A View from the Bottom No. 5: RT's maidens to watch from Parx, Mahoning Valley, Oaklawn and Delta Downs
9 April 2021. Edition 5
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Happy Friday to all. As we look forward to the final two Kentucky Derby prep races, today brings us another edition of what the lower echelon was doing.
We will start with Wednesday, April 4, 4th race rom Parx. This was a 5 1/2 furlong, $10,000 maiden claiming race. The #4, Oak Creek Canyon, went off as the prohibitive favorite. As they came to the middle of the turn, #7, Intervention, took command by a length over Oak Creek Canyon, who fought valiantly to stay with Intervention. However, as Oak Creek Canyon neared Intervention down the stretch, Intervention stared down Oak Creek Canyon and would not soften, taking this race by a neck. Intervention paid $14 to win and with new jockey Luis Rivera switching her from a speed horse to a presser made the difference. If Rivera comes back to ride her again, look for another big effort.
Our next race is the 8th at Mahoning Valley on Tuesday, April 6. This was a 6 furlong, $27,500 maiden special weight for staties. Given the track record at Churchill is 1:14.34 for 6.5 furlongs, #3 Larsa, the winner of this, ran 6F in 1:15.31, which is akin to my hooptie trying hard against my 911. However, the way #3 Larsa, the odds on, did it, was with total ease and professionalism.
On Thursday April 8, we were able to watch Jon Court and understand why he has won over 4200 races. This was a $10,000 maiden claiming event for Arkansas breds, going six furlongs. Getting caught in a ton of traffic along the backstretch, Court patiently kept #6 Kat’s Hitman, behind a wall of horses and in the two path until the top of the stretch. Finally, getting an opening, Kat’s Hitman was swung to the rail halfway down the stretch, Court gave her a swat at the 1/16th pole and she took off like a shot. Look for Kat’s Hitman to be able to go longer next time.
Lastly, is a $10,000 maiden claiming event for fillies and mares at Delta Downs on Monday, April. This went six-and-a-half furlongs and as you could tell by the six furlong time, you will understand why Equibase only gave it a rating of 43. The winner, #1 Sister Secret Lee, went off at 9/1, took command down the back side and as they ran for the final stretch, it appeared that she was starting to tire. However, when #6 Birdcatmouse and #2 Sweet Perfection appeared to overtake her, she found new life and eventually won going away.
That is it for this past week. Everybody have a nice weekend.
If you are interested in having a bottom race reviewed, feel free to text me at 763-301-7166 or email at hooptiehandicapper@gmail.com.