Spotlight Race of the Day: 10/9 Maryland Allowance

Another race covered at the request of a BTB reader, this time Ivanyamil.   The desired race is restricted to non-winners of one other than maiden, claiming, optional or starter and limited to only 3 year olds.   It’s a 10 furlong dirt race in Maryland with a fast surface expected at the 12:50 post time.

1.  THE GOTYA   5/1

Has a second and third at 10 furlongs over the summer in three starts.  More recently has been racing closer to a mile in distance where a second and third have also been earned.   Finished 2nd or 3rd in six of last seven races.  One win in career was debut race over a year ago.   Could be on board but finishing first has been a challenge/

2.  SOLID SAINT TED  13/1

Took 12 tries to break maiden which occurred in early July at 11 furlongs in only race with older horses, wiring field with 92 speed.  Followed that with career best 94 in NW2L grouping going 12 furlongs and finished third.  Last month race over Maryland surface at 10f with diminished 71 SP and well back with jockey T Highc aboard.  Gets same rider this time at same distance over same track.  Hopefully will not have same results.

3.  GONE NOT FORGOTTEN  18/1

Ran in a streak of 5 claiming races earlier this year with four finishes in top three spots.  Last four starts were with starter allowance and on board once but racing against mostly older horses.   Has tried allowance earlier in year with no top three finishes in four starts.  Comes out of starter class and shoots up to allowance level.  Looks better fit in claiming level and will need better than best effort this time out.

4.  JAVICE   11/1

Finished fourth in last start over Maryland surface at 10 furlongs with career best speed of 90.  Has some late speed ability but doesn’t show it as often as one would like.  Has ran in allowance company three times without a top-three finish although the speeds have been improving.   Horse seems content in being mediocre but does have some ability he’s reluctant to use.  Longer might be more in his interest distance wise.

5.  BEEN WAITING   10/1

Last three races resulted in speeds in low 90’s in mix of claiming and allowance NW2L events.  One race was over Maryland dirt finishing in rear of six horse field going 9 furlongs and within four strides of the victor.  Speeds are at the best numbers of his career but is slow in coming around to realize the goal is to be first.  The wait will continue.

6.  AEGON THE UNWORTHY  10/1

A three-time starter with a win and a second with all races occurring on the turf track.  Sired by Pivotal who has had offspring largely favor the grass.  This son will be trying dirt for first time to see if there is any potential fit on the surface.  Wait and see is my viewpoint for this horse that is coming off a 92 speed in last.

7.  ISTHISONTHEFINAL  5/1

Between March and August ran four times with speed in tight 92 to 94 range with a win (maiden) and a second going around mile in distance.  Last race in September was at nine furlongs on sloppy track where he cracked a 100 speed finishing second before running out of track.  Gets extra distance this race and is contender in this race.

8.  ACUSTOM  6/1

Despite finishing fourth in last, had impressive 99 speed at 10 furlongs and this came on grass.  Sported 95 speed prior race at 9 furlongs racing on the dirt and also ending race in fourth.  Has steadily improved speeds during 2014 campaign from 84 to that recent 99 speed and has not finished worse than fourth this season.  May press 100 mark this time out.

9.  WISELY QUIET  5/1

Race sponsor bring in colt who has been on 5-race win streak starting with breaking maiden in April through four straight starter allowance races.   Late closer who gets jockey McClendon once again with the duo seeking to extend streak to six straight.   Going to be tested this time with move to allowance company, but duo should be respected.

10.  CASO FEDERAL  3/1

From February to August this colt posted speeds above 90 in 6 of 7 starts with the only non-90’s speed coming in an offtrack starter allowance race.  September starter allowance at 9 furlongs resulted in third place finish but was a break-through event with the final speed charted at 102.   Trip to winner circle if can repeat or improve on that speed.

Outside four horses look best to me, just a matter of how to play them.   Isthisonthefinal will get top call with extra distance being the benefit.

Caso Federal big gain in speed form 92 to 102 in last hard to ignore, gets second choice.

Wiesly Quiet had some easy fields and speeds could be higher if there were stronger challenges to press issue, gets pressed here and should respond well, third selection.