Wish we had the nerve to go against this favorite but the way Mike Maker’s going at this meet it’s hard to pull the trigger against early line favorite Bramble Boy (5-2).
But he’s figures have improved two straight on the Thoro-Graph scale since the three-back claim, makes his second start at this claiming level after exiting his Aqueduct finale in which he earned a layover figure.
When the Maker horses do that, they generally hold their form over a sustained period. The mini-turn back should only accentuate his punch and his tactical speed should not give him too much to do. And did we mention that ‘Bramble’ is 1-for-1 in Hallandale?
But there are others who interest, two price shots, who we would use in various, sundry way. Ha’ Penny (30-1) is making his turf debut with a proper pedigree and he is forward looking. He’s been keeping good company.
Then there’s Frippet (15-1) who is placed properly at this level but compromised by a wide draw; perhaps Paco can do something about that. Further, Kahiko (3-1) absolutely loves this course and distance. He, too, is drawn outside but attracts Miguel Vasquez, having a career year.
We’re going to take Bramble Boy to win with no price restrictions, key him on top of the three above in the trifecta, and will key-box exactas with the same three, looking for a price shot on top.
