Hawthorne 10 October 2005
Instructions
Please click on the “View Full Racecard & Odds” button to get the full racecard information.
MS.LYDONIA relished a return to dirt when making the frame in a higher grade at Arlington last time out, she filled the runner-up berth over C&D earlier in the year and can go one better today. Meadow Birdie landed a similar event at Fairmount Park before flopping on turf latest and warrants plenty of respect back on her preferred surface. Teller Line arrives on a hat-trick but will need to raise her game in this company.
KING'S VERSE has been in cracking form since switching to turf and and gets the nod here. He was unlucky not to score over this trip at Canterbury Park, putting up the highest last speed-figure latest, and he has a good record at this track. Outer Bounds is used to mixing in better company and has sound claims on the speed-figures, while the inconsistent Copy Runner would be a threat if in the mood.
French Account should improve as he returns to a route trip, as will Pining who is better than her latest run suggests. Tea Is Served is normally a threat at this level but the preference is for DOTTIE BOOTH, who returned to winning ways over 1m at Arlington last month. This is tougher but she won with enough to spare to suggest she can stage a follow-up.
Gofinger improved to make the frame in a similar event on his turf debut over this trip at Arlington latest but was still over a length behind COOPER COUNTRY, who looks like the one to beat today. Kerry Zavash's charge is the fastest among toady's starters and could have more in the locker. Elsewhere, Fielding and Scrapbook can't be ruled out on their best form.
PARTY OF EIGHT put up by far the highest last speed-figure in a 5f event on turf, she is expected to improve for a return to dirt and could be the one to beat. Pretty And Wild ran a big race in second over 1m last time out and is in good order but may not be as effective over this trip, so the biggest danger could be Nueva Cat. She found one too good in a similar event latest and is a C&D winner.
Zeal's Spirit recorded the highest last speed-figure when making the frame again and looks sure to be in the thick of things again. However, he has had more than enough chances and it could pay to side with SIR JAMES FRANCIS. He will strip-fitter for an encouraging return from a lay-off last month and his best effort came over this C&D. Red River will have learnt plenty from a respectable debut and could have his say.
SAJJAN gained reward for string of good performances when scoring over this distance at Canterbury Park latest, he could have more to offer today and can get the better of similar opposition here. One For My Baby went close in a higher grade on turf last month over 5f and has claims if reproducing that form, while Purplest was fourth that day and will strip-fitter for that seasonal debut.
WHEATY faced found little resistance when pulling away to score with ease over C&D last week and a repeat performance could see him come home in front again here. However, Gravano was also an impressive winner latest, over 1m at Arlington, and should give the selection plenty to think about. Elsewhere, Dollar For Dollar has been knocking on the door recently and is entitled to have his say.
MISS SHORT STORY got within a length of second placed Landers over 6f at Arlington on only her second outing, those could be tough to separate but Steve Asmussen's filly has scope for enough improvement to turn the tables. Miss Merit showed notable improvement to go near latest, while Tricker Quicker would be of interest if the market spoke in her favour first time out.
