RACE ANALYSIS
Thursday, September 8
by The Oracle
Best Bet: Race 7 Sharp Angle ML 3-1
Longshot: Race 2 Joshua’s Journey ML 5-1
Race 1) Awesome Dream returns at the 10K claiming level one week after defeating an Allowance field by 1 ¾ lengths. In a race filled with early speed, Awesome Dream is capable of stalking the early leaders and moving to the lead at the top of the stretch. The Arterburn connections have been formidable on the turf all year. Slim choice…Unbridled Fury draws the rail and gets a rider switch to Butler. He has good early speed if Butler chooses to use it, and he drops in class from 20K claiming to 10K claiming. This is his lowest level in quite a while. Beware…Lost Camper is 2 for 2 on the Canterbury turf and won a 5 furlong dash in his last start. That race earned him the highest speed figure in the race, but the added distance of this race could be problematic. Contender…
Trifecta: 1, 3 over 1, 3, 4 over 1, 2, 3, 4, 6
Pick 4: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 with 1, 8 with 2, 6 with 4
Race 2) This turf race is extremely competitive. Joshua’s Journey drops a notch in class after running a competitive fourth in his last start. He was up near a solid pace and just flattened out late. He’s been off about 5 weeks and shows a bullet workout. The dart lands here…Swift Progress finished second at this level in his last start. He’s a lightly raced 3 year old and draws the rail with Lori Keith aboard. He put in a late rally last time, expecting a similar effort here…Ming Glo faced multiple winners in his last start and ran a credible third, earning a very competitive speed figure. He hasn’t seen the winners circle in a few years but has been in-the-money in 4 of 11 turf starts. Exotics factor…
Trifecta: 1, 8 over 1, 8, 10 over 1, 2, 4, 8, 10
Race 3) Good Guy Larry made a mid-race bid in his last race against much tougher Allowance foes. He’s an even runner who should get a good trip in this race. He’s a good fit at this level and is the one to hold off down the stretch. Solid…Shiloh Reign is a sprinter with excellent early speed. He figures to clear the field early and set a solid pace. If he can slow it down early he might be tough to reel in late. Playable…Palmas Del Mar appeared to get a perfect trip last time out but faded to fourth, beaten over 10 lengths as the big favorite. His speed figures indicate that he will be in-the-money and he finished just behind the top choice two starts back. Threat on his best day…
Trifecta: 2, 6 over 2, 6, 8 over 1, 2, 4, 6, 8
Race 4) Tricky Sky Pilot should be in the favorable position to grab the early lead in this race. He drops to his lowest level and stretches out in distance. He faded pretty badly last time out but was chasing a winner that drew away to win by over 7 lengths. Catch him to cash…Tahkodha Bump was outrun in his last start but he broke from post 11 and was caught wide. Tonight he gets a better post and has shown the ability to finish in-the-money in 8 of his 18 lifetime starts. He’s one of the more consistent runners in this race. Sir Ghazi has hit the board in his last three tries. He doesn’t have any early speed, but he will be passing runners late. He needs to avoid a wide trip from post 8 but he can contend.
Trifecta: 4 over 7, 8, 10 over 1, 3, 7, 8, 10
Race 5) Trinacria has a good chance to clear this field early. She was well beaten on the turf in her last start, but before that she ran pretty well on the main track at Prairie Meadows. She will be tough to beat with a clear early lead…Savy’s Delite nearly pulled a 36-1 shocker last time out when she led to deep stretch but fell a length short. She has perked up since switching to the Pfeifer barn two starts back. Contender…Shot of Silver has finished in the money in 6 of 7 races this summer. She has a stalking style and needs a fast early pace for her best chance. She finished 2 lengths behind Savy’s Delite in her last race…
Trifecta: 2, 3 over 2, 3, 8 over 2, 3, 6, 7, 8
Pick 4: 2, 3 with 5, 6 with 8 with 2, 3, 4, 10
Race 6) Redneck Richie guns for his third consecutive win and fourth win from 5 starts. He steps up in class but is in the best form of his career. He has sharp early speed and should get a very nice trip outside the other speed horses. The one to beat…Ghost Dance returns from a brief layoff after finishing in the money three consecutive times at this level. He will be stalking the early pace and looks like the main threat to the top choice. Not So Fast Festus has a chance if the pace is hot early. He has been routing all summer and should have a pretty good finishing kick in this race. Maybe he can sneak into the trifecta or superfecta.
