In the end, the winning maiden might be decided by which way the track is playing. Will Laurel Park be the honest, bias-free surface it usually is or will atmospherics have a strong impact? Will it be speed or stamina?
We say this because there are two, shorter priced likely winners than Awesome Pal (4-1) if the track is speedy. If stamina is required the slower Thoro-Graph figure, which puts the second-time starter in the game, might be plenty good enough here.
Keeper in Spite (3-1) is likely to be helped by the mini-cutback to 5-1/2 furlongs, showing early speed in all 6-furlongs appearances. Creative Alibi (8-5) is a “winner” vs. maiden, having been disqualified for interference after finishing first in her first start this year.
But you need to check out Awesome Pal’s debut on the Laurel Park Live Video section on our homepage, JAN 17, RACE 2.
Note that the Awesome of Course filly showed some greenness out of the gate, not remarkable but enough to find her at the back of the pack save one. She then pulled the rider into contention, caught her breath, then launched a rally that carried her wide into the lane.
Ridden out late after victory appeared out of reach, she had good energy as she raced through the finish line. The race was at today’s trip and all indications are that she will improve in her second start–and she’s bred to win early. She maintained sharpness via a short, quick breeze last week.
Her early line odds are more than fair with enough wiggle room for a straight bet at a playable price and exacta key-box ‘Pal’ with both favorites.
