There’s always interest in a sizable field of maiden claimers on the turf and Saturday’s 4th in Oldsmar is no exception.
It’s not difficult to find the favorite, Caramelito (5-2), a son of Medaglia d’Oro from a Smart Strike mare bred by Godolphin. He gets an equipment change, a switch to Samy Camacho, drops from maiden allowances into a claimer–and trainer Eion Harty is 26% effective in that scenario.
But as the Bard might say, therein lies the rub. With that pedigree, why is the outfit giving up on a March three year old so soon? Of course he can win on his class lines and capable connections and inside draw. But as a likely heavy favorite, time to look around; didn’t have to look far.
Danceronthebeach (3-1) has had two lifetime starts, showing improvement in second start while moving up to today’s level. Showing speed while green into the first turn, he chased a lively pace in a strongly run mile at a loss of ground, moved to the lead, was passed, but kept plugging along.
Checking the Tampa Bay Today Video, stay with the replay of RACE 9 on MAR 4 and note the gallop out, While ‘Beach’ was passed narrowly by two rivals rallying outside, by the time they got to the lower turn on the gallop out he was in front again. Ii wasn’t dramatic, but it was gutsy.
Danceronthebeach rates to improve in his lifetime start and he could trip out despite an outer draw with speed signed on and at a slightly longer route. We’ll take him straight at 3-1 or greater and key-box exacta with the favorite and pointed, price shot Gimmeabreak (20-1).
