Horses to watch are never automatic bet-backs.

Trips February 3, 2014

Fairgrounds

FEEDEMTOTHELION (Race 1@FG, January 31, 2014, 6 furlongs, Claiming $20,000 2L) The favorite was away well and was stalking the leaders. He was in tight from the half mile pole into the turn and hesitated several times with no racing room. He remained boxed in at the ¼ pole and under tight restraint and could not get outside to make a run. He finally had the chance to shift wide for room and rallied late but settled for second a half-length behind the winner.

Gulfstream

TIZ LIBERTY (Race 2@GP, January 31, 2014, one mile, Claiming $12,500) The second choice was squeezed and shuffled back at the start forcing him to begin the race at the back of the field. He advanced up along the rail and was in contention around the 5/8 pole. Remained in second throughout the turn but could not make further progress along the rail, shifted out once into the stretch. Bumped with the leader in the stretch and was defeated by a short neck. The trouble was obviously costly based upon the small margin of defeat.

Laurel

CHI CHI’S PRIDE (Race 3@LRL, January 30, 2014, 5 ½ furlongs, Claiming $5,000) Third choice in the wagering was bumped at the gate and the rider came out of his irons. A determined and enthusiastic ride brought the gelding from next to last into contention in mid-stretch and then continued to drive and get the win.

Oaklawn

FAITHFUL SERVANT (Race 2@OP, February 1, 2014, 6 furlongs, Claiming $7,500 2L) The fourth choice was away well and tracked the early leaders from the rail. He was pulled back a bit about the half mile marker and then advanced again. Midway in the turn, while full of run, he could not get through along the rail and was checked and pulled back again. He eventually got racing room after the field was in the stretch. He finished a very good second after the bad trip.

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Santa Anita

FRANNIE’SSPIRITTOO (Race 2@SA, January 31, 2014, 6 furlongs, Maiden Claiming $20,000) The fifth choice was away well but was in tight quarters after the initial 1/16^th of a mile and forced to check hard losing several positions. She made up ground and was in good position in the latter part of the turn, and while trying to go toward the rail, was steadied hard again in the middle of the curve losing position again. She continued to run on with interest and finished fourth.

Turfway

CANDID OPINIONS (Race 4@TP, February 1, 2014, 6 furlongs, Claiming $7,500 2L) Heavy favorite was in tight at start and began running from the back of the pack. The gelding made a big move late in the turn to catch the field but was forced to go 9-10 wide to have room, rallied and got up for second while longshot winner went through on rail with a dream trip.