Trifecta: 5, 6 over 1, 5, 6 over 1, 3, 5, 6, 7
Race 7) Sharp Angle ran a huge race last time out. He was battling on the front end through fast fractions and ended up finishing second in a three way photo finish. He is the horse to beat as long as that effort wasn’t too taxing. Sweepy Bluff draws the rail and stretches out in distance. He has 2 seconds and 2 thirds in his last ten starts and they were all at long odds. Derek Bell takes the call. Tapinot finished on nearly even terms with the top choice, but had a much easier trip. He broke his maiden with a gate to wire effort, so he may have more early speed than he showed last time. Exotics factor…
Trifecta: 8 over 1, 7, 9 over 1, 5, 6, 7, 9
Race 8) Edgy Blue ran okay in her debut when she finished an even fifth. She drops a notch in class tonight and horses generally improve quite a bit in their second lifetime race. Her speed figure was tops in this field. Logical…Musical Abigail has flashed a touch of early speed against maiden special weights and takes a big class drop tonight. She can run a much improved race at this level in her third start of the year. Longshot chance…Runaway Grey Lady finished on even terms with the top choice in her last start. She has run seven times in her career so she may not have the upside that Edgy Blue has, but she is a good fit at this level.
Trifecta: 2, 10 over 2, 3, 10 over 1, 2, 3, 4, 10
Friday, September 9
by The Oracle
Best Bet: Race 4 Timetobook ML 7/5
Longshot: Race 5 Cachemassa Creek ML 6-1
Race 1) Friday night starts off with a full field of competitive turf claimers. Every Whim was competitive in her last start as she finished third, beaten just over two lengths. She had a bit of trouble in that race as she was blocked and steadied. She gets a rider switch to Butler and figures as one of the serious contenders. Logical…Via Di Roma exits a third and a second against tougher claimers in her last two races. She hasn’t been able to win on the turf in 12 tries, but she has 5 in-the-money finishes. She has a late running style and can make a big impact at this level. Hell’N May will be a big price as she has never finished in the money on the turf from ten career tries. However, her form cycle is improving with two consecutive fourth place finishes, and jockey Arterburn has an excellent record on the grass this year. She can sneak into the trifecta or superfecta at a big price.
Trifecta: 7, 9 over 6, 7, 9 over 1, 6, 7, 9, 12
Pick 4: 6, 7, 9, 10, 12 with 2, 5, 9 with 1, 5, 10 with 5
Race 2) Morgans A Blumin is a gray mare with a big late rally. She was victorious in her two starts against claiming company this year, and then came up short a few times against Allowance horses. Tonight she drops back in against claimers and should fit well at this level to get lifetime victory number four. In time…Hole In One ran her best race in quite a while last time out as she grabbed the early lead and held on well to be second. She will likely try similar tactics again tonight and is cutting back slightly in distance. Threat…G Rae makes her turf debut off a series of sprints where she showed pretty good early speed. She is bred well enough for the turf, and trainer Arterburn is hitting at a 60% clip with the “blinkers on” angle. Some things to like…
Trifecta: 2 over 1, 5, 9 over 1, 4, 5, 7, 9
Race 3) C J Mamas Boy had a bit of trouble in his debut back in May. That was at the special weight level and he returns from the layoff in this easier spot with four well-spaced workouts. He breaks from the rail and looks like a good fit at this level. Slim choice…Wintpay ran a career best effort in his last start, but chased the winner around the track and had to settle for second. He was well clear of the third place horse and posted the best speed figure last time out of anyone in the field. The one to beat…Traffic Skier just missed at this level two starts back, but was outrun in his last start. He has a few efforts that would make him a strong contender against this field. He should be near the early lead.
