Buckeye Blitz – 8/25/17
Hello, and thanks for reading the Buckeye Blitz, your premiere insider to Ohio racing. These articles will give you some quick commentary on some of the more prominent horses in the races, as well as some bold predictions, and possibly a look into upcoming feature races.
There’s only one race in store for you today. Full analysis on each contender below. Weather is beautiful, sunny with a high near 73.
Race #1 (Post Time 12:10pm)
Claiming NW3L, 3yr Olds, Local Restricted, Tag $17,500
5.5 Furlongs – Dirt
#1 BOLD VILLAIN (7-1) – Son of Louie Villain has been showing respectable finishes for a much higher tag recently. Does need to improve in his 18th start of career to match up with some of these. Finished 7th of 14 last out but was charging, and only defeated by 1.5 lengths. Not out of the possibility for trainer abcde.
#2 APTI (72-1) – Tries winners for the first time after a one length victory in a 60K maiden claiming. Will only be his 4th career start, so there is room for improvement, but will probably need to find a 30 SP number jump to contend here. Very unlikely.
#3 CARSON JAMES (12-1) – Has been on turf for 10 of his 11 lifetime tries, only dirt run was in his second career race when a well beaten 8th. Comes from the rear of the field in most of his attempts, so trainer cardad2 will be hoping for a fast pace to run into. Still eligible for NW2L.
#4 INDY QUAGMIRE (4-1) – Trainer asr13 brings the second son of Indy that’s in the race today. Sports good efforts on multiple surfaces, and is the owner of the second highest SP numbers in the race with a 92 three back. Will be on or near the lead from the bell. Drops down from an ALW NW1x.
#5 VICTORY IS OURS ST (6-1) – Lone filly in the race has shown speed in all of her races. She beat a handful of these last out and looms a major player. This daughter of Stately Victor has never been out of the money, but has yet to crack a 90 SP. I suspect she might do so here for trainer sonie.
#6 BJ ROUNDBALL (8/5) – Sports multiple 90 and above SP numbers and is deserving of the morning line favorite. Has a stalk and pounce running style that should put him in perfect position in this one. Never worse than second on all eight attempts. Trainer cheapobarb3 calls on the heralded jockey L. Herren to bring him home a winner.
#7 MENINIST (16-1) – On the improve in each of his last three starts, achieving a career best 84 SP last out. Another that likes to be on or near the lead, and cuts back in distance. ITM in 3 of 5 career starts, but is also still NW2L eligible. Trainer mitcho3 hopes the improvement continues as he climbs back up the claiming tag ladder.
#8 WILD MONSTER WIN (7-1) – Monster Winner sires this colt for trainer viento. Each of the last two starts were very good, showing off the pace efforts that gave him second place finishes but only losing by a combined 1.75 lengths. Drops down from a 75K tag in an attempt to get his first win on dirt (Both wins on turf). Will be heard from in the final stages of the race.
#9 PIRATE PROBLEMS (10-1) – Another experienced son of Louie Villain occupies the 9 hole for trainer jms18. Shows just 2 wins from 14 lifetime starts but has been in the money in eight others. Suited for the distance, likes to be out front, but falls short in the SP category. Will need a career effort just to find the exotics here as the speed to his inside could be his demise.
#10 MOUNTAIN LOCAL (21-1) – The surface is a question mark here for this son of Noon Prospect. Trainer haack13 has sent him off on all three surfaces, lone win came on poly back on November 14, 2016. Has three strait 2nd place finishes on turf. Last dirt try came in February on this track where he faded badly, finishing 5th of 6, beaten 11.25 lengths.
Swami Selections: 6 – 5 – 8