Dec. 7, 2013

Churchill Downs

SPEEDY KITTEN (Race 2@CD, November 28, 2013, one mile, Maiden Claiming $30,000) The sixth choice bobbled and stumbled at the break, otherwise was away well but then dropped back near rear of the field. Retreated all the way to last entering the turn and was wide throughout the turn when entering the stretch. Gradually made up ground and was closing well late finishing only two lengths from the winner and very close to third.

Fairgrounds

ZARBY’S DERBY DAY (Race 4@FG, November 28, 2013, 6 furlongs, Claiming $5,000) The second choice in the wagering traveled behind a tightly pack group of leaders down the backstretch and into the turn. He was cut off from midway in the turn to the top of the stretch while full of run, and even checked slightly and hesitated just before reaching the stretch. Tried to go inside but swung out to the center of the track at the 3/16 pole. Finally able to run he made up several lengths on the leaders and then passed the leader to win by a couple of lengths going away.

Hawthorne

B S WILDCAT (Race 5@HAW, November 27, 2013, 6 ½ furlongs, Claiming $10,000) The fourth choice in the wagering stumbled badly at the gate and was left behind immediately and then raced wide down the backstretch. He remained wide throughout the entire turn and was then about 6 wide into the stretch. Ran on very well and took the place position in photo.

Laurel

THE LOUISIANA KID (Race 8@LRL, November 27, 2013, 6 furlongs, AOC $32,000) The fourth choice in the wagering bumped at the gate to cause a minor problem but quickly took near the lead and engaged others. Dropped back when the front end became crowded and retreated all the way to fifth during the trip through the turn before launching a good rally several wide into the stretch. Was in fourth position when turning for home and ran well to finish a good second.

Penn National

SHE’S ORDAINED (Race 2@PEN, November 27, 2013, 6 furlongs, Stakes) The favorite failed to leave the gate with the others and was very tardy to begin losing at least a half-dozen lengths. Rushed up into contention and fought her way between rivals by the time the field reached the turn and she moved into second with a foe at her throat while still several lengths from the leader. She flew a little wide into the stretch but continued forward under strong handling with a tremendous effort to lose in a photo.

Woodbine

SCAT DADDYS BREEZE (Race 1@WO, November 27, 2013, 6 furlongs, Maiden Claiming $25,000) The favorite stalked the early leaders and began to rally midway in the turn bit had to wait and take back. She came back again at the top of the stretch but had nowhere to go and was bumped trying to get through a small hole. Ran a respectable third but could have won without the trouble.

RYDER KAY (Race 5@WO, November 27, 2013, 1 1/16 miles, Claiming $10,000 2L) Longshot tracked leaders and began to rally in turn along the rail but was checked hard just before the top of the stretch, which appeared to be due to poor handling. He was able to swing out several wide and rally but still appeared to be handled poorly, but eventually got up for the win at a very good price. The win could have been much, much easier.