A fast track, 64 degrees and cloudy most of the afternoon for the Smarty Jones card.
Mr Z chased a fast pace set by American Sailor for the first 6 furlongs while running 2 wide, he was forced to make a couple of runs before the turn. Opening up quickly when shooting for the lead. On the turn Mr. Z took a right turn and bolted to the center of the track with a 3 length lead and was running erratically. Still drifting he ended on the outside fence and finished 3rd. This performance did not look good. The fractions were fast, but he was rank the entire way. Seems to run his best races from off the pace. Gut feeling says something is wrong, he has been in steady training since May 2014. He was pulled up in the gallop out quickly.
Far Right took advantage of the fast fractions and rode the rail the entire stretch. On the backstretch was in last place while riding the rail. Was stuck in last place until the half mile pole. Passed horses in 6th and 7th quickly while still inside. Blocked approaching the turn, waited and found room. He was moving fast half way down the stretch and barely found a seem at the rail. Was inside the entire trip and benefitted when the race fell apart. Galloped out well and benefitted from the new style of lagging far behind and making one run. Today no one got in his way.
Private Prospect nothing to note at the start, was outrun for the first quarter of a mile, established position after a half mile and never really raised a foot down the lane
Bayerd went after the leaders entering the turn and inherited 2nd place when Mr. Z bolted on the turn. Don’t see a lot of upside as the distances get longer with this horse. He has earned the right to move on to the next leg.
American Sailor set the fast page for the 4 furlong and 6 furlong mark. Mr Z tracked him the entire way and American Sailor was never able to get a breather. Not a bad effort but too fast, too early and faded late.
Far Right got the dream trip and timed his move at the right time. Mr. Z if he maintains a straight course he wins by 2 lengths. Moving forward. Want nothing from Far Right at longer distances. Mr Z is better than these horses, but that was ugly down the stretch.
Positives: Fast Fractions – Contested Pace, Mr Z had a dominating performance going until he bolted and was clearly the best horse.
Negatives: No way Far Right wins unless Mr. Z bolts and loses 6 lengths.
Ranking the Preps in 2015
#1 El Kabeir
#2 Calculator
#3 Bluegrass Singer
#4 International Star
#5 Cross the Line
#6 Far Right