Key Match Up In Middle Gournd Mile

North Dakota — Welcome to the inaugural running of the Middle Gournd Mile. Several of Saturday’s runners are looking for that elusive graded victory to earn a birth into next month’s Breeder’s Bowl Mile. There’s some real talent to be had, both horses and trainers. The race is open to all horses ages 3 and up. Fourteen colts are ready to battle it out over the fast 8F on the main track. Hold onto your bootstraps, cuz it’s gonna get rowdy out here in the hills!

2^nd – Thundering Thief G (112sp)

3^rd – Tiz A Tornado (109sp)

2^nd – Zygote (111sp)

3^rd – Creepy Mesa (111sp)

4^th – Special Way (110sp)

13^th – A.P. Precedent (102sp)

1^st – Sahara Desert (109sp), Final Time: 1:34.2

7^th – Staff Trouble (101sp)

5^th – Thundering Thief G (98sp)

8^th – Special Way (96sp)

1^st – Invictus G (111sp), Final Time: 1:34.2

2^nd – Sahara Desert (109sp)

1^st – Zygote (115sp), Final Time: 1:33.6

2^nd – Special Way (113sp)

3^rd – Staff Trouble (111sp)

1^st – A.P. Precedent (117sp), Final Time: 1:33.4

2^nd – Nagasaki (115sp)

8^th – Cape Wrath (103sp)

7^th – Nagasaki (106sp)

10^th – Creepy Mesa (105sp)

1^st – Staff Trouble (118sp), Final Time: 1:33.2

3^rd – Rocket Go Boom (112sp)

2^nd – Special Way (108sp)

4^th – Creepy Mesa (106sp)

3^rd – A.P. Precedent (109sp)

8^th – Tiz A Tornado (103sp)

6^th – Thundering Theif G (102sp)

10^th – Staff Trouble (98sp)

1^st – Creepy Mesa (118sp), Final Time: 1:33.2

3^rd – Zygote (113sp)

3^rd – Sahara Desert (101sp)

11^th – Snarky Remark (89sp)

5^th – Thundering Theif G (106sp)

6^th – A.P. Precedent (103sp)

1^st – Zygote (110sp), Final Time: 1:34.2

3^rd – Nagasaki (106sp)

Medusa’s trainee has graced the track a whopping 61 times. Most horses with his credentials are retired long before they ever see that number, but when a runner such as Thundering Thief G continues to post speed figures in the triple digits (including a 112sp last time out on an off track) then who wouldn’t rush him off to green pastures?! Thundering Thief G has collected 8 wins and a total of 35 in the money finishes in his 61 trips. The knock, however, is that the old man hasn’t won a race since November of last year which was an 8.5F Stakes victory. The 2008 season has seen the colt hit the track for a record of 10: 0-2-2. I think it’s about time to bid adieu.

3yoC, bay by Invincible Spirit(ire), out of Threepeat(gb) [Diesis(gb)/Lyphard]
Snarky Remark(ire), trained by Looneylobo, had a good handle on things at the start of his sophomore season. He debuted the year with back-to-back victories in overnight stakes going 8.5F. In an attempt to hitch a ride on the Bluegrass Derby trail, Looneylobo placed the colt in the G2-All Saints Derby, again over 8.5F. The colt cantered home a dismal 11^th. Not to be discouraged, Looneylobo sent Snarky Remark(ire) right back out with the big boys in the G1-Wooden Indian the following month. Snarky Remark(ire) closed rapidly to get the job done in a photo finish. In doing so he locked up a Bluegrass Derby slot for himself. Unfortunately, his win in early April would be the last time he would hit the board thus far this year. The colt ran a poor 15^th in the Bluegrass Derby. After trying his had at 12F he was sent back down to 8F (two back). His past two performances have been better in regards to speed figures, but the best he’s done is a 5^th. Looks like he needs to be placed more forward in the pace of the race. Could surprise, but I’d look elsewhere.

Zaza’s colt has been running well this year. The trainer has been racing Staff Trouble lightly and placing him in good spots. Staff Trouble’s season record amounts to 6: 2-1-1. He debuted the year in Kentucky with a near win in the 8F G1-Diplomat Way Handicap, 110sp, however, the colt’s crowning glory this season is his smashing victory in the 8F G1-Cosmopolitan Handicap over a sloppy New York track. His speed figure that day was a whopping 118. Staff Trouble followed that up with the show spot in the 8F G1-Smackdown, 111sp. In my opinion, this guy has two throw out races: (1) the 9F G2 in April, not his cup-of-tea and (2) last time out in the 8F G2, the colt bounced after two big runs. I would keep a very close eye on him, could very be big “Trouble” for the favorite.

