Horses to Watch – Ed Meyer
The “holiday hustle” is starting to take a toll on this handicapper. I’m not alone, and by no means do I have the market cornered. This time of year finds many of us running around making last minute plans, and finding that gift of perfection. In the end, I’m a bit tired but it is definitely worth the hustle. If you haven’t heard it, or a maybe a few days too early. Merry Christmas ! – Just sit back and enjoy a warm cup of tea by the fire. The glow of the fireplace crackling across the room, and you have a little gift waiting. – Here are some ponies that are sure to make your season bright !
Gulfstream Park – 12/9/15 – Race #2 – #16 – 7f on the dirt ( originally scheduled for 7 1/2 on the turf)
#16 – BB Sea = Corey Lanerie had the call for Charles Dickey. As the race came off the greensward, the outside runners started getting played at the windows. She broke alertly and was running in top form. No problems early on, and the fractions were honest. The 11 post wasn’t the worst thing to happen at the races, and she looked game. I feel the good track may have been a little tiring for the front runners early in the card. No bad moments or challenging issues. This gal has the look of a runner who will come back to set the pace and blaze away next out.
Aqueduct – 12/10/15 – Race #2 – #1 – 6f on the inner track
#1 – Alysaro = Harry Hernandez was the rider for David Jacobson, and if you don’t watch the New York races closely. Pay close attention to this 5 pound apprentice. – He was in good shape as Hernandez likes to stay close to the rail. He tipped off the fence around the 1/16th pole only to find Chelios and Forest Boy bumping like pinballs. He was in tight, and had to steady momentarily. – As they galloped out past the wire, his acceleration was impressive and warrants a trip or two to the windows next out.
Aqueduct – 12/11/15 – Race #5 – #2 – one mile on the inner track
#2 – Be a Hero = Kendrick Carmouche likely had the best runner in the race. The rider had his mount perfectly measured and worked off the rail at the 1/4 pole. He was immediately greeted by Piloting bearing out and knocking him off course. The rider stayed on task and was bumped soundly down the lane many more times. – He ran a very game third closing stoutly and was put up to 2nd place via a DQ. Not bad considering the trip, but he won’t be second best when they come storming home next out.
Gulfstream Park – 12/11/15 – Race #2 – #13 – One mile on the dirt
#13 – Poco Man = Edgard Zayas had the call, and was beginning to set sail for home when forced five wide at the 1/8th pole slowing his late kick. Once back on target, he was forced wider and still managed to accelerate late in the lane to finish 4th. Give him clear sailing, and the next stop will be the winner’s circle.
Gulfstream Park – 12/11/15 – Race #7 – #13 – 7 1/2f on the turf
#13 – War Order = Julien Leparoux was the reinsman and had a less than a perfect trip. He was forced into tight quarters early on, and had to fight to get any position. He made a bold wide move at the head of the lane, and was forced out and denied a lane to run. He was forced to check man times and still managed to show good late kick. I would toss this race out, as this two-year-old making his second start since shipping in from Belmont will be on high alert next time to the races.
Fair Grounds – 12/11/15 – Race #6 – #9 – 1 1/16 on the turf
#9 – Hopeful Notion = Miguel Mena had the call, and his mount clipped heels with Benwill who went down through this mishap. After settling out and finding his feet again he managed a strong effort tom finish third in the “Big Easy.” – Tough race, and a very tough break, and be on the look for a clean trip in New Orleans.