Trifecta: 1, 10 over 1, 5, 10 over 1, 5, 6, 9, 10
Race 4) Timetobook had a very rough trip last time out and closed late for second. He has more speed than he showed that day and should win with a clean trip. He has five prior victories at Canterbury Park. BEST BET…Afleet Indy bid and hung in his first start of the year. He ran some races last year that would make him a strong contender in this race. He will be stalking the early pace…Prince Steve finished within a half length of the top choice two starts back. He has tried this distance 15 times and has finished in the show spot six of those times. He has good early speed but might get caught wide into the turn. Exotics factor…
Trifecta: 5 over 1, 7, 8 over 1, 3, 6, 7, 8
Race 5) Cachemassa Creek was very game in his last start as he dueled throughout and earned a victory by a head. The pace was pretty fast that day and he could see something similar in this race. He must overcome the outside post tonight. He has also had a lot of local success with 6 victories from 14 starts. Slim Choice…A P Dreamer is also a Canterbury “horse for course” with 6 victories and 4 seconds from 12 local starts. He catches a field with quite a bit of early speed which should set up his off-pace running style quite nicely. The main threat…Who’s Hussonet is also a late runner with 5 wins at Canterbury from 14 tries. He won two starts back and then settled for third in his last start. He can rebound with a better effort…
Trifecta: 8, 9 over 4, 8, 9 over 2, 4, 6, 8, 9
Pick 4: 4, 8, 9 with 1, 9 with 3, 5 with 6, 7
Race 6) Cheap Chocolate has good early speed and has finished in the money in his last two starts. He set the pace in his last start and faded to third behind the recent Northern Lights Futurity winner Heliskier. He should be tough to run down. The one to catch… Arvindra showed some improvement in his second lifetime start, and tonight he takes a drop in class. He should be closer to the early pace as he breaks from the rail and gets a rider change to Arterburn. In the mix…Jackraymondjames has finished second at this level in his last two starts. He showed improved early speed last time out. Figures for a share...
Trifecta: 1, 9 over 1, 3, 9 over 1, 3, 6, 9, 11
Race 7) East of Omaha stretches out in distance after just missing in his local debut at six furlongs. She has very good breeding for the distance and strong connections of Robertson/Bell. She can grab the early lead in this race and not look back. The choice…Jumpin Jordyn is a closer who finished second last time out. She has earned some very consistent speed figures that fit well at this level. Threat on her best day…Knee Hi ‘N Risin’ is a deep closer who rallied for third at 22-1 in her last start. She can pass some horses late and catch the bottom of the exotic wagers at a big price with Lori Keith aboard.
Trifecta: 3, 5 over 3, 5, 6 over 1, 3, 5, 6, 7
Race 8) Stillwater Storm drops a notch in class off her third place finish last time out. She turns back in distance and won her last sprint race from post 12. She gets Butler in the saddle and will likely show good early speed. She had a bullet 3 furlong workout since her last start. On top…Terice is also very fast early and is taking a drop in class to the claiming level for the first time. Wire to wire threat…Missy N has early speed and the rail. She finished second and third at this level in her last two starts and has competitive speed figures. She fits with these…
Trifecta: 6, 7 over 1, 6, 7 over 1, 6, 7, 8, 9
Best Bet: Race 5 VARIABLE 5/2 morning line
Longshot: Race 4 HORIZON POINT 6-1 morning line
Race 1
MR. TANGO moves into an easier spot today after trying allowance types on the turf course. He is now in for a claiming price again and at the distance in which two of his wins were recorded. His form has been good all summer and when given a legit chance he has fired each time. The opportunity presents itself again…….Butler leaps off a Rhone runner to ride Biehler’s PIONEER EDITION who he recently guided to victory. Expect Dean to take a back a bit and then begin to pass animals on the way to the wire…..SLEEK JOHN is the morning line favorite. Trimble was aboard when this veteran won August 27. Contender in a deep field.
