In Friday’s eighth in Hallandale, trip handicappers have a chance to back what we project to be the most likely winner while beating a favorite in the process. Sound interesting?
It’s not like Dem A Wonder won’t be a tough out. She will. She’s improved big time since the Rohan Crichton claim, decimating a weaker set at this trip in her first start for the barn. She held her own vs. tougher last out, now drops a notch in her return to 5-1/2 furlongs.
My Saratoga Star (9-2) is live, too. Getting back to her preferred dirt surface and returning fresh for Georgina Baxter, who is 26% effective with layups longer than 90 days and, in fact, is profitable with all dirt starters, winning at an absurd 30% pace.
But the call will go to True Atka (4-1), based on her rough trip finale at Colonial last out. Let’s just say that in the third race on AUG 23 in Virginia, my short comment would read raced wide, wider and widest. See for yourself and decide.
The clincher for us is that she returns to a sensible level after exiting a tough, richer optional claimer but now is in with “beaten $20,000 claimers” and turns back to 5-1/2 furlongs.
The last two starts at trip resulted in two straight comprehensive scores. We expect a return to top form with the switch to Samy Camacho.
Taking True Atka to win at 4-1 or greater and key-boxing exactas with the two fillies mentioned above.
