Aqueduct. One and one-sixteenth. Grade III. Purse $300,000 INNER DIRT
Maybe it’s just me, but this race looks like a stanker with four that I would consider worthy. El Areeb, who on form, looks like he can run this one backwards and win, Cloud Computing, Action Everyday and So Conflated.
#4 El Areeb.… Why didn’t he go to the FOY? At 6-5 ML, I expect him to go off even or 4-5. He seems to be getting better with this year’s version of Stuart Elliot, Trevor McCarthy, riding the wave. My criticism is his company so far. Who has he faced? Regardless, he is good. Real good and I expect that to continue today. Note a question of interest. IF Takaful wins in the FOY today, and El Areeb wins this one, will we have an idea of how good El Areeb is?
#8 So Conflated….My inner conspiracy theory told me earlier this week that he scratched out of The Risen Star for this. Then I remembered he drew the 14 post in The Risen and, I am guessing, that Doug O’Neill moved him here in part. This is, I think, an easier field than The Risen Star, so take that into consideration. At 8-1, the horse has won at the distance and Doug brings in Mario. A long way from California, I could never figure out what’s inside that thick cabeza of O’Neill, but I think he can upset if stars align.
#10 Action Everyday….At 10-1 ML and blinkers on, I might throw $10 to place and $20 to show, then take the proceeds to Taco Bell for my Saturday night dinner. In this field, I think he is capable of a nice chunk despite questions. Todd has done well with the lad, AE is 2 for 2 lifetime with capable Maragh riding. Very nice work for a colt not raced as a two-year old…..both positive and negative news on the Trail. A distance question for the son of The Factor, but we’ll see. Scratch for Tampa Derby?
#9 Cloud Computing…..Chad Brown’s protégé in waiting, he has just one race lifetime, but that was an impressive win at The A. Why not take a chance? Franco rides and a super work for this. ML of 5-1 generous? In Chad I trust.
#1 J Boys Echo….Despite the fact that he has the name of greyhound, there is talent. Dale Romans trains, and that counts for me. He brings in Robby Albarado to ride on a Mineshaft colt that is on the improve. He will come from behind and needs a big effort to upset, but most capable for some. Romans factoid: Past 2 years with 3-year olds, 2nd layoff, graded stakes, he is 3 for 9 wins.
#3 Miggsy…..I like trainer Rudy Rodriguez and he’s got a nice one here. He should make noise in NY this summer. Not sure he fits totally for some today, but a very nice effort will go a long way toward his development as he competes in his first graded stakes.
#6 True Timber…..A fine one for McLaughlin, another Mineshaft on the loose as the runner up in The Withers and third place finisher in The Jerome. He stumbled in The Withers, but that wouldn’t have made a difference. However, a good runner who can make a bit of progress today.
Hot Forum Topics
