The cold hard fact is that Karri Raven’s Chess Master (4-1) is 0-for-3 in Hallandale with nary a board finish to boot, but it’s HRI’s considered opinion is that he was very unlucky not to win here three starts back.
Indeed, he finished sixth in one of these in January but came out of that heat to win a stakes at Tampa Bay Downs in his subsequent start, earning a top figure on the Thoro-Graph scale to get that job done.
But check out the video for that Hallandale run, JAN 19, Race 8 and see if you agree that he may have been best.
Following a trouble break, he ran into turbulence entering the turn, rallied wide into the lane, and was still fighting when they reached the finish line, beaten a mere 3/4s of a length for it all.
Last out he again was compromised at the break but now returns here set to rebound in a spot he should suit comfortably. Pole sitting, we anticipate a clean start with the switch to Luis Saez.
We’re taking Chess Master to win at 5-2 or greater and key-boxing exactas with likely pacesetter Meetmeinkingston (7-2) and short-sprint specialist, fast working Shekky Shebaz (6-1).
