The Great Race Place hosts this matchup of top West Coast contenders. Bolo tries dirt, Dortmund puts his perfect record on the line and Ocho Ocho Ocho comes off the layoff with scorching workouts on the tab.
The Skinny:
Lord Nelson has been miscast as a sprinter. Defeated Texas Red in the last race while running wider and outgaming him down the stretch. Works have kept him on edge. Best move may to be to go for the lead turning for home and see how far he can take them. Formidable
Ocho Ocho Ocho is 3 for 3 and comes in off a layoff. Has the speed to take the lead and has been throwing down killer works in the morning. Small horses, will see how he handles being up against the intimidating Bolo, Dortmund and Prospect Park in this race. Capable of taking the lead, but may want to try stalk and pounce tactics in this race.
Dortmund is a monster, physically, he towers over the track and looms large in any race he enters. He has shown speed, grit and determination in all his races. Recent works suggest he is still on the top of his game. His most recent work was 7 furlongs with a mile gallop out in 1:38. Seems to have lost a little of his speed the last 2 races. Ultimately he figures to be an off the pace runner. Last race he was forced to the lead in a paceless race. Slight regression may be in the cards but ultimately he wants 10 furlongs.
Bolo goes to the dirt after dominating a couple of turf races. Another horse who looks the part, has a big chest and engine in the morning is lots of speed. Victor Espinoza rides this son of Temple City who I expect to be on the lead.
Prospect Park has put together 2 nice efforts and last race, he was rated, trapped and then exploded when clear. Recent works have been long. Pedigree says 8.5 furlongs is within scope. Has faced nice horses in his maiden races and has a mix of speed, stamina and quickness. Big chance
The Gomper enters off a 4th place finish as the heavy favorite won by Prospect Park. That race something was wrong with him that day and he can run better. But meets plenty of tough competition in this spot.
Kenjisstorm is still a maiden with zero wins in 5 races. Has a closing running style and is overmatched in this spot.
Pulmarack is another who likes to run near the pace, but faces much more pace company in this spot. Long odds 25/1 minimum.
Sir Samson ran 3rd to Lord Nelson in the San Vincente. Has the pedigree out a distance horse, but this is his first distance race. Moving up in class quickly but one to keep an eye on down the road.
Fair Line:
Dortmund 8/5
Bolo 7/1
Prospect Park 4/1
Lord Nelson 6/1
Ocho Ocho Ocho 5/1
The Choice
Dortmund is the most logical, but Bolo and Lord Nelson are capable of winning. Until he loses I’m going with Dortmund. He has tactical speed, been working well and is faster than most of these horses.