When looking at the Tampa Bay Video for RACE 4, NOV 28 at TAMPA BAY DOWNS, the temptation would be to say that maiden breaking Florida Express (6-1) had a perfect trip–and he did have a good one.
There was a lot of activity up in the 1-1/16 miles turf event but that’s because the pace was slow and the riders sensed it and that might have been an overreaction by some.
Meanwhile, Pablo Morales was patient in last, saved ground, tipped out after straightening into the stretch and finished with a flourish to win going away and galloped out, maintaining his separation from the group.
It wasn’t so much a perfect trip as much as it was a perfect ride. This three-year-old demonstrated a strong turn of foot, is perfectly spotted in an N2L at a higher level and is entered back relatively quickly. That and a class rise suggests he came out of his race well.
Morales has moved his tack to New York for the winter meet that starts this week so a guy named Antonio Gallardo is going to fill in for Dennis Manning here. We will pay to find out if sharp, recent winner, on the slow side figures-wise, can handle swifter group.
Taking Florida Express to win, no lower than 4-1, even with Gallardo, and making three-horse exacta box with Mecha Corta (3-1) and Danceronthebeach (7-2).
2 Responses
I like Long Lance is the 5th at Tampa to win; plodder appears well spotted. I shudder when I read that you are boxing exactas. You very well could cash, but you have paid a high price in takeout/betting against yourself.
I understand your point, always have, but the methodology works for me over time. As it turns out, it’s moot. I took a chance with a slow, sharp horse against better. It turned out he was slow, not sharp. That sound you hear is me turning the page…