BetPTC.com – Ed Meyer

The eyes of the racing world were focused on Arlington Park, and all went according to plan except the excessive rain that arrived late in the card. I hope you had a solid day, as there was plenty of money on the table to be swooped up for the taking. – This handicapper had the dreaded three-outta-four lament when Secret Gesture (GB) was disqualified and placed third drifting out nearing the wire. – The turf course was firm the race prior and yielding the next. It took me back in the time machine when young Jamie Spencer was taken down from a winning effort aboard Powerscourt years earlier. – But he did turn the tables rolling right back the following year and showing his heels to the field. – With the bevy of racing action going on this time of year, there are plenty of races to examine. Here are a few that ran into some trouble causing them not to give their best effort. You’ll want to follow these right back when they hit the track next out.

Saratoga – 8/10/15 – Race #9 – #11 – 5 1/2f on the turf

Sanfiera = Joel Rosario aboard for Wesley Ward and this usually produces good things. The daughter of Sunriver looked good at first asking, and she was part of a pace that turned 21.4 and 44.3 in the early fractions from the outside post. She was beaten by a fast closing Aussie Prayer, and with a better post the barn wins 20% with turf runners. Keep your eyes peeled for this gal to come right back and run big

Monmouth – 8/14/15 – Race #4 – #3 – 5f on the turf

Sterling’s Maximus = Trevor McCarthy was dead last going short and began to put together a run that made him look like he was about to overcome the poor beginning. This run was put on hold being shut down along the rail at the 1/8th pole and will fit under the “beaten favorite” angle for handicappers next out. A clean trip has her mowing them down in the stretch.

Saratoga – 8/14/15 – Race #4 – #1 – 5 1/2f on the turf

Tiz a Chance = Irad Ortiz and Graham Motion had a nice runner here, but the bumping and checking made it impossible to get into stride. Doesn’t sound like much in the big picture, but the race was decided by a head. 2nd time Lasix next out and a top notch barn gives him wings down the lane.

Gulfstream Park – 8/14/15 – Race #4 – #2 – 5f on the turf

Whisperonthestreet = Tyler Gaffalione broke through the gate before the start with this filly and that us usually a bad omen for gamblers. She was fresh off the claim from the Wesley Ward barn, and came off a beat slow to hustle up in between runners. Once she was in position, she dropped the anchor down the lane for another day. At (5-2) the public was on her like a cheap suit and she’ll reward her backers when she gets loose on the lead and shows heels and hind quarters next out.

Gulfstream – 8/16/15 – Race #11 – #3 – 1 mile on the turf

Overseer = Eddie Castro was forced to steady into the first turn and settled his mount out nicely. He made a nice run around the 3/8th’s pole and encountered traffic problems once again nearing the 1/4 pole. He still managed to work a solid effort into the race by finishing second, and with a little better trip this runner will scold the field next out for keeping him in the pocket.

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