We have an all too familiar turf route for $16,000 claimers to complete the card and it offers a chance to back a sharp runner stepping up or a class performer making a big class drop. What to do?
Airman (4-1) made her Oldsmar debut in an allowance even that was rescheduled to the main track and offered no threat. Today she goes first time for Mario Lopez who’s profitable with new acquisitions.
Lopez is also 2-for-5 when he gives Daniel Centeno a leg up.
What gives us pause is the fact the five year old Tonalist horse is making his sixth start for six different trainers here. From stakes to allowances to $16K claimers in his last three is not for us as the early line favorite.
Bustin Up (9-2) broke maiden last time out but was impressive doing so — Tampa Bay Downs, JAN 11, Race 7 — drawing off by nearly six lengths as is rider pleased.
The Bustin Stones four-year-old improved dramatically with his newly found maturity and addition of Lasix for Jose Delgado who is 5-for-10 with runners getting the diuretic for the first and/or second time.
Delgado has chosen the right spot vs. N2L rivals and will offer some value vs. his dropdown rival.
Taking Bustin Up to win at 7-2 or greater and an exacta box with Airman.
