Analysis for Northfield Park
March 14, 2001


 

Race #1
#5 NOBLE STRIKE Brett Miller got the drive in Hawk's absence last week and this one responded with a 10 length victory and a lifetime mark. Miller is back up tonight and this one looks to repeat easily. No price but should start the night off with a victory.
#4 SUN GLARE Chased the top pick last week and was no match, however, he was a very nice 2nd over the rest of the field. Case took this one over the 3, and we could have the same exacta as last week.
#2 DOODLEFINKEL Was parked the mile last week and still was within lenghts of the others in here. From the inside he should be able to get a trip and is a toss in for third.


 

Race #2
#6 MATT DILLON Was privately purchased by one of Northfield's top stables after that last start. I'm guessing they will have him better than he's been. One concern is last week's race. He was going to the top and seemed to cross-fire pretty badly near the 1/4 and was simply not going to last after that. Before that race he was facing much better and should be able to beat these if he is on his game.
#1 MARSHRON TABLE Beat the top pick last week with a big first over mile. He just was on idle outside on the final turn and then in the lane just went by with minimal urging. From the rail he should be able to work out a similar trip and if the top pick is not quite right, this one should be able to pick up the pieces.
#4 PENTIUM CHIP Chased a big winner last week and looked ok doing so. This is the softer division and he may be able to add price to the gimmick.


 

Race #3
#4 THE SWAGGER KING Has 2 starts under his belt and seems to be getting better each time out. He is royally bred and should find this field to his liking. The horse that he nipped at the wire for 3rd last week was an easy winner last night against similar, making this one short but solid.
#5 TORRENTIAL Is the lone girl in this race and normally I would be hesitant to pick her, however, this field is very shallow. She has good early speed and may be able to get a trip in here and that might be enough to finish out the exacta.
#6 SAND ROUNDER Makes his sophomore debut after 6 months off. He too has breeding which suggests ability and he chased an invitational horse in his qualifier. If he's ready he may be a bit of a surprise. Tab the tote.


 

Race #4
#4 CHARGING SAHBRA Was claimed about a month ago and raced evenly in his first start. He has since missed a start and that is a concern, however, I think he will be better tonight. Tyler Stillings comes in from the Meadows for this drive (his only of the night) and he has always done well at Northfield. He may leave in this race and with an easy lead he will be tough to catch.
#7 NATIVE DRAGON Was used very hard in the first half last week and backed out from there. He only has 3 starts this year and may be rounding into form based on that very aggressive drive last week. He needs some racing luck from out here but the price will be right.
#5 WIN WITH STYLE Beat a weak field last week and now faces considerably tougher. He will likely be the post time favorite and with Case may be over bet. He will leave for position and with a flat mile should be able to share.
#8 STOWBRIDGE HANOVER Would have been my top pick from the inside, but will need lots of help from out here. Last week he sat behind battling leaders and took advantage of the hot pace and just missed. He'll have to come from last this week and that isn't easy.


 

Race #5
#5 SPEEDY TORCH Loves to win races and has been a popular claim over the past 8 months. He's with a barn that knows him well and with several speed horses in here his late running style fits well. With any sort of position at 3/4's he will sweep by these.
#4 TIMESTONE Was parked the mile last week and tired from there. He only knows the front end and faces an easy enough field to make the top. Stamina has been a problem for this one, but if he gets far enough ahead they won't catch him.
#1 FLAMING KILTZ Looks to be the best of the rest in here from the rail. Not a big threat to win, but could hit the ticket.


 

Race #6
#7 DECEIVER HALL Ran into a buzzsaw last week but was gallant in defeat. This Cambest gelding is just learning how to race but looks to have a lot of potential. He has to avoid being to far back, but with a trouble free mile should get his picture taken tonight.
#6 CARIBU Looked very good in his first local start after a month off. He raced inside and found room late, finishing strongly. Case drives for Virgil Morgan in here, but with Ward you will get good value. Could share at a good price.
#4 BLINDSIGHT Is another Belcher horse that tried Brett Miller last week and improved. He was first over the final 1/2 last week and never quit, actually closing at the wire. He can leave or race from off the pace which makes him doubly dangerous. A must use in a gimmick play.


 

Race #7
#D MILAN FLASH Drops back to a level where he belongs and re-unites with Miller. There really isn't much early speed in this race and after facing much tougher Miller may leave in here. He looks tough to beat and deserves favoritism.
#7 EXCEL Is in great shape right now with a string of 3 strong up close efforts. Two back he was parked over half the mile before clearing for the lead and then held on very gamely against much better. If Ward leaves and isn't parked too long this one has a big shot.
#5 KB'S SKIPPY Loves the front and should be able to sprint there for Hawk tonight. He was claimed 2 races back and looks for a return for his new owners.


