First Dude is back after a short freshening, in the Grade 1 Sunshine Millions Classic at a mile & 1/8 at Gulfstream Park today. While still eligible for NW 2, the big strapping colt is overdue for his second win. This is the spot. As a newly turned 4 year old, and eligible for this race because he is a Florida bred, he is returning to the sight of his only win. In addition he will be shedding his blinkers and adding Kent D. It would be nice to see him settle behind the expected early speed of Tackleberry and Birdrun, galloping along at his trademark cruising tempo and then, kick in, in the lane. The only thing not to like will be his price.
As a bit of a crazy longshot for second money is Black Hills. I know nothing about his connections. And I hope Black Hills can’t read the form, because the Dude could scare him away. But I do know one thing. This horse appears as honest as they come and never runs a bad one. He deserves a shot at some big money, and there’s no reason why he can’t get a piece of this.
Going to play around with a few horses in the 3rd at Gulfstream, a maiden event , on turf, going the tough distance of 7& ½ furlongs. I like Ghost Hill in here, a colt by Stormy Atlantic, who should like the surface switch. Also gets a rider switch and a class drop. This trainer seems to be good at getting horses ready off a layoff, so this horse should fire fresh. Two others in here to take a look at are Iwannaiwannaiwanna, getting some class relief. And Extensive, who’s recent effort first time turf at Tampa, was a good one. Both have to deal with outside posts, however.
In the feature at Fair Grounds, for fillies and mares going 1&1/16 on the turf, I like Forest Uproar. She has only been off the board once in her life, when something surely went wrong in the Valley View at Keeneland. She needed a year off after that, but is now two for two on the lawn. And one of those was at Fair Grounds, coming out of the 11 hole. She looks very tough in here, though she could get pounded at the windows.
Good Luck if you are making an investment today!
First Dude is pretty good at playing "second fiddle". Let's see if he has shaken his old habits.
ReplyDeleteTKS,
ReplyDeleteI am going to WILL him to win. It's now or never for me and First Dude.
Will harder next time. ;-)
ReplyDeleteThere are too many instances of horses being sent a mile or longer without a sprint prep.
If the horse flops badly like this, it just cannot bode well for the future.
TKS,
ReplyDeleteMaybe a sprint prep would have helped, but HOW ABOUT A BETTER RIDE? I hate to blame the pilot, and I know I'm giving the Dude a "pass" AGAIN, but Kent's ride was a disaster.