We won’t allow ourselves into thinking we’re going to get rich here and given the presence of Antonio Gallardo, we highly doubt that the 15-1 early line on Sope in today’s eighth race will be available at post. But we’re willing to gamble at 6-1 if that’s all that’s available.
On paper, long odds is not unrealistic, but given that he owns a sprint pedigree and never has been this far, and his figures are not in line with many of the contenders here, value should be available.
The choice is predicated on several factors. His last trip was extremely difficult. See for yourself on the HRI landing page, Tampa Bay Downs Video for GULFSTREAM PARK, DEC 2, RACE 10. And while the sire is not distance or even turf meant, the bottom side is.
The King Cugat mare has produced two runners, both won, and both won on grass. So not only is there nature, there’s nurture, too.
It’s a small sample but trainer Efron Loza is 40% first-time going long and 33% with shippers from a sizable 82 starters, profitable in both categories.
While slower at 2, the normal improvement expected with added maturity into his 3-year-old year should get him close to these, with Gallardo sealing the deal whenever he pulls the string.
We’re taking Sope to win at 6-1 or greater and an exacta box with worthy favorite; sharp, fast-working Buc’s Investment.
3 Responses
Riders Up Tampa Bay Race 8 Vincent. “Let’s go get some bad guys.”
Like John’s take on this race. Using a few of the winning chips from Race 10 TRI at GP yesterday.
TR$0.50
4,6/4,6/1-3,7-11
TAMPA BAY DOWNS$8.00
RACE 8
SU$0.10
4,6/4,6/1-3,7-11/1-3,7-11
TAMPA BAY DOWNS$11.20
RACE 8
EX BOX$1.00
4,6
TAMPA BAY DOWNS$2.00
RACE 8
WN$2.00
4
TAMPA BAY DOWNS$2.00
RACE 8
Attention diverted yesterday with the latest storm arriving on LI last night, and I just now caught up with the race replay. Had I been watching and seen the 2-1, I would have cancelled all tickets. I did try to peek in at around 4:00 but I was not seeing any mention of Tampa Bay coverage on the two TVG channels, and I went back outside to prep the snow blower for today’s “Assault”.
The snowbirds have this one covered well. We are getting pounded on LI with high winds and snow, and word has it there will be no let up until tomorrow night. My five year old told me early in the day yesterday, “Papa, there are no snow days at my school. You’re wrong. I’ll be going to school tomorrow.” Now that’s where I should have bet my twenty, lol. Nice and snug inside his home with his two year old brother at his side he is, lol. And he gets another day on the couch tomorrow. Wonder what odds he’ll give me on that one.
As for the race, snooze, you lose. Dropped a twenty, but no big deal. Let it snow. I’m ready to take it on tomorrow. My Sears’ Blower is cranked and ready. Lasted longer than Sears itself. Ha! “Semper Paratus I am.” said Sam .
(Why the heck is spell check telling me to change to paratoo’s. Google must think I’m from Florida, lol. I’ll ask Indulto for his take.)
Semper P. Google. Now there’s a name for a horse.
Ridiculous off odds. I was confident the price would be fair and given the workload made the wagers I suggested in the a.m. I would have eliminated the win play as well.
Being at Gulfstream Saturday saved me a bit of money, but out of loyalty to readers–a philosophy I developed while at Newsday–I don’t et against by selections. Well, at 5-2, Greatest Honour provided great value as a runner that not only ran a tad faster on performance figures but also won at the distance.
The computer boys, who had a great day Saturday–the winner of the 8th or 9th on grass, the #3 horse, went from 9-1 to 9-2 in the final minute—bet Greatest Honour late as Prime Factor, 3-5 virtually throughout, drifted to a 1.10-1 as the winner ticked down to 5-2.