clearly defined late runner to take advantage of a contentious pace, be the fractions fast or slow.
Worse, it appears that the lead lead will depend on jockey tactics and that’s often harder to predict than selecting a winner. Absent that, races like these are often won or lost at the break, and that’s why it’s called gambling.
If pace and final time relationships count, which they do, the one mare that seems to hold a tactical advantage Amy’s Challenge who showed in a recent win over weaker at speed-kind Delaware Park is that she can attend a fast pace and sustain that momentum.
Consequently, we’re willing to gamble that versatility makes her the filly to beat in today’s match-up. Taking Amy’s Challenge to win, no price restrictions, and an exacta box with the fast, back-classy Chalon.
NOTE: Xpressbet offering 10% rebate on Laurel today and Monday
