While today’s fifth race, 12-furlong turf marathon drew only seven horses, it’s wide open nature ensures you will get fair odds whichever contender you back.
We narrowed it down to four of the seven: Border War (3-1), Most Wanted Man (7-2), Benkei (9-2) and Typhoon Lagoon (4-1). We’re semi-locked into one of them; will explain.
But first we must acknowledge Border War who finished strongly in his seasonal debut seven weeks ago on Tapeta track, a race originally carded for turf. He finished strongly late, beaten 3/4s of a diminishing length and Shug, winning everything in sight recently, is stretching him out to a mile and a half.
Know that Mr, McGaughey is profitable in his career switching from synth to turf, and the pedigree is there, as is Tyler.
Most Wanted Man goes first time off the Mike Maker claim. Maker of course is legendary with new acquisitions on turf.
Luis Saez heightens the appeal for a horse that owns turf-marathon experience–beaten three lengths at 11 furlongs two starts back.
Benkei has been getting fit with two runs at Tampa and was going in the right direction both times. He’s never gone back on the Thoro-Graph scale and Hard Spun will get the trip. We like the idea that Graham Motion is reaching out for one of his homies, Richard Kingscote, hoping to get both into the circle.
But we’re looked into Typhoon Lagoon, even if he’s coming back on short rest. Check out his run on JAN 22, Race 7 at Tampa Bay Downs.
Out trip notes read in part: “Finished fast too late 6-wide stretch, galloped out strongly past the finish; had to run his final sixteenth in just under 06 1/5.”
We’re locked in as stated but you don’t have to be, taking the value when/if offered. We’re betting Typhoon Cyclone to win at 7-2 or greater and key-boxing trifecta with his three rivals above.
