HOLLYWOOD PARK
PUBLIC INTEREST
Looked to have a big shot in this 1-1/16 turf route for straight maidens but he hopped at the start and broke very slow. When trying to make up ground he was steadied off heels leaving the first turn and really never got into the race. We will give him a big shot to rebound next time out.
CHINA PRINCE
Was listed at 7/2 on the morning line but got hammered at the windows, finally going off at even money. He broke slow and was squeezed back. Got real rank when between horses and had to be steadied nearing the first turn. All the cash bet on him looked to be going down the drain, but he pulled his way up and made a huge four-wide run to get the job done while drawing away late. The money just knew what it had. $$$$$
PUBLIC POLICY
Had a horrible trip as he was blocked off of heels, bumped and steadied hard in midstretch to lose any chance he had. Was steadied again at the sixteenth pole and somehow still had some run. Got through an opening and picked up the show dough while more than three lengths clear of the rest in what was a gutsy run. $$$
HYE I’M JACK
First time starter showed some good early speed in this very tough straight maiden race. He tired late, finishing fourth in this 12 horse field and just may wire them next time out.
POWER FOOT
Very steady turf runner ran another good race just failing to get up for the place. He can be depended on to get a piece of the pie next time out, if not the win.
FIVE PALMS
They said he was a runner and they were right, This first time starter went off at even money and got the big win for Baffert and company. We will follow up the ladder.
CHIEF LION
Would have won on any other day except he had the misfortune to meet up with Five Palms (above). He led the entire race but got run down late, losing by a ½ length while more than five clear of the third place finisher. Next time out we will be singling him in the picks. $$$$$
GOLDEN GATE
VANTAGE POINT
Made a three-wide move on the second turn in this mile turf race but ran into traffic in the upper stretch. Had to wait but found no room, then shifted out in midstretch. Once clear, closed like a rocket, finishing fourth, just losing by a 1¾ in a race he may have been best. $$$
UNUSUAL AMERICAINE
Woke up big time in the $50k Golden Nugget, just missing at 18-1, losing by a neck despite having to be steadied hard entering the lane.
Richard Saber, a former director of race and sports at the famed Stardust book, is GamingToday’s horse racing and sports handicapper. Follow Richard on Twitter @SabesBet. Contact Richard at [email protected].
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