Spotlight Race of the Week-Nebraska
Picked up another two weeks ago when Department H (6th choice with betters) rallied from last to first paying $15.50 for the win. Unforunately, my second choice Diablic Carlson could not follow suit and finished forth. Erratic Invasion ran a fine race, finishing second and Wild Silver Skunk, who set the fractions, held on for third.
On to this weeks Spotlight event which is the 7th race in
1. Ruling House 7-2-Best races have been on an off-track. Track turned up dry which diminishes chances, but is taking sizeable drop which may be an offset. Has chance but with risks.
2. See The Lights 6-1-Hit speed of 90 two back at similar level, finishing 3rd. Adds ½ furlong which my be just enough distance to make it to the wire first. Worth a look.
3. Iron Advocte 9-1-Poor outcome in last race with speed of 72 after 5-month layoff. Prior races were mid-80’s and he may need another race to get back up to previous conditioning.
4. Grtiot Drive Inn 15-1-Speeds over past year have been in low 70 to low 80 range. Horse has not been on board since last January. Doesn’t look likely to do much better in this one.
5. Darth Stoners 12-1-Claimed in early January and has been resting for two months. Prior connections raced horse too aggressively with speeds dropping from mid-90’s to mid 60’s. New connections has excellent track record with horses. If rest was long enough, this one could pay off very nicely!
6 Reward Returned 10-1-Horse has only two races since 2008 with poor results. Needs to race with some regularity. He has shown speeds in the past that would be competitive at this level. Just needs time to get into racing form.
7. No Effin’ Way 9-1-Speeds have been in mid-80 range and horse is taking decent drop in claiming level. Usually runs near lead but has history of tailing off in late race stages. Be interesting to see how he would do if held off the lead. Could get some purse money in the conditions for this race.
8. West Stevens 10-1 -Has been on board once in last 13 races and this 9-year old may be slowing down. Speeds in last two have dropped below 80. He does show some late running ability and may desire longer distance.
9. Tropical Colors 17-1-Horse is loaded with early speed and lately has found a way to pick up some purse checks. Hasn’t raced since September with top speed being 85. The speeds may not be as good as others, but the speed may be enough to get something.
10. Burnin 14-1-Has hit the board a few times during 2010, each time in low-level claimers. Returns to this level but the speed is a concern (mid 70-low 80 range). Winner will probably be around 85 a number he hasn’t hit since mid-2009.
11. Power Fleet 6-1-Nice speeds of upper 80 to lower 90’s for most of 2010. Numbers dropped in fall of 2010 and horse has been resting since. If ready, looks like he’ll be dangerous.
12. Catyver 42-1-Lightly raced during 2010 and is making first start since July. Speeds were 72 or lower last season. Taking big drop in class from allowance level which will be beneficial. If rest turns out to also be beneficial, could be a huge payout.
13. Dead Storm Chaser 35-1-Raced on dirt five times during 2010 with speeds in the low to mid 70 range. Last start was on turf in October, scoring a career best 80. Doesn’t look like much of a dirt runner, but the grass could be a different story.
14. Tap the Bull 12-1-A front runner who hasn’t been able to stay there. Doesn’t look likely that will change in this race but if a different strategy is used, that could change things.
These Non-winner conditionals are tough to figure out as any horse could unexpectedly come to life. Darth Stoners is getting my pick as I think the rest will work out very well with this horse. Longshot players may like the investment opportunity also.
Power Fleet is another who may benefit with his rest and is my second selection.
Tropical Colors is my third selection as his early speed could last long enough to get on the board.