Spotlight Race of the Week-District of Columbia
1. Blue Blue Moon 7-1-Career speed mark of 84 was set at this track in October, 2009 in 12 furlong starter allowance finishing 3rd. Has run in fields of 10 or more 16 times with only one win which doesn’t point to a winner. Does like track and may factor into triple, however, this is offset as she has been racing every two weeks since November 6th and speed numbers have been on decline.
2. Walk With Mamie 15-1-Speeds have been in mid 60’s to mid 70’s range. Mare has been winless in last 21 starts and has only one win in 33 tries. Seems to be racing at appropriate claim level. Hard to see her in winner’s circle and sole start on this track back in mid 2009 wasn’t productive.
3. Extending Grace 12-1-Has done well in the three low level claiming races she’s been in with a win and third as maiden and second in NW2L conditional, which happened to set her 81 career best speed. She looks to be in a good spot in this race and will need to get into 80-speed numbers again.
4. Matter of Crime 5-1-Trainer Jijiji took ownership of this lady in the Spring of 2009 and DC seems to be the home track for racing this gal. In 11 starts on this track, she has a place and three shows. Since November 2008, her lowest speeds have been in races of 10 furlongs or more. She’ll be going 14 furlongs for first time and doesn’t seem to figure well.
5. Frighttime Phantom 14-1-Mare has high in-the-money percentage, hitting board 23 times in 29 starts. . Faces field of 10 or more for first time. Been racing at higher levels and may have class advantage, but this is off side with speed numbers being on low side, generally in upper 60’s to mid 70’s. Toss-up.
6. Arranged 51-1– 9-year old mare approaching retirement with 92 races under belt, leaving 8 more to go. 2010 speeds ranged in 50’s to 60’s, but did pop a 79 once. Has been off board in last 13 starts and chances here are not rosy unless she can pop another big speed number.
7. Betty Davis Eyes 15-1-Decently bred Corinthian mare has had tough time on the track. Switched from dirt to turf with only 10 days rest and fared poorly. Returns back to dirt and tries 14 furlongs for first time. She didn’t race well in her last outing, and I feel it was related to the short rest. She again gets short rest coming into this race and I expect similar results.
8. I Make it Rain 2-1-This lady likes racing in January. In 4 starts, she’s 1-2-1 during the month. She has an average speed of 84 over last 5 starts. Takes a sizeable drop in class from $100k claimers as well as allowance races and pair of stakes she tried out. Has been resting since late November and looks well placed. Wouldn’t be surprised if claimed from race either.
9. Tootsie Bite 3-1-Claimed for 5k in win on 12/18 over sloppy track with speed of 80. Has been galloping with speeds in upper 70’s to upper 80’s since late summer. Has pair of seconds over DC track, including career speed record of 92 set last January. Strong late closer could get the job done, but 2 weeks rest is something to consider. Another one who may get claimed despite being 9.
10. Lawn Grooming T 8-1-This lady has been busy in 2010 with 15 races resulting in a record of 4-1-3. Speeds since this past summer have been mid 70’s to mid 80’s. In fields of 10 or more, she’s been on board twice in 11 races. Hard to figure but is down to low claimers where she has done well in past.
A couple of horses have early speed, but nothing dependable. I’m making Tootsie Bite top pick with her late kick.
Second choice to I Make it Rain who is on class drop and speed numbers are better than others in the field.
Lawn Grooming T gets third pick solely on having jockey L. Jenkins who has delivered 50% horses to top three positions throughout his career.