Spotlight Race: Kentucky
From A Treehouse was my second choice in the yielding turf track in last week’s Spotlight race, and the switch over to the turf was the correct recipe as this colt rewarded bettors with a payoff of $10.30. Favorite Approve Contender was sent to the front and tried to wire the field, but had to settle for second, completing a $34.00 exacta. My top pick was 5-1 Scioto Mile who was only the third best, clicking off a trifecta that paid $132.90.
After three weeks of covering tracks that were in terrible condition we finally get a nice fast dirt race to cover in Kentucky. The first race is a local bred event open to fillies and mares age three and older. They’ll be going a long route of a mile and three-quarters.
1. Hayek 4-1 -Claimed in last for $25k and bumps up in class after hitting top career speed of 101 running 10 flanks. Won a year ago at 14f and distance should not be a problem. Fits nicely in this race.
2. Skip to the Point 99-1 -Returns after brief layoff and hitting career top speed of 73. Has a win at this distance last fall. Speeds are main concern as they are much lower than many others in field. Appears to be over matched.
3. PY Way to Stars 23-1 -Returned to track earlier this month after a year and half grazing in the farmlands. Looked to be very rusty in return race and will probably need a few more starts to get all the parts toned up again.
4. Ogg Vorbis 7-1 -Nine year old who is a two time stakes winner has had tough time of late. Likes to run on lead and last four races was unable to hold on, finishing second each time. Speeds have fluctuated between 80’s and 90’s and she looks to be the one to catch.
5. Kats Reward 18-1 -Form of late seems to be questionable. Speeds in last two starts have been 78 and 80, a bit lower than the prior three which averaged 91. At a disadvantage unless she can get things back together.
6. Remember Holdo 3-1 -Stakes/Graded stake winner makes first appearance in allowance event since 2010. Drops after three mid-90 speeds in hopes of getting this one back on track. Has class edge over this field but still has to kick things into gear.
7. Special Ride 13-1 -After showing terrible results in sprints, this gal was tested in route in November and showed that distance running is her thing. She is 2-1-1 in four starts since stretching out with an average speed of 92. Has strong breeding behind her and could be the surprise factor in this race.
8. Bux Fiesta 6-1 -This girl loves the long routes. In races of 10 furlongs or longer she has ten starts and a record of 8-2-0. She has won five of her last six starts and is currently showing some of her best form. Can’t rule out.
9. Granny Nancy 79-1 -Since breaking maiden in September, she has not hit the board and has been well over matched at the allowance level. Speeds have primarily been in the 70’s and looks to be in over her head again.
10. Quest of Pegasus 25-1 -Ran top speed of 94 in December in only graded race start, but was well off the board. In last four allowance starts, speeds look to be more accurate with speeds in upper 80’s. Nice bloodlines in this girl but she needs to get to her peek to get the win here.
11. Sheepshead 4-1 -Won three races in a row than took sabbatical from November to February. Return to track saw end of win streak with speed of 87 going 11 furlongs. Second race back after rest often results in big improvement and this girl can chart speeds of 100 or better. Look for improvement here.
12. Borfide 99-1 -Changed barns this past fall and has raced in allowance level since the change. Has been well beat in each start showing this level is too much for her. Has had much better results in low claimers and starter allowance levels. Outclassed once again.
13. Xtra Dot Com 7-1 -Two time stake winner has excelled in long routes. Makes second start after short layoff. Scored third in last going 2-miles with speed of 92. Two miles is her preferred distance but could have an impact in this event.
14. Minister Maker 56-1 -Returned to track after year off and has finished second and picked up a win in two trips since coming back. Won easily in early March going 14 furlongs with career best speed of 85. Recent racing history shows a good liking to longer routes. Faces some tough horses in this race, but may be much better than the odds reflect.
Remember Holdo gets top selection getting some class relief in drop to allowance level. Still needs to pick things up a notch and could be beat.
Sheepshead on second start after rest and could end up being top one.
Special Ride has been going well in longer routes. Gains third choice.