Exacta Box: 2,3,6
50 cent pick four: 2,3,6 / 8,9 / 3,4 / 2,4 = $12 wager
Race 2
The three outside horses in this field all look capable of winning. They all ran on the same night September 2, two in a maiden for boys and one in a filly maiden. GYPSY MELODY was second in her race, the maiden filly event. Robertson today has her facing the boys. Not an easy task. The race she exits was also slower in the early stages than the boy’s race at the same distance that night. She seems vulnerable here for those reasons. But she is the one that is likely to improve as that was her second career try. Maybe the odds determine the wager. Bet the longest price…..SUPREMO STRUCKGOLD went favored at 3 to 5 odds and settled for third in a four-horse race. He has been well bet in each of his six lifetime starts but has yet to win……VIC THE KICK was a length and change behind Supremo Struckgold in that four-horse affair. He has a better race in his past performances. Expect more speed from this colt today.
Dime Superfecta: 7,8,9 over 7,8,9 over 3,4,7 over 3,4,7
Exacta Box: 7,8,9
Race 3
ENDURING ANGEL tossed in a clunker two races back when coming off a layoff due to the government shutdown. But her last race suggests she can win this time. Nolan gets the call and should have this filly right near the early pace……HIGHJUMPINJENNIE led for the majority of her last race but came up short, settling for second, well ahead of the next filly. She is the one to beat today. ….. GRACEN RACEN chased Enduring Angel last time and was just behind her at the wire in her first career start. Second time over the track often produces an improved effort and Bell keeps the faith. Sneaky price player…..DEAR FAY also makes her second career start. She raced mid-pack and passed in the lane. Hanson can pop with a young horse.
Exacta Box: 2,3,4
Dime Superfecta: 3,4 over 2,3,4,7 over 2,3,6,7,8 over 1,2,6,7,8
Race 4
HORIZON POINT drops in class and returns to the dirt. His Prairie Meadows form in the spring was good enough to win here. Maybe the main track will wake him up. That and the drop. D. Bell goes elsewhere which may mean bettors will look elsewhere as well and allow the price to grow. Morales has been aboard for some historic Riecken wins in the past……GRANDTASTIC was claimed by Padilla from a win. So he is forced to move this consistent runner up a notch in class. Tactical speed puts him in the mix. Use on the exotic tickets. ……GINNZIE crushed when lone speed August 18. Next out he could not get the lead. He did pass a few and end up second but was never a win threat. Class drop must be noted.
Exacta Box: 2,4,7
$1 pick three: 2,4,7 / 3 / 4,5,8 = $9 wager
Race 5
Race five is the start of an unprecedented All-Turf 50 cent pick four. This is a really intriguing series and could pay huge if a big price or two were to win. VARIABLE makes her second career start. She finished second in her debut, at today’s distance and on the turf, as the betting favorite. Top barn figures to get bet again today. Goodwin picks up the call as Eikleberry has left town. This Bob Ryan filly has the bloodlines for the lawn and showed she has ability. The one to beat at a short price……HALF TEMPTED found the lead late last time at 26-1 odds but ran low on steam, finishing third. Jockey Brittany Arterburn stays aboard. Entering this week she has won 41% of her turf starts. This mare is 0 for 20 and should be a price. Use on the exotic tickets…….BESAME VIDA finished three lengths behind Variable. Butler, our leading rider, stays aboard…..DEAR HRISHI comes knocking again. She has hit the board in half her races. Another that should be in the mix.
Exacta: 3 over 1,8,10
Dime Superfecta: 3 over 1,8,10 over 1,8,10,11 over 1,8,10,11
50 cent superfecta: 3 / 2,4,5,7,8 / 3,4 / 6,8,9,10 = $20 wager
Race 6
More than half the field can be considered win contenders in this race. H M S ANNIVERSARY won by a nose last time when Butler climbed on. Now he exits and Paul Nolan gets the call. This 4-year-old has a nice closing move and should get a tracking trip. Worth a look again, especially if the 12-1 morning line holds true. ……The horse to catch is EL POPPIE with Brittany Arterburn aboard. The duo nearly stole the $50,000 John Bullit Stakes and should be winging it on the lead again……B’WANAGOLDMINE is where Butler lands. Hard-trying Natale campaigner has a win and two seconds from five local turf tries. That is a pretty good summer. He chased good ones the last two times: Tubby Time beat him and went on to crush in the MN Turf Championship. He lost to Shoot Its War by a nostril and that is a stakes-placed runner with a ton of talent. This is an easier spot. Butler will stay in touch with the field and make the characteristic late rush……SACRED GROUND will be a big price. He tried the turf here and never fired, finishing about 14 lengths behind B’wana. ……BECKER COUNTY MISS won over the Shakopee sod at a price in August…….RUNAWAY WALKAWAY may offer some value. The Iowa bred makes his turf debut and has breeding to love the stuff. He did very well facing state breds at Prairie. He won short and long and finished second in an $83k Iowa bred derby. These are seasoned turf runners he must handle today but the odds may be good enough to jump in……BIG STICK jumps up in class after winning here on August 20. Talented turf horse has a pressing style that will have him close when the run for the wire begins….C S I IOWA won here at 9-1 odds and followed that up with a strong second. Another that can win this.
