Normally we look for the best race on the card, preferably turf. We’re staying with grass here but chose a race, and a horse, that can also handle dirt if the turf race is rescheduled. Forecasts are for a wet track.
One could argue we’re taking Bustin Hearts (5-1) because has was claimed by Claudio Gonzalez last out, given his lofty 29% first-off-claim success rate. But there are other factors, too. First, his familiarity as the 7YO mare is a re-claim.
Second, her figures are highly competitive, she returns at the level of claim from a clever NY-based claiming outfit (Roddy Valente, owner/breeder of the sire), is 4-for-10 on wet tracks, and then there’s her last race.
Her first off a long layup, she entered the stretch impossibly wide, losing all chance, and made up ground but understandably tired late, a combination of recent condition and ground loss. It all comes together here.
See what you think of her last trip. Check out the Laurel Park Live Video on the homepage, Laurel RACE 9, JUNE 8, a key race that produced two next-out winners.
Taking Bustin Hearts to win on either surface, no price restrictions, and on turf making an exacta box with super sharp favorite Dance Or Stroll from a barn that 19% efficient with runners seeking to repeat.