Tiz A Tornado is a nice colt. He looks to be part of the front-end speed on Saturday with his quick foot out of the gate. The Tornado’s best run this year came back in April in an 8F overnight stakes where he easily romped to victory with a 116sp. Other than that win, his other two victories this year have come in restricted allowance company. The colt was given a try at graded company in the 8.5F G3-Fus Gonner Handicap, but, after trying to lead the field, floundered to 8^th. Last time out was in an honest 3^rd in a 9F overnight stakes around an off track. Eight furlongs does look to be his best distance, but he will need to prove his class in a very talented field. Hasn’t won since May. Season record is 10: 3-0-1.

In regards to improvement and coming into his own, this has been a very good year for trainer Casino’s colt, Nagasaki(ire). Last November saw him jump into the triple digit speed figures and the colt hasn’t looked back since. Nagasaki(ire) debuted in January’s 8F G2-Orangeton Handicap where he closed gamely to finish in a photo for 2^nd only to be named 3^rd, 106sp. He followed that up with a 2^nd in the 8.5F G3-Big A Handicap. Last time out Nagasaki(ire) gave a big run in the 8F G3-Lil’ Leprechaun Mile, finishing 2^nd with a 115sp (his best speed figure to date). The colt is a multiple graded winner, having won the 6F G3-Little Tree Stakes as a juvenile and both the 8.F G2-Heat Less Stakes and 9F G2-Chief Snow Handicap as a sophomore. Sadly, his victory in the Chief Snow Handicap April of 2007 was the last time Nagasaki(ire) has seen the winner’s enclosure. He has the class, but I think the colt needs a little bit a confidence boost. It’s been 3 months since Nagasaki(ire) graced us with his presence. Casino’s got a fresh, talented colt on his hands… Question is, can he get the job done at age 4?

Isisbabe’s Zygote comes into this race off of a very good year, thus far. His 2008 season is 7: 3-2-1. He welcomed the new year with a stroll in the 8F G2-Orangeton Handicap, defeating Nagasaki(ire) and another rival by 2-¼ lengths with a 110sp. His next start came in the shorter 7.5F G3-Vermont Is 4 Lovers; Zygote needed the extra ½ furlong to get the job done and had to settle for 4^th, 110sp. After two on the board finishes he was given a breather in lesser company, toying with a field of 6 others an 8F overnight stakes; naturally he won without breaking a sweat as the odds-on favorite. June was time for some R&R, and from the looks of his two starts since that mini-vacation, it looks like it did him so good. Zygote came back to the track in the 8F G1-Smackdown with guns blazing, winning the event by daylight and recording a 115sp. That victory earned him a birth in the elite Equinics. Zygote ran a replica of his past races, just getting up in time for the photo — he was declared 2^nd, losing by a head in the 8F G1-Make A Wish Foundation. This is a fresh horse that is ready to fire big. Deserving favorite.

Citation4’s colt is questionable in this spot. Yes, Invictus G’s thrown a high speed figure (111) out there three races back, but I’m not too confident he’s ready to race against the top older horses of his division. The colt was raced heavily through the spring and has a season record of 10: 2-2-2 with his best performance coming in the 8F overnight stakes three back. Prior to that run Invictus G ran well to just miss in the 8F G2-Trial By Night, 105sp. He is definitely best at 8F, so that is a plus. His past two runs, however, have been plain bad — both were against the older horses, and in both he finished dead last. I respect his connections, but I think the colt needs some R&R. I don’t see Invictus G having much of a chance in this field.

This guy is like a fine wine, just keeps getting better with age. Prior to the 2008 season, A.P. Precedent’s best performance came in an 8.5F G3. This year, trainer Squirrel has given the colt a lighter schedule — his record thus far is 6: 3-0-1. He set the new year off with a bang in winning the photo in the G2-San Valenzuala Breeder’s Bowl Stakes going 8.5F. A.P. Precedent was given some time off and then sent out again in a 9F G3. The colt didn’t seem to appreciate the added distance and finished a lackluster 6^th. Dropped back down to 8.5F for his next two starts, A.P. Precedent brought home a piece of the pie in the G3-Fus Gonner Handicap (ahead of Tiz A Tornado) and captured the G2-Mansur LeRoys Handicap in style. To follow that romp up, A.P. Precedent earned his birth into the Equinics with a career-best victory in the 8F G3-Lil’ Leprechaun Mile, outrunning Nagasaki(ire). Last time out was a head-scratching performance in the 8F G1-Make A Wish Foundation. From his performances this year I’d like to think we can draw a line through that one. The colt needs this victory to seal a spot in the Breeder’s Bowl next month.

Whirlaway’s colt debuted on the dirt as a 2yo, but after two starts he was switched to the turf. He wouldn’t see the main track again until half way through the spring of his 4yo season. Special Way(jpn) has had a grueling season thus far this year, accumulating a record of 12: 3-2-1. His first 5 starts of 2008 came on the turf with a single trip to the winner’s enclosure. Whirlwind figured he’d give the colt a second chance on the main surface and placed Special Way(jpn) in an open allowance going 8.5F. The colt excelled, winning by daylight with a much improved 110sp. That was enough to convince the trainer to send his colt to play with the big boys. Special Way(jpn) rallied off a 2^nd in the 8.5F G3-Ecliptic Stakes, a huge win in the 8.5F G2-Big D Park Handicap, and a close 2^nd in the 8F G1-Smackdown. His last 3 runs are a bit deceiving at first glance if all you see is an 8^th, 4^th, and 10^th. You can scratch both the 8^th & 10^th finish off — they were over too much ground for the colt. Special Way’s 4^th was just ¾ length shy of the winner in the 8F G1-Make A Wish Foundation, 110sp. This guy is running back over the 8F distance that he prefers. He could run huge here. Comes from talented connections.