Dime Superfecta: 2,4,5,7,8 over 2,4,5,7,8 over 4,7,8 over 4,7,8 = $3.60 wager
Exacta Box: 2 with 4,5,8
Race 7
With some good speed mares entered here, maybe a pace stalker like OUR MISS BROOKSIDE can sit the trip and make a winning move. Goodwin signs on for trainer Gary Scherer and leading owners Al and Bill Ulwelling. This filly is just 1 for 12 on the grass but ran some races at the Fair Grounds that would be good enough……CAROUSING fits here and will also get a tracking trip with a chance to close into the mix. Biehler has had an excellent meet. He also trains LADY BERYL for Mr. and Mrs. Wally the Beerman and Emerald Bay Stables. They were willing to part with this girl for $5,000 last time but nobody dipped in. Today they stretch her out and try the lawn. Arterburn rides: that alone deserves attention…..GO FOR THE MOON was all out to win last time. She may have to fight for the front with She’s On Her Way and Raisinaboveonly.
Exacta Box: 3,4
50 cent trifecta: 3,4 over 3,4,8 over 3,6,8
Race 8
JIX missed by a nose last time. He had to fight through traffic to get there and probably will again as he usually drops well back and makes a late run. Outside post does not help but he was stuck out there last time too. …. SUGAR PEAKS makes his third start off the layoff for team Arterburn. Bred for the grass, he has yet to hit the board in two tries. Playable…..NO LIP is the morning line favorite. He consistently runs speed figures that make him a solid contender in this field. His best running comes on the front end. There is not a ton of early speed here so Goodwin may be able to gun to the lead……SAHM VALENTINE finished a head behind Jix last time at 27 to 1 odds. He is 0 for 13 on the turf but stands a chance to get a piece again at a big price.
Exacta Box: 6,9,10
Dime Superfecta Box: 4,6,9,10
Daily Double: 6,9,10 / 1
Race 9
DESERT PRIZE debuted July 22 and ran third. He has been away since but looks like the one to beat. The Baskin charge has a couple of works leading into this race…….TEZ VIRAT makes his career debut today. Rock star connections will attract wagering. Irregular work pattern with a long break in July should be noted…….APPEALS THE DEAL flashed speed and faded in second career start. Logical progression would make this a contender.
Exacta: 1,3 over 1,2,3
Dime Superfecta: 1 over 2,3 over ALL over ALL
Sunday, September 11------First Post 11:00AM
Best Bet: Race 6 ABOUNDING APTITUDE 3-1 morning line
Longshot: Race 1 ROLLIN ON DUBS 8-1 morning line
Race 1
What a race card we have for the final day of the season! Full fields and competitive races make for a great betting day. ROLLIN ON DUBS just ran the fastest race of his career. It was not a victory but he was second to a consistent runner and seems poised to improve. Should be a square price as well. The Van Winkle charge should be tracking the pace……SIR FOX drops from allowance to claiming company . He has a touch of second-itis to him with five runner-up finishes from 13 lifetime starts and just a lone win. Keith gets the call today……MR. FLEXIBLE may go back-to-back for top trainer Mac Robertson. He was drawing away with ease on Labor Day and should be able to come right back on short rest. Never easy for a maiden claiming winner to jump right up and win again but this one seems capable…..the morning line favorite is on the outside. SCHILLERTHEKILLER last raced in July at Arlington at the $25,000 level and today is in for $5,000. Two local works for Donlin runner. Top jock Butler climbs on.
