A little bit of everything in the Friday finale at Gulf, maiden claimers dropping or rising in class and a smattering of first-timers, too.
Favorite Get Khozy (7-5) has merit but has not performed in a manner suggesting he should be such a short price on the early line. Good spot to shop for value.
Now we know that Saffie Joseph Jr. is a profitable 38% when dropping his charges into claimers for the first time but has last does not inspire confidence. Like the favorite, respect but pass.
The two that have peaked our interest are a duo with merit, The Great Cesar (4-1) and Big Balloons (8-1).
The latter is getting a complete makeover off the recent claim, gelded and adding blinkers for his return after showing improved speed on dirt.
The Bodemeisters have been running on the synthetic but trainer stats are confusing: Scott Acker has been profitable off the claim but winless when moving up two classes.
This leaves us with The Great Cesar who made a worthy mid-race move in Tampa debut following a slow start from the rail and racing between rivals trying to reach contention. He failed to change leads in the lane and tired.
Trainer Victor Barboza meanwhile is profitable at 28% dropping into maiden claimers and is 25% successful with his shippers. Karakonties run on anything and should be in this throughout with Marcos Meneses on the re-ride.
Betting The Great Cesar to win at 3-1 or greater and key-boxing trifectas first and second with his three rivals above.
