1/5: Count Fleet; Hutcheson; &..

[Kasept]

Back to Derby Trail roots today as 3yo acton starts in earnest..

AQU 8: 33rd Count Fleet, $75,000, 3yo, 1m-70y

Schosberg's undefeated Giant Moon (#7) appears the one to beat sporting the Funny Cide Juvenile sweep (MDN debut/Sleepy Hollow/Runyon) pattern. Will have his hands full with the pair inside him, but sharp conditioner believes he's got a rare talent in this Giant's Causeway bay, and we will get the chance to see a how rare in this sophomore bow. Homebred connections campaigned route-loving dam who banked $250k and first foal will need to raise game in first open company test. WON

Barrier Reef (#5), a Darley that's still in the US, comes from Tom Albertrani who kicked off what could be an "I'm back!" weekend Friday when Host annexed the Canadian Turf at GP. $350k at Barrett's 2yo sale last March, Mizzen Mast grey dusted maiden foes in 2nd start after troubled debut 3rd behind the very nice He's Solid Gold. Late style not exactly best this oval, and lack of early pace could compromise chances, but a serious soph to keep on watch lists.

Empire Maker bay Roman Emperor (#6) has steadily progressed under super savvy helmsman Klesaris, crushing PHA foes after finding Cool Coal Man far too tough in his unvieling at DEL Park. Half brother of Doc Cheney showed gameness in ALW win last overcoming early trouble, and appears capable of adjusting to pace scenarios under Afleet Alex pilot Rose. Likely ready to fire.

Sprint-oriented pedigree looms question mark for Pletcher state-bred Spanky Fischbein (#2) who didn't miss an exacta in half dozen juvy starts. Fruitlessly chased 'Moon' in Runyon (two turn debut), and will likely find these waters even deeper. 2nd

Aptly-named Tony Dutrow chestnut Red Reef (#1) may be overlooked in this race off trio of highly similar sprint efforts that produced 2-0-1 mark. FL-bred son of Red Bullet bested Matz' impressive GP ALW winner Visionaire (1/4/08) in career debut, but had no answer for Hutcheson entrant Grand Minstrel in 12/12 Capote this oval. Two turns should suit stalker-closer type, yet another running in the increasingly familiar powder blue of Ahmed Zayat. Upset chance at a price with forward move and an exotics must use.

Ritvo candidate Run With Me (#3) has already developed quite a bit, and note placement last behind Hutcheson upset chancer Smooth Air while still Miami-based. Needs best try yet and concerned that Delaware Township get won't relish second turn.

Philly gelding Atta Boy Andy (#4) makes trip up turnpike and appears to be bringing knife to gunfight. Broke maiden this trip at Bensalem, but would be inclined to look for son of Atticus on lawn come spring.


Selections:

1. #6 Roman Emperor (4-1)
2. #7 Giant Moon (5-2)
3. #1 Red Reef (6-1)
4. #5 Barrier Reef (7-2)



GP 9th: Hutcheson S. (G2), $150,000, 3yo, 7f

1. Tiz It (Velazquez JR/Terranova) 8-1: Bold, and potentially brilliant, decision by Terranova to try graded event for maiden Tiznow colt that has run pair of outstanding races to start career only to finish 2nd to excellent Massive Drama and nice Accredit; Working sharp at Palm Meadows and though plenty of speed signed on, may prove capable of laying back enough to have something left for final furlong; Upset chance at price that should float higher in great betting race..

2. SCRATCHED Grand Minstrel (Coa/J. Jerkens) 6-1: Ned Evans homebred has won only when getting an easy lead, and that won't be easy versus this bunch; Reacted significantrly when 'topping' in maidenbreaker, and similar regression off last strongly suspected for Jerkens' runner that was a late arrival down south; Likely to take some money, and others appear as capable at better numbers..

3. SCRATCHED Cool Coal Man (Bravo/Zito) 6-1: $200k Mineshaft bay took three tries for diploma and demolished increasingly key event in doing so while routing for first time; KY JC (Gr. II) waters were too much too soon, and ace soph trainer moved him to Boynton early to prep for '08 campaign; Interest in attending pace the major question; Prefer others more..

4. Halo Najib (Desormeaux/Romans) 3-1: Zayat purchase under Romans' watch another returning to one turn in attempt to rebuild confidence after KY JC beat to end juvy season; Kent D. found self on undesired lead at CD, and return to stalk/press style should mean return to winning ways; Likes GP surface according to Dale (At the Races, 1/4/06); ML fave offers no value but looks capable of earning odds.. 3rd

5. Smooth Air (Cruz/Stutts) 10-1: Watch board for hints on Calder-based player that totally fits with this bunch; Returned from 90 days break (Aug-Nov) a different horse and effort close to last pair crosstown earns laurels at bonus price today; Moves from slower strip at Miami to speedway, and doesn't need the lead; Surprise package especially embraceable should Ritvo's 'Run With Me' perform admirably at AQU earlier in the day (8th, 3:50p).. WON

6. Silver Edition (Douglas/Lukas) 8-1: Lukas Silver Deputy bay alternating efforts and may be sitting on one with applicable style/post for this undertaking; Faced quality group in season-ender at CD and merits inclusion in exotics at square price.. 2nd

7. Big Truck (Castellano/Tagg) 12-1: Third entrant of four in set going back to one turn following off-the-board finish in season-ending juvy stake; Remsen fiasco a toss according to Tagg, but bigger question is ability to stay with these and state-bred's quality in open company; Another whose chances could be boosted by Count Fleet results (reference Giant Moon)..

8. Notgivinmyloveaway (Prado/Baker) 15-1: Trust top Canadian conditioner's judgment, but PA-bred looks in over head despite impressive Penn Nursery score at this trip 11/24; Gets Pradio for try, but forward move off last imperitive to chances; Siding with others..

9. Golden Spikes (Castro/Wolfson) 10-1: Regally bred Wolfson bay being brought along slowly and son of Seeking the Gold via an A.P. Indy mare should continue to improve with added distance; Calder ALW score last out was best yet, and near pace style from outside launch always a plus this distance; Price is right on baseball star-connected colt from always dangerous J-T tandem.. 4th

10. Coal Play (C. Velasquez/Zito) 4-1: Nick opted to give this one chance at graded money now having passed Friday ALW when coupled with Stevil; Hamilton-bred/LaPenta-owned Mineshaft bay another that yielded in black type 2 turner to end '07, and doesn't exactly draw well in attempt to clear prior to turn; Eligible for any board spot, but tough to love at less than ML tab..


Selections:

1. #1 Tiz It 8-1
2. #4 Halo Najib 3-1
3. #5 Smooth Air 10-1
4. #7 Big Truck 12-1