Analysis for Northfield Park
April 10, 2001


 

Race #1
#3 ARTHUR HANOVER Was too far back last time out and was only beaten 3 lengths. That was his 2nd start for this barn and he should be getting better. He has good early gate speed and in this race that could prove an asset. Expect a bit more early on from this horse and with a little luck he can upset tonight.
#2 C MON CO COA Was 3 wide the entire last turn and still managed to close up well for a decent 2nd. Before that he was locked in with no room and appeared to have pace. This is about as soft a n/w claiming field as Northfield has and with B. Miller in the bike this one has an edge over a few others. From the inside he should have the striking position and rates a big shot in tough opener.
#1 KENTUCKY RAE Raced very evenly last week with not a lot of room in the lane. He has not won in the past 2 racing seasons but often follows along and shares. That may be what happens tonight.


 

Race #2
#1 KNOCKOUT SAHBRA Makes his sophomore debut tonight off of a very nice qualifier against VERY good foes. The horse that finished 5th in that Q beat a decent Hoosier maiden field the other night. He flashed very good speed during Jug Week last year and if he has the same tonight he can make the lead and never look back. Looks good if ready.
#2 SAND FLYING DRAGON Was used hard early last week, though the fractions were not much. Loy tends to "drive" too much and not let his horse relax and that bothers me. However, this one has looked very good in all 3 starts this year and should be able to hit the board from the inside. A gimmick must.
#5 KINGS FORTRESS Has left the last 2 weeks since dropping to the maiden level. He found room a bit late last week and almost out-closed the 2nd pick in here. The price will be better than it should be with Mr. Green in the bike, but this horse does have ability and could be good value in the gimmicks.


 

Race #3
#6 ESTHER RUTH Decided to leave last week and found herself following the leader turning for home. She swung out of the pocket and came charging home for a nice victory. What really was impressive about that one is the fact that she normally gets in high gear on the turn and then comes rolling in the stretch. She showed that she can turn it on in a quick move and that makes her even more dangerous. There looks to be some decent speed in here and if this one minds her manners she can circle them with ease.
#5 ANASTASIA ZEDY Tried the front end last week against the top pick and almost lasted. That was a much improved effort in only his 2nd start of the year. This barn is very good with young trotters and there may be more in the tank. I'm not sure if he will leave tonight or not, but if he does and can get far enough ahead of the top pick he will be difficult to catch.
#1 J D TAURUS Chased a better group in last week's first leg of this series and responded with a very respectable 4th place finish. That was his first over the track and tonight he draws the rail which should give him good position. A gimmick must tonight.


 

Race #4
#5 MATTROPOLIS Sprinted off the gate to make an easy lead last week and never looked back. He has some nice ability but doesn't stay racing for a very long period which signals physical problems. I'm sure they are trying to get all they can with him while he is sound, so expect Mr. Case to send this one to the lead from the word go.
#1 PETER'S DRAGON Is a classy old horse that has been racing very well since he was claimed for $3000 several starts back. Last week he cut the mile and almost lasted in his fastest performance in a long time. Tharps will be looking for a similar up-close trip tonight and with the coveted 2-hole behind Case he figures to be right there in the end.
#9 BELLMAN HANOVER Was never in the game last time out but did have some pace late. Prior to that he was chasing some decent series horses and picking up checks. From the 2nd tier he should be able to stay close to the pace and may be best of the rest in here.
#6 CARIBU Has flashed very strong pace in the final quarter in most of his Northfield efforts. That may be enough to make him a good superfecta throw-in.


 

Race #5
#5 HO-BEE Was first over last week and was looking very strong clearing the leader on the last turn only to hang in mid-stretch. He has a nice late kick and only needs some cover to flash his best stride. From the 5-hole he should be able to work out such a trip and that makes him tough in this division.
#3 ASKMEABOUTIT Made the lead when half the field broke last week and from there was able to cling to the lead for an OK win. He will be leaving again tonight but will need a lot more to hold off the top pick. He still may be good enough to beat the rest of these.
#1 SOCKS HANOVER Left and found the 2-hole last week and was able to follow along for a decent 3rd. He draws the rail tonight and should be up-close throughout. That makes him a gimmick consideration.


 

Race #6
#4 BLACK SHARK Was much too far back to the face pace last week and did not really make a move. He did tip out 3 wide on the final turn and appeared to get a bit rough and that bothers me a bit. However, he probably needed that start and was pacing very well at the wire. He took a very fast mark here last year and may elect to leave tonight and with a lead can be very tough. Schillaci has been very good all year and I give this one an upset chance.
#9 BIG TIME KISSER Makes his 3rd start for this stable and will be improving each time. He has a problem with his gait and I bet they almost have him figured out. Last week he was the only one that was able to move on the outside and had decent pace as best of the rest. From the 2nd tier he will stay close early and may be in the right place at the right time. Good gimmick value.
#7 BROOKSIDE JOKER Showed why he has been a popular claim with an easy victory last time out in a fast time. He does his best racing on the front end and Case will have him pointed there tonight. The question is how easily can he make the top. If he gets strung out a bit he may not have a lot left for the stretch drive. And with a win in this series already they may not use him all up tonight as he is in the final already. Still he needs to be considered.


