Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer
Hearing the word Labor Day as a young racing fan meant the end of summer. Going back to school, no more days at the track with grandpa, and the tanned skin on my face and arms would soon fade away. – I would look back over the sweet summer days with endless joy as they would culminate with a blowout to be held at River Downs. The Cradle Stakes was for up-and-coming two-year-olds. – It was the end of one chapter, and the beginning of another with my first local glimpse of what could be the following season. The pungent aroma of cheap cigars, and the inky hands one could only get from reading the Daily Racing Form. – When Labor Day rolls around Monday, I’ll have a lifetime of fond memories tagging along with me to the races. – In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled for theses red-hot runners. They have a good excuse, and could offer up a solid price at the windows.
Saratoga
8/24/16 – Race #3 – #4 – 6f on the dirt
#4 – Phocea – She broke last under Eric Cancel and came flying late in the lane. Her late punch was a real eye-opener and if she improves just a smidge off this effort she’ll be heading to the winner’s circle.
8/24/16 – Race #4 – #9 – 5 1/2f on the turf
#9 – Peace Points – The rider was forced to steady as soon as the gates broke, and Kendrick Carmouche was “ping-ponged” around quite a bit. – After gathering his bearings he darted in and out and swung five wide closing like a down-bound train. – This guy deserves a good hard look before you pull the trigger next out.
Saratoga
8/27/16 – Race #2 – #6 – 1 1/8 on the turf
#6 – Kabang – Jose Ortiz for Michael Trombetta they were off a beat slow leaving the starting gate. Once Ortiz caught up and had the field in sight he made a solid bid to finish up in 5th place. – Maybe a little better trip will be what the doctor ordered and you can look ahead for (10-1) or better.
8/27/16 – Race #5 – #6 – 1 3/8th’s on the turf
#6 – Deeply Undervalued – Irad Ortiz in the irons for Chad Brown and they broke outward leaving the starting gate and caused some bumping around. – Once Ortiz got his mount under control he made a strong late bid to finish a beaten favorite second. Maybe a little less ground, or just another shot a clear beginning. Either way, he’ll give them fits at Belmont or elsewhere next time out.
Belterra Park
8/28/16 – Race #1 – #5 – 6f on the dirt
#5 – Equulei – Geovany Garcia was aboard and had to check hard into the first turn. Once he had his filly back in gear, they made a sustained bid to show good promise next out.
8/28/16 – Race #7 – #2 – 1 mile on the turf
#2 – Run Groom Run – Alex Estrada picked up the mount and checked so hard into the first turn he stood straight up in the irons. – The rider tried many times to settle and was forced to check, wait for a gap, and once saw a glimmer of daylight was a day late and dollar short getting his cue for clear sailing. He was (12-1) on this day beaten in the shadow of the wire by a Calumet Farm runner. He’ll be double tough next time out at a square price.