Race 1: H’RAYFORCABERNEIGH has an abundance of early speed and returns after facing much better at Oaklawn. Fuentes/Lund combination had some winners last week. MO CLARE’S has been sprinting against higher class types at Keeneland and Gulfstream but doesn’t seem to have the will to win. GOLDEN EYED QUEEN flashed nice speed when trapped on the rail in the slop in her career debut. Expect improvement in second start.
Race 2: ICE POP should pop from the gate quickly in her third start for the Diodoro barn. Has never been on the turf but breeding says she should relish the footing. THAT’STHEWAYTODOIT has a win on the surface and at the distance which is important at this specialty condition. Recently claimed by good barn. SOME SAY SO likes the distance and adores the Canterbury lawn.
Race 3: COMPANY STORE was in good form this winter at Tampa while running consistently high speed figures. If his form holds, he’ll be tough to beat with his tactical speed advantage. DRIED PEPPER competed against stronger at Delta recently. Gains the services of leading jockey Eikleberry who missed the opening week while in a steward’s suggested time out. TAPPED TO THE MAX has early zip and first off the claim for Richard.
Race 4: LITTLE NO WAY drops to the bottom level in his first start for Flores. Exits extremely competitive claiming races at Oaklawn this winter and get favorable pace for his closing style. C DUB has won two times at Canterbury but question his recent form after last two losses as the favorite. YO Y ME had a good Turf Paradise meet but speed figures indicate he needs to improve.
Race 5: WILLTOBELUCKY gets the father/son Eikleberry combination with this well bred turf runner. Only a three year old, has the right to keep improving. BIG FALCON ROCKET has run some nice figures on the surface but might need a race after the long layoff. TEQUILA BLANCO returns on seven days rest for high percentage barn after winning comfortably by two lengths.
Race 6: SHIP IT RED has the tactical speed to challenge for the lead or stalk just behind the pacesetters. Faced better at Oaklawn and the outside post should fit his running style. WILD BEHAVIOR has talent but has a hard time getting onto the track. Multiple layoffs in his seven race career. If he’s right, could be the one. SKY JUMPER ran a big number at Santa Anita but that was a year ago and moves from Baffert to Evans.
Race 7: BE GONE DADDY is very well bred for the turf but has only raced on the surface once in his last 18 starts. Last race was encouraging and Cappellucci’s horses have been live. SHINNY has speed and speed was dangerous on the turf during the opening week. Diodoro always has them ready to go. SPIRIT MISSION is a live longshot as he returns to his preferred surface.
Race 8: GREATER CAIRO has enough early zip to clear this field and dictate the pace. Drops half in claiming price which is a 30% move for Diodoro. J J’S CROWN was competitive at this level this winter at Turf Paradise but may want longer. THIRTYMINUTEMASS has enough tactical speed to be in contention early but how long will he last?
Race 9: TWO THE PUNCH is in great form and has the right running style for a race loaded with early speed. Silva’s training only adds to the appeal. DISCREET TIGER has been successful for Robertson on the Canterbury dirt and drops in class. HARRYKEEPTHECHANGE woke up in his last race. Was it him figuring it out or the surface change?