Exacta: 2,5 over 8
50 cent trifecta: 2,5,12 over 8 over 2,5,12
50 cent pick four: 2,5,12 / 1,5 / 2,8 / 4,10,11 = $18 wager
Race 2
ONE MORE PALO has been away since June 10. She is now in the high-percentage Chambers barn and his stats off the layoff are terrific. This filly has tear-away speed and if allowed a breather can hang on……CROWN THE CAT cuts back in distance. She has two wins this summer: one at a route and one sprinting. If she can run back to her May/June form she can win with a pace pressing trip. Lori Keith rides today……THISHEARTSFORYOU gets D. Bell and is the mare to beat. She has three consecutive second-place finishes and is coming off a career best speed figure. Might be able to repeat that number…..SILVER DIRECTION is a closer that will have pace to run at. Arterburn takes the mount for Walt. She is still a non-winner of two lifetime facing better so this is no picnic for the morning line favorite.
Exacta Box: 1,5,8
Dime Superfecta: 1,5,8 over 5,6,8,10 over 1,6,8,10,12 over 5,6,10
Race 3
GRACE OF GREATNESS is a Robertson runner with tactical speed and D. Bell in the irons. She has a turf win on record and draws a favorable post position. Logical player…..This race is typically run on Festival Day but was shifted to the final day of the meet. Last year GO DOLL ran second in this race. She is still eligible and has a big chance to win. The 10 – 1 morning line is tempting but likely gets bet down. She has been facing open company and today will see MN breds only. Her late, sweeping move will have Nolan in position to win……MINNETONKA MELODY will be a huge number . She had trouble last Sunday and was pulled up but returned the following day to work a bullet. While she is 0 for 8 on the grass, she has been close enough a few times to consider here. She must fire her best shot but if she does she will be right there…..HEART’S OF GOLD is a lightly raced sprinter stretching out and trying the turf. Her lone career win means she is over her head here but she has speed and may be able to control the pace under Shaw……PLEASANT LIFE is another at a huge number that could light up the tote board. She has a turf win. Her last was an eight length loss but it is better than looks on paper.
$1 Exacta Bomb Box: 8,9,10 = $6 wager
Dime Superfecta: 2 over 8,9,10 over 8,9,10 over 5,8,9,10
Race 4
Possibilities galore here. YES HE’S A PISTOL needs to get things pointed in the right direction but is as good as any and should be closer to the pace today which increases his chance of success…..BULLFIGHTER beat Pistol when they met Sept. 3 and has won three of his last four. He is ultra-consistent having hit the ticket 14 of 18 races. Arterbrun will be right on the pace and should be able to handle whatever comes her way. The one to beat…….SILVER TUXEDO is from the Brinson barn which has been clicking at 50% all summer. He runs the same race every time. Every now and then that is good enough to win……There is a decent amount of speed here on the inside with the mare LUCKY SKAT and MN bred LUMPSINMYOATMEAL. They should be out early. …..hunch play for the football fan: END ZONE
Exacta Box: 4,10,11
Dime Superfecta: 4,10,11 over 4,10,11 over 1,2,7 over 1,2,4,7,10,11
Race 5
The final 50 cent pick four of the season begins here. It has been a good value bet all summer. Bet small, win big. DESERT ALLEY has a chance to steal this with his inherent speed. He can stay the distance so turf is the only question. Catch him to cash…..An absolute must use is the 8 to 1 morning line COCONINO SLIM from the Mac Robertson barn. He just crushed allowance foes with a quick move on the turn in a route race. He too has proven he can route and just needs to handle the grass. Looks like the top two to the wire…….NICE TO MEET ME is a sneaky price play. Though he has never hit the board in four lifetime turf tries, he was arguably facing better and should run very well against state breds. Goodwin can wait and pounce in the late stages.
