Spotlight Race of the Day: Iowa Claiming 8/1

A claiming event in Iowa features horses 3 year olds and up will be going 9 furlongs on a turf track.  A firm surface and any of the runners can be picked up for a price of $7,500.

 

1.  Rockie Road 7/5

Favorite gets rail and  seeks first win since December, 2012.   Blew out a 101 speed end of 2013 on off-track and speeds for 2014 have settled down to the 80-range.   Drops to lowest claim level since 2012 and comes off fourth place finish in last as beaten favorite.   Looks to make amends.

 

2.  Windsheer 5/2

Last win was over a year ago and this entrant takes drop to lowest claim level of career.  Also drops in distance from the 10-furlong range he has been competing in.   Comes off lousy outing losing by 16 strides and 80 speed, lowest since Apirl, 2013.   Speeds have been better in past and reduced distance could help.

 

3.  Telescopic Reach  14/1

Seven year old who gets a handful of starts each season makes fourth start of 2014.   All starts this year have been at 8.5f and speeds have ascended from 68 up to 81 in his last race.   He displayed some nice late run in the last moving from ninth to fourth, something that is rare for him.  Could take this if speed keeps rising.

 

4.  Brightfox  121/1

Struggling entrant has top speeds that narrowly top out in the mid-60’s, a far cry from other runners in this race.    This field lacks early speed and he is one of two that will be striving for the front spot.  Scales back in distance a smidge which could help but I think this guy could be better suited for sprints.

 

5.  Divine M.  8/1

In 11 grass starts, has finished on the board nine times.   Problem is that the two times off the board came during 2014.   Has had aggressive race schedule with 12 starts this year and seems to be taking it’s toll with speeds diminishing to 70-s range.  Has taken the month of July off and returns to claim level, and noteworthy drop in claim level.    Question is whether or not the month off was enough.

 

6.  Saltire Goth  18/1

After racing in higher levels, this runner dropped into claiming levels three back, but that was over a year ago.  At end of December, dropped to $5k claimers and finished second with 82 speed, a career best.   Last raced on poly track this past March, only 2014 start and finished well back with 81 speed.  Infrequently raced horse is showing speeds that could be competitive here and will be looking to run on the lead.  Could be first across the line.

 

7.  Dynamic Darci  17/1

Seven starts this racing year has resulted in one top-three finish which came early on in the year with starter allowance class.  Has bounced around in distances ranging from 5.5 furlong up to 12 furlongs and speeds have been in the 68-78 range.  Has also bounced around in claim tags from $5k to $125k.   Hard sale based on results thus far.

 

8.  Ready For Ryder  3/1

Despite finishing fourth in last, at 7f, showed good late run knocking off 7 strides to miss by four at the end of a starter allowance and 87 speed.    Last four starts were all springs and only ones the six year old has competed in.  Returns to route where he has been on board in half of starts.  Earns respect off last and distance helps.

 

Ready For Ryder looks good coming in here.  Gets advantage with the extra distance.

Saltire Goth showing something lately and could enhance the exotic wagers.

Rockie Road has had trouble finding finish line first, has chance to do it this time.