 

Race #7
#2 ANASTASIA BARON Made his first start of what will be a very good sophomore campaign last time out and did so with a big stretch rush for an easy victory. He has yet to lose for Jeff and did very well for with Laurie. He should be 1-2 in here and win for fun. I was a bit surprised to see so much protection on his left front leg last week, I don't remember that much there last year. Still he looks like a jog in here.
#1 CINDERELLA'S MAN Raced inside last time out and never had a lot of room. Look for a very aggressive drive off the rail tonight and if he doesn't jump it off he can be very dangerous for 2nd in here.
#3 AGINCOURT Was very stubborn on the front end last week and almost lasted in a very surprising effort. It looks like this 5 year old has a lot of ability and was just brought along very slowly. If he gets brave up front he will last a long time.


 

Race #8
#3 C G PAT Went a big mile last week and exploded 3 wide by 3/4s for an easy win last time out. She has a lot of abilyt when sound as last year's record indicates. She may have to avoid a first over trip in here, but Hawk may even put her on the front end. I must caution that Hawk/Belcher horses that come back with off a win at the same level often come up short as big favorites so beware. But if this one is feeling ok and is allowed to pace her race she looks tough in here.
#5 FRESH FIRE Made a strong surge for the lead just after the 1/2 last week and opened up going to 3/4s. She tired in the lane but that move indicates she is getting ready for a win. Case gets the call tonight and that can only help. Big shot in here.
#2 HIGH HOPES MISS Came on well for 3rd last time out after being locked in with pace the week before. She draws in again and should be close enough to challenge. All she needs is a bit of room and some luck and she will make the gimmick pay.


 

Race #9
#8 ATT PRINCESS Had a very good 2-year old season winning 9 of 17. She qualified very well, going her last 1/2 in 1:00. She does not get any luck with the draw, however her ability may carry the day. The post will make the price. Good chace.
#4 MOLDED BAY Is another making her sophomore debut tonight off an even qualifier at The Meadows. She is very well bred and has won over this oval before. If she is ready she can be very tough.
#1 ON Q Is one of the veterans of the group and draws the rail. If any of the youngsters aren't ready or make mistakes this on may be able to pick up the pieces.


 

Race #10
#5 ICY DEVIL Left last week and found a good early spot. He was without room until the lane and had even pace. He gets Case tonight and there is not much early foot in here. If he makes the top he may be tough to catch. Or he should have the two-hole which also gives him a chance. Either way the value looks good.
#2 T W HEIDER Is starting to round into shape for Lee. Last week he flew home to just miss. He had some big miles on some slow 1/2's last year and if the upswing continues this one has a big shot from the inside.
#3 MISTER GENDER Has not been in this cheap in a long time. He has done very little since getting claimed earlier in the year. Ward gets the call tonight and he often wakes up dead horses. Good value in the gimmicks.


 

Race #11
#8 AHSWOOD MARTY Came back to the races more than ready last time out and crushed a weaker field. He used a powerful move to 3/4's and went on for an open length win. From the 8 hole the price will be much higher, but if he has a similar move he can fly by them once more.
#1 CARIBBEAN SUN Has made a lot of improvement since Robin Miller got off. Last time out he chased incredibly fast fractions and didn't fold that badly. From the rail against these inexperienced trotters he has a big shot to share.
#2 TOOK THE CALL Makes his first start of the year for Hawk after a good freshman campaign. The qualifier was behind an Open trotter and wasn't that bad. If he's ready he merits a big look.


 

Race #12
#1 SPRING NOTICE Was privately purchased out of his last start and debuts for Oliverio tonight. His horses have been racing very well lately. He draws the rail and gets Case tonight. This one is loaded with speed and should be able to make the front in good shape. He will take some action, but if you get 2-1 he looks awfully tough in here. My best of the night.
#5 FIRSTKIN Went another huge mile last week battling first over to a tough leader. He just kept coming and coming and never quit. That mile shows his heart and determination. Add to that B. Miller and his current form and he is a gimmick must.
#4 BIG HITTER Finally showed some life last time out with a game first over victory against much softer. When Schillaci gets his horses ready they go very good. He looks like he fits this level and may be good value in the gimmicks.


 

Race #13
#3 KT JUNIOR Returns to the Randy Tharps barn where he has had a great deal of success in the past. He typically races at the top level or very close and tonight finds himself in a very soft spot. If he's ready he will beat these for fun.
#6 WIREMONSTER Broke last time and that cost him any chance. He drops back down to a much more competitive level and should be able to share with a flat mile.
#7 SPEEDY TORCH Made a different move last week when he went to the lead. He was a nice winner on the front end, but prefers to race from off pace. Millette has this one going very well right now and the post will make the price. Decent shot.


 

Race #14
#2 GRAY FLYER Slight edge in a very dismal race. Takes a huge class drop into a VERY soft spot. He hasn't been racing well, but against these you don't need much form. Green will make the price better than it should be. He has a shot in here.
#9 A JS LUCKY CAM He draws the 9 hole behind speed and gets Case, both of which make him somewhat competitive. If he stays close and catches room at the right time he can surprise in here.
#7 LAST STARFIGHTER Has missed a month and that is a concern. He has come back off layoffs before in sharp form so I'm hoping that is the case tonight. He has been chasing better and could be the best of the rest in here.
#3 SAND BUNNY Drops in terms of purse money, but moves up to face older, more experienced horses. Loy idn't the best in making trips but based on that parked the mile trip last time at a pretty good clip he is a superfecta consideration.