50 cent trifecta: 1,5 over 1,5 over 9
Dime Superfecta: 1,5 over 1,5 over 7 over ALL
50 cent pick four: 1,5 / 5 / 5 / 4,5,6 = $3 wager
Race 6
ABOUNDING APTITIUDE is a Robertson charge that will be tough to beat. He settled for second last time when moving down to the rail in the lane. The horse charging down the outside won that day. D. Bell should get a fair trip here and will make a big move at the speed. Best bet!......CANARD is 0 for 10 on the local lawn. Top jock Butler leaps on and can get this horse on the ticket at a price. …..HUNTING PRINT won here on the turf in June going gate to wire. Jockey Brittany Arterburn has been supernatural on the turf this summer, winning at a 40%+ rate. She seems to know exactly where to be. On the front may be the choice today……both MIGHTY TUK and ILIKECHOCOLATEMILK are eligible for a major share.
Dime Superfecta: 5 over 1,4,7,9 over 1,4,7,9 over 1,2,4
Exacta: 5 over 7,9
50 cent trifecta: 5 over 1,4,7,9 over 1,4,7,9
Race 7
ATTA BOY ROY is a graded stakes winning sprinter that holds a definite class edge over the field. He won a couple of allowance races at Canterbury in 2008 before going on to bigger things. While his recent form shows declining speed figures, this may be just what he needs to get going again. Not a lock but if he shows up he will be tough to deny……HUMBLE SMARTY won the Honor The Hero Stakes here in May, breaking the five-furlong track record and recording a meet best 110 Beyer Speed Figure. Since then he has not hit the board but has been facing good ones in Iowa, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Butler should have this veteran right near the lead……JUST JEBICAH has not missed the board in five main track Shakopee starts. He just captured the HBPA Sprint at 7 to 1 odds. Versatile 5-year-old can go to the lead, or what likely happens today, sit just off the pace……DON’T MAKE ME MAD does his best on the lead. Trimble will need to send from the rail…..BREEZY POINT would need a career best to win this. His running style, closing from well off the pace, does give him a chance to let the speedballs duke it out while he waits to run…….INDY N MISSION is a maiden in against proven winners. Deep, deep water…..TRICKYEXPECTATIONS is a claimer that has yet to compete with this quality. ……MALONE SLAM was super sharp when he arrived here in May but seems to have lost his luster since the government shutdown……RARE SUNSET is probably better on the turf and is probably better going a route of ground. Morales will do what he can to get involved early.
Exacta Box: 5,6,8
$1 Pick Three: 1,8 / 4,5,6 / 8
Race 8
A turf race for MN breds that have never won on the turf! NOMOREWINEFOREDDIE, off a crushing victory in the MN Sprint Championship last Sunday, tries the grass for the first time. He also has to get a distance of ground. The way he won last week, it looked like he has something in reserve. Riecken rarely wheels a horse right back so he must feel the same. This course has been fair to front runners and that is where Eddie usually is. Big chance here is he takes to the new surface…….JAIVAL provided a mild upset when he won the MN Classic Championship last week. He has tried turf but has not been on the board in three attempts. But he has been close and close against good ones. His pace stalking nature and late move ability make him a large threat……the full, younger, brother to Javial is right next door. SAMENDRA is a talented colt who needs to step up to the big time today. He tries turf today for the first time and unlike his brother, he has a lot of early speed. D. Bell picks up the call for Rhone and the Kissoons….FIRST CAPTAIN should make sure the pace is honest. Last week he was not on the pace and was never a threat. He will need to find it to make a dent……
Exacta: 4 over 5,6
50 cent trifecta: 4 over 5,6 over 2,5,6,9
Daily Double: 4,5 / 6,8
Race 9
The meet closes with a full field going a route of ground. Derek Bell rides HEAVENLY DUE for trainer Percy Scherbenske. This six-year-old does not often find the winners’ circle but seems to be edging ever closer. Today may be it. There is speed to chase that will set it up for a late kick…..JESTINTIME has been a great exotic player for the trifecta bettor having hit the board three times at double-digit odds. A win has been elusive though. Berg drops him to the lowest level and stretches him out in distance. He does have a route win on paper. Intriguing…..ROBBOS COURAGE is a speed freak that has had trouble getting to the end zone. Shaw may be able to get him to relax at this longer distance. Dangerous if left alone early…..what do you do with a horse named DEPUTY TICE on an NFL football Sunday?
Exacta Box: 8 with 6,10