Creepy Mesa comes into this event off a very nice run in the Equinics 8F G1-Make A Wish Foundation where he met many of this field’s runners already. The colt was running full throttle down the lane late to get up in time for 3^rd, beaten by a mere ½ length with a 111sp, just behind Zygote. He is a lightly raced 4yo who is on the improve, however, he has not won a race since his smashing victory back in March in the 8F G2-St. Pats Legacy. The colt won by 1 ½ lengths with a huge 118sp. It’s not clear if he bounced in the start following that or if the 9F distance was not to his liking. Creepy Mesa could be a dark horse, but I have my eye on a couple others that I like better.

Of the sophomores in this field, this guy’s got the goods to get the job done against the older horses. Godmother’s trainee made that known two back in the 8F G2-Prims Memorial where he won by 2 lengths with a 109sp, beating Staff Trouble. Sahara Desert’s starts just prior and right after that came in 8F overnight stakes — oddly, as the favorite in both races, the colt couldn’t get up in time for the win, settling for 2^nd with 109sp in both. His track record over 8F and 8.5F is a good one. He’s got potential to be a real tough opponent this winter and into his 4yo season.

At one time you could have purchased this colt from a $20,000 claimer… In fact, that’s exactly what lalaker42 did. I bet trainer lalakers42 was doing the rain dance for this baby! The colt’s record is impressive, but what really takes the cake is his off track record (5: 3-1-1 with speed figures of 105, 116, 111, and 112). Those are mighty numbers to contend with, but Saturday’s event is not going to be contested over an off track. And unfortunately, Rocket Go Boom’s record isn’t quite as impressive on a fast track. Don’t get me wrong, he can still run big. His record this year is 4: 0-1-2. Given some R&R between spring and summer, the colt came back to the track late July in an 8F overnight stakes. Rocket Go Boom was tearing down the walls ready to run — breaking first out of the gate he attempted to wire the field. Caught late, the colt had to settle for 2^nd. With that prep out of the way, Rocket Go Boom could make a big run in this one.

Fabfarms is sending out a very talented colt in Electrical Charge. The colt began his career on the turf, but after no signs of improvement, Fabfarms switched him to the main track in a short 6F $100,000 claiming event. The colt only managed to take 2^nd, and Fabfarms managed to retain his colt. Thus began the amazing turn-around of this guy. Electrical Charge’s next 4 starts all came in 7F to 7.5F starter allowances; the colt won all but one of them. Not only that, but he also started posting triple speed figures. Turning 4 in January only saw a continuance of improvement. Electrical Charge went from winning restricted allowances in routes by more than 6 lengths and with 107sp to taking overnight stakes without breaking a sweat. It didn’t matter if the track was fast or sloppy. Fabfarms was on a joyride as Electrical Charge strung together 7 straight victories and went 6 for 6 as a 4yo. Last out that joyride came to a screeching hault and a big reality check when the colt made a grand appearance in the Equinics 10F G1-Ace Bailey’s Childrens Foundation. He managed to finish 5^th, but was beaten by 8 lengths. Fabfarms may have a trick or two still up his sleeve as he drops Electrical Charge back down to 8F. I think the colt will manage just fine.

Buffy9’s Cape Wrath exploded last time out in an 8F overnight stakes, winning by 2 with a 116sp. The colt, prior to that, ran a dull 8^th in the G3-Lil’ Leprechaun Mile where he was thoroughly beaten by winner A.P. Precedent and runner-up Nagasaki(ire). He was given 2 months off after that poor trip. It’s hard to say what the cause was. There’s possibility of a small injury having occurred in that race. Another explanation is that the colt is finally coming into his own this fall. Finally, a third explanation, is that he just does not have what it takes to hang in graded company. His best finish in a graded race was 5^th way back in his 2yo season. His 2008 record is 6: 2-1-0 with victories in overnight stakes. Real talented colt, and 8F appears to be his best distance, but I’m looking elsewhere for a winner.

It’s hard to say who will win. There are definitely some standouts in this field such as Zygote, Nagasaki, and A.P. Precedent, but there are a lot of upcoming 3yos and 4yos in the race as well. Two key races have been the Equinics Make A Wish Foundation where 4 of the runners met up & the Smackdown where 3 of the top runners met up.

I’m the first to admit that I’m a horrible handicapper. But my top 4 picks, in no particular order, are:

** Keely **