Big City Mile (Bargain Series)

The Bargain Series is thriving and if you want proof you need look no further than the field sizes for this week’s events. The 2nd running of the Big City Mile is absolutely loaded with a field of 16 that is probably the most talented field ever to assemble for one bargain race. Let’s meet today’s contenders.

1. Rampant Ego – PA bred by Fairbanks (Giant’s Causeway) has been an earning machine for Gowans since being claimed in April of 2010 for 20k. Made his big bargain breakthrough last out in the Silenus Mile where he ran a mighty 103 and one drawing away. Should be near the lead but all of his good runs have come on the grass but he’s an intriguing talent if he takes to dirt on his 2nd try.

2. Sullivan’s Rainbow – Gajan’s talented four year old mare has broken the 100 speed figure mark in her last 5 races and is living up to every bit of her hefty 150k claiming price for her new connections. Finished a nice 2nd to Slave to Tradition in her only try in the series and it is only a matter of time before this talented runner has a Bargain breakthrough. A strong chance today.

3. Back in BODOG – What a regal backend for this four year old bargain he sports big time names (Grindstone X Go for Gin) at a bargain price. Finished a better then it looked 3rd in the Bargain Bowl mile event and his recent form has been through the roof. His 109 speed figure last out at today’s distance looms large but he still has to prove himself against the likesof these.

4. Unspoken Demands – Best bargain series finish for this son of Valid Expectations was a 3rd in the Bargain Bowl sprint back in late November. His recent form is outstanding and he ran a big 107 last out in a 7f tune up. Has the look of a sprinter but is a strong pace consideration today.

5. Slave to Tradition – Bargain legend and last year’s Big City winner typically rises to every challenge at a distance of 8f and beyond so she knows how to win on the big days. She was given a layoff after her Bargain Distaff win but came back strong on her 2nd after taking down the Death Valley Distaff. She ran out of room and only managed a 6th place finish in the Broadway Sprint last out but should be running again late and a big factor again today.

6. Textbook Case – Son of Freud feels quite disrespected at odds of 16-1 since he has proven his bargain mettle by winning 3 bargain series stakes. Wired a nice field in the Death Valley Distaff but he faces a much different pace scenario today with lots of speedsters challenging him for the lead. Wouldn’t be a total shock but pace scenario is troubling. A value play.

7. Humility – Talented 5 yr old colt finished 2nd in last year’s event but rebounded to win the bargain mile division with wins in the Gumball and Sir Bear Mile events. His form the last 5 races is quite troubling and since he wants the front like many others in here he feels like an iffy proposition at 7-1 despite his stellar resume.

8. CT’s Gun Runner – A name you always see in bargain events and he always puts in a solid showing but never quite has enough to score a major check. Hard to forecast a breakthrough today again an even deeper field.

9. Rewa Dreamin – Hawkz’ former two year old bargain champion filly has struggled to find her running legs thus far in 2011 with several bad efforts against tough company. She did manage a strong 3rd in last year’s Chance for Delta bargain bowl race and even competed in Equinics so she clearly is a unique talent and since she is the longshot on the board at 29-1 she does hold some value intrigue. A real wild card but hard to be too enthusiastic based on recent form and perhaps a preference for sprinting.

10. Runvus Intimidator – 5 year old son of Intimidator makes his first bargain series appearance and boy has his connections picked a tough starting race. Did run a 100 speed figure two back but need to see how he can compete against proven series stars before I can back. Would love to see this one get a grass try in the series at some point.

11. GETLOST – 5 year old was claimed for 25k two back and immediately entered into bargain events where he finished 5th both times. Has never shown much going a route of ground so not expecting better this time out.

12. HRTV IS BETTER – Gowans 4 yr old son of Simon Pure has three nice 2nd place finishes in bargain events but is still knocking on the door for that defining win. Has an intriguing running style for today’s race and his speed figures from a few races back show he can be fast enough to win today. Has never one beyond a mile but has only attempted it once and is an intriguing shot who is being given a lot of respect at 8-1.

13. RUGS to ROACHES – 6 year old vet has an impressive overall record of 43-12-12-5 and has two series wins to his credit albeit none since 2009. Good to see this old boy back in familiar stomping grounds and he is in good recent form winning his last two easily with nice speed figures. Will be the sentimental old timers favorite play today.

14. SLEWPENT – Knightmare’s Bargain Classic winner ran a strong one two back finishing 2nd in the Death Valley Classic when the lone speed got away from him that day. Is a proven series commodity only question will be his ability at today’s distance since he typically needs more ground to overtake the mid-pack runners. I respect him a lot but think he will make more noise later in the year in the longer events.

15. PSYTEXX – 2009 Ozark winner has top level talent when he is on his game but his dismal efforts in his last two convince me this son of Value Plus needs a rest to regain top flight form.

16. CT’s ROCKET – Despite only two lifetime wins this 4 year old son of Governor Brown has a massive closing kick that must be respected. Ran a strong 2nd last out in the 12f Stayer but it is unclear how effective he is going to be at today’s mile distance. Would be a shocker and 13-1 does not feel quite high enough for me to gamble.

Outlook:
This is perhaps the greatest bargain field ever assembled and it is a really difficult race to handicap. My slightly biased view has me picking #5 Slave to Tradition for the win as I think the pace scenario should suit her perfectly. I have the #2 Sullivan’s Rainbow finishing 2nd with #12 HRTV IS BETTER 3rd.

Wagers:
5/2 Ex bx
2/5-2/5-12 trifecta

Good luck to everyone with an entrant and consider getting involved in the Bargain Series if you are looking for a fun new challenge.