Interesting turf allowances in the 6th on Friday’s Tampa program, allowance types going 1-1/16th miles on the Tampa lawn.
And a real opportunity for value presents itself with the Tom Proctor- trained Food and Wine (6-1), with grass ace Jesus Castanon in the boot.
What makes the chance of value real is that today’s event represents a class rise for N2L claimers at Laurel to the preliminary allowance level, a sign of confidence from the barn following a local training facility breeze.
It was that Free State win that sold us, the start prior to his most recent–a throw-out when the turf race was rescheduled for dirt.
The gelded 3-year-old is vastly improved this fall/winter season after his brief freshening, but allow his effort at LAUREL PARK, OCT. 11, RACE 1 to be your guide. Check out the Tampa Today Video on the HRI homepage and see for yourself.
Not quite a runoff, he was strong from the jump, stalking the leader after dropping over from his wide draw, taking the lead entering the far turn on his own, took a slight breather at that point, then repelled a perfect-tripping favorite who made a strong, headstretch challenge. He galloped out strongly into the clubhouse turn.
Tampa’s turf when firm favors speed early in the meet. Check opening day to see if that trend continues. Either way, we’re taking Food and Wine to win at 4-1 or greater and an exacta box with Uhtred (4-1), getting class relief for Team Sweezey/Camacho, and a winner of half of his six starts at today’s trip.
