WILL NAGASAKI REIGN IN OHIO
WILL NAGASAKI DO IT IN OHIO?
Racing in Ohio this week sees the running of the time honoured Grade II Buckeye Derby, an event on dirt over a mile and one eighth for 3 year olds. A sizeable field of 13 has assembled so let’s take a look at them.
1- R.CRUSOE –tothetop -14/1 – Last two outing have been below par but before that was 4th in a similar event to this and won a graded race over this trip four starts back. Is good enough to be in this but lacks consistency. A chance if he produces his very best.
2 – HIGHASAKITE – hosaba – 10/1 – Has been close in similar events and seems to get better with each outing. This is just his 9th start and could well be the surprise package in this field.
3 – CHANGE OF PLANS – flagdown2 – 11/1 – Was placed four starts back over this trip at Grade I level so has the abilty to be here. The big query is a strike rate of just 2 from 15 starts. Will need to be on top of his game to be in the finish.
4 – GIVEN DUBAI – congaree2 – 54/1 – Only win has been his maiden win and his only Stakes placing was in a restricted Stakes race where he ran 3rd beaten 24 lengths. Taking all that into consideration it would appear that he is outclassed here.
5 – VINDALYDAR – onyourmark – 12/1 – A winner of four who has excelled in Allowance events of late and been thereabouts in Stakes races without winning. Takes a big step up in class here and will need to show more to be a contender.
6 – WELL PLAYED TED – pick6 – 9/1 – A bold front runner who has been getting run down late in his recent similar events. Should be up there for a lot of the race but whether or not he can hang on to feature in the finish is a big question mark.
7 – ALY NINE – mowar – 9/2 – An on-pace classy type who has won 4 from 11 and looks like he will love this trip. A massive winner 2 starts back before narrowly missing in Grade II company. Definitely one of the major players here.
8 – IRONSIDE – bispruce – 11/1 – Loves to lead and was an all the way winner over 10 furlongs last start. It appears this trip suits but it may be tough to lead this lot all the way, particularly if he is caught up in a speed battle with #6. An outside chance here.
9 – NAGASAKI – casino – 9/2 – Has won 6 from 14 including 2 Grade II events similar to this in recent times. Has a penchant for producing a powerful finish and is a real eye-catcher. The type of horse that people come to watch. Big hope.
10 – LUCKY’S CAPITAL – winorplace – 9/1 – Last 2 starts have been less than flattering but before that this son of With Approval was on fire, winning 4 in a row including Grade I &II events. At his best this guy is in this up to his ears. It’s just a question if he has gone off the boil or not.
11 – BE AUROR SONG – auror – 5/1 – Failed over 10 furlongs in the highest Grade last start but before that has been sensational in races similar to this one. A son of Unbridled Song, if he can return to the form he had before last start he will take a world of beating. Big Gun.
12 – ACHAEMEANS – tbgifted – 10/1 – Is a chance on the credence of a win in he Grade I Sand Castle Derby four starts back. Hasn’t been quite as impressive over longer trips since that but is back to his niche today and could surprise here.
13 – IN GOD’S COUNTRY – cuba – 20/1 – Cracked it for a stakes win at his first try last start. However the son of Fantastic Light has stepped up to play with the big boys here and may notice the difference, particularly when he appears to thrive over a touch longer journeys.
So there we have it, a solid field with many chances. For what it’s worth I’ll go 9-11-7-12.
Good Punting
Butcha