Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer
All eyes were on Churchill Downs this past Saturday. – Stephen Foster Day under the lights made for a one-of-a-kind show. McCracken returned stong and mature, and if you didn’t enjoy Gun Runner’s romp winning by the largest margin in stakes history. You may want to check your pulse. – Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and now Father’s Day is in the books. That only means one thing. Real summer racing is ready to begin ! – Keep your eyes peeled for these runners who have a good excuse. They’ll return to the races and reward those who back them. Best of luck from your friends at BetPTC.com !
6/17/17
Santa Anita
Race #6 – #2 – Pacific Wind – G-2 Honeymoon – 1 1/8 on the turf
A very nice daughter of Curlin who won at first asking over the SA turf. She has the look of a good stalker and hails from the barn of Peter Eurton (21%). This was her first start off a brief freshening and stepped up in class. She has hooked the winner the winner Sir Cat Sally twice, and was a troubled third both times. – She has a good late kick but we didn’t get a chance to see it as she was forced to steady off heels into the turn. Once she got it together she made a solid run for the show dough.
Race #9 – #3 – It Tiz Well – G-2 Summertime Oaks – 1 1/16
Mike Smith teamed up with Jerry Hollendorfer, and they know the way to the winner’s circle. She has faced some tough gals, and was (2-1) against the Kentucky Oaks winner Abel Tasman in the G-1 SA Oaks. She was forced to steady in the first turn, and again when she turned for home and tried to squeeze up the inside. – Toss this race, but you’ll have to use her in multi-race exotics to get the value you deserve.
6/17/17
Belterra Park
Race #1 – #6 – Cap’s Tale – 5f on the turf
It was his 3rd start off the layoff shipping in from Churchill Downs. This son of Tale of the Cat was stepping up in class and cutting back in distance. The turf rail was out 18 feet, and he managed a stout closing effort where speed rules the day. “Pede” Prentice split runners gaining quickly and is sure to bring the same game and more next time.
Race #4 – #9 – Sacred Promise – 1 mile on the turf
This son of Super Saver was making his first start on the turf for trainer Kellyn Gorder. He has travelled to Indiana, Turfway, Mahoning Valley and now Belterra. – He broke slowly at the break and circled six wide on a turf course that had the rail set 18 feet out. – I wouldn’t rule out another jump in class, and with a little cleaner trip he’ll give them fits.
Race #5 – #3 — Backsplash – 1 mile on the main track
Perry Ouzts aboard the Cleveland invader who left Thistledown off a win. She is a gamer who likes to run late and ready to ply her trade at Belterra. She bobbled at the start and looked awkward for most of the race. Once she got in gear, she managed a 5 wide run to be a bridesmaid this day. She is one to play right back no matter where she runs.