Trips September 2, 2013
Arlington Park
LITTLE MICHAEL (Race 4@AP, September 1, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000) Second choice in the wagering hopped slightly at the start and was then used hard to reach contention. Tracked the pacesetter as they moved into the stretch and, along with a late running threat, began to close on the leader. Around the 1/16th pole the leader drifted out and the late runner moved in causing LITTLE MICHAEL to take up and steady at a critical time in the race. He was a possible winner that could have easily taken second without the trouble.
SUSPENDED MOON (Race 8@AP, September 1, 2013, 1 1/16 miles turf, Starter $5,000) Moderately bet mare was last for most of the journey before making a noticeable and impressive move when entering the far turn. The mare kept to the rail, hesitated just before entering the stretch, and then moved well eventually in third just behind the leader along the rail. Tried to get through the top pair about the furlong marker but had to throttle back slightly. She then tried to move forward when the inside horse slowed but was forced to check hard going back to fourth. She came back again and gained the show spot. A very tough break for a horse that was full of run.
Del Mar
PERFECT MAGIC MAN (Race 2@DMR, September 1, 2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Maiden Claiming $20,000) The fourth choice and first time starter in a field of 13 maidens was bumped and steadied at the start and then steadied again leaving him far behind with no chance. The rider took him wide and he tried to make up ground. He was then taken wide throughout the turn before he began to slow down at the quarter pole. Bet well for a firster in a big field coupled with a horrific start is worthy of another look.
Hastings
GOLDEN RATIO (Race 1@HST, August 28, 2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $5,000) Moderately bet mare stalked the leaders and made an excellent move when moving into the final turn. Was in perfect position and traveling better than foes at the top of the stretch, she tried to go down to the rail to get through and was then completely shut off and forced to steady. What could have been a victory turned into a fourth place finish.
Presque Isle
IMPERIAL JIVE (Race 3@PID, August 28,2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $7,500 3L) Third choice in the field was off very slow and was quickly behind ten lengths. The mare went to the rail entering the turn then started to swing wide with a 5-wide wall in front of her. She was very wide in the final stages of the turn and into the stretch. Attempted to close and eventually lost the place position by a neck.
Saratoga
HOLIDAY’S JEWEL (Race 7@SAR, August 28, 2013, One mile turf, Starter $35,000) Favorite was anxious to get going and was restrained into the first turn in second to the outside. Just before entering the backstretch she clipped heels, stumbled badly and almost lost the rider while losing a tremendous amount of ground. She then rushed toward the front and wide down the backstretch obviously using what energy she had left and then lost all interest when she tired and others past here in the far turn.
Suffolk
IT’S A MANEATER (Race 2@SUF, August 28, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000) Favorite had a good trip until the stretch when she was constantly impeded by a tiring winner that continued to drifted out in front of her for most of the stretch. It was enough to cost her the race even though the stewards saw it differently.
Woodbine
BEAR’S GEM (Race 7@WO, August 28, 2013, 1 1/16 miles, Stakes) Second choice in wagering received a terrible ride. Slow to first turn and was then sandwiched in between runners, had to wait to keep from clipping heels with runner in front. Once out of turn was taken wide down the backstretch and waited much too long to make a move being forced very wide throughout the entire turn and then entered the stretch very wide. Was far back with too much to do, but she ran gamely and finished third after a terrible trip.
THAT’S OUR PRINCESS (Race 8@WO, September 1, 2013, 6 furlongs, Allowance 1X) The longest shot on the board broke outward and hit an opponent. She was forced to take back to get into stride and found herself several lengths behind the tail of the field. Traveled well but was last and widest entering the turn. She traveled the widest of all throughout the entire turn and entered the stretch 5-6 wide and still last. She launched a furious rally and ran with great determination, only being defeated by a nostril by a winner that had a perfect trip on the lead.