 

Race #8
#5 XOTIC SCORE Was my top pick last week and finished a good second behind a tough shipper. Wyers has excellent trot hands and will keep this one together. Millette knows how to get trotters right and this looks like a good spot for this one to leave in. The price won't be as good as last week, but it will still be worth the risk.
#3 PINE ROAD Drops to face a field of formless trotters and that alone gives him a chance. He has been having trouble staying flat lately. He chased one of Ohio's best in his qualifier and if flat should be set for a big effort.
#7 JERROD COY Put on the trotting hobbles for last week's effort and got a bit anxious in a hole at the half. He had to re-qualify and looked good doing so. He will leave in here and with a trouble free mile may be an up-setter at a big price.


 

Race #9
#5 RAISON HALE Won VERY easily for Case last week and was never urged in the lane. He's a young horse and could get a lot better. Despite the minor class hike in here he will be tough to catch.
#3 MAJESTIC ARROW Was first time Lasix last week and was far back early. He did close up willingly in the final quarter only to run out of room in the lane. I expect a more aggressive drive tonight and despite her lifetime of poor racing she could be a big up-setter in here.
#2 BROOKLETS CUTTER Was parked the mile last week and that cost him any chance. From the inside and with Pantaleano back in the bike he should be able to make the lead or get the 2 hole. With such a trip he should be able to make amends.


 

Race #10
#7 SPLASHMANIA Has 2 starts under her belt after taking a year and a half off. She raced much better last time out and in this field if the up-swing continues she should have little trouble getting her picture taken.
#6 ACHILLES' WRATH Is a super longshot special. He left last week and took the 2 hole only to have the leader let another go. That put him out 3rd and on the backside the hores in front of him quit and backed this one out. After being shuffled way out of contention this one shook free and passed trotters with ease, closing up for a nice 3rd. I expect a very big effort tonight and I know the price will be right.
#4 OHIO JET Had troubles staying flat for this barn but qualified well. He gets formful every know and then and if he's feeling right tonight he may share.


 

Race #11
#4 RING FOR SERVICE Had a 4 race win streak snapped last week in the snow. He was ragging with pace and looking for room but never found any. He steps up in class but should be able to handle the minor hike.
#1 WESTERN LOVER Was out of position last week and got rough on the final turn. From the rail he should use his good early foot to secure the lead or 2 hole and should last a long time. He'll have good value and is a must in gimmick play.
#8 DUMPY BEACH Will need a hot pace from out here, but is in good enough shape to beat several of these.


 

Race #12
#2 HIDDEN MEMORY Went a BIG mile last week against a horse that has not lost many races in recent months. He was forced 3 wide around the 3rd turn to clear dead cover and then battled gamely outside a monster the rest of the way. He held on for a tiring 2nd but should find this field easier to sweep by. Solid favorite in here.
#6 TGTIF Comes out of the same race as the above and also had to circle 3 wide early last week. He waw parked 3 wide the final turn as well and had good trot in the lane. He needs a bit of racing luck from out here, but the value will be well worth the risk in gimmick play.
#4 CROW MAN Raced from off pace last week and responded with a strong win up the passing lane. There is some other speed in here and he may try similar tactics. This one has a promising future and may complete the trifecta.


 

Race #13
#1 MR HABIT Battled first over against many of these same horses last week and was a game winner. From the rail he should be able get an inside trip and save enough ground to repeat. The price won't be as good, but still a deserving favorite.
#2 RICH MAN POOR MAN Has been a model of consistency at this level in recent weeks and from the inside he should be able to get another check. He was wide the last turn and got a bit rough or else he may have beaten the top pick. Good gimmick possibility.
#8 STAR PROSPECT Makes his 3rd start for Virgil Morgan and his 3rd on Lasix. He has been pulling badly and needs some work, but I can promise you he will get good soon. A two time beaten favorite will need some luck from out here, but he is a must use tonight.


 

Race #14
#2 FOUR STARZZZ DREAM Brushed the lead by the 1/4 on Saturday night and never looked back. He stays at virtually the same level and should be able to win again. Whether on the lead or in the 2 hole he starts the superfecta.
#1 ABERDANCE Was simply too far back last Saturday as the favorite against the top pick. However, he never really had any pace either. From the rail Case should be able to work out a better trip, but based on that empty mile the other night, I don't think he can beat the top pick. Still and exacta must underneath.
#3 CAM VOLO Looks to get a good up close trip in here. He is good enough to follow along and share, but he does not appear to be a match for the top 2.
#7 OLD BROOKLYN Steps up after beating a NW2 field. On 2-21 he was SIX wide and still raced evenly, proving that he is dangerous from anywhere. A good superfecta add on.