With sunshine in the forecast for Friday’s program we’re migrating back to the turf course and in doing so found a competitor that is unlikely to be the favorite but perhaps should be, if pace and class mean anything.
Not that Zandrea’s (5-2) isn’t a legitimate favorite, she is. Shipping north from Gulfstream where she chased the pace vs. tougher, the change of scenery should suit her as she moves into Mike Dini’s barn. Dini is making a switch to Jesus Castanon, a team that’s one-for-one at this session.
But we’re thinking, based on stronger pace figures, a more sizable drop from the $25,000 level and exiting a race over the local course, which is something the early line favorite lacks. Passionfortreasure (4-1) has upside in that this is only her second start at the N2L level.
Yes, she was beaten 20 lengths in her recent return, her only start in two and a half months. As stated, she chased a livelier pace and once the mission became impossible, turf ace Jose Ferrer took care of her through the stretch and now takes a return call on the class dropper.
Check the replay and see if you agree. We believe the head-on replay would speak better to our observation of her last effort at TAMPA BAY DOWNS, DEC. 9, RACE 7. She owns tactical speed and has shown that she is rate-able and can finish, tactics used in her maiden victory two back.
Spotted well by Brenda McCarthy, outside draw notwithstanding, we’re betting to win hoping she will be in the neighborhood of 3-1. We won’t be obstinate and also will make an exacta box with the favorite.
