Frankly, no amount of video deep-diving will be able to overcome the class level relief and demonstrated turf ability of finale favorite Uncork the Bottle (2-1), a Saffie Joseph Jr./Daniel Centeno production, a winner of his only local start and at this trip.
Not that his form was compromised versus better; to the contrary. He was very competitive vs. tougher and faster at Gulfstream Park, FEB 17, RACE 9. After racing in mid-pack, he was able to make good ground through the lane, finishing second in a field of 10 over the routinely speed-kind course.
Check out the Tampa Bay Today Video on the HRI homepage to see if you agree because this looks like the right spot. Yes, next door is Matty’s Express (3-1) seeking his third straight and all his career wins have come here. And the connects are strong; Mike Dini tapping Antonio Gallardo.
We’re not getting fancy: Taking Uncork the Bottle to win, no price restrictions, and key boxing exotics 1-2 with ‘Matty’; speedy Valiant Virtue (4-1), exiting a live race; Kid Drama (12-1), ‘the other Dini’; improving and improving, lightly-raced Danceronthebeach (15-1).
