Hawthorne 27 December 2008
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WILDWOOD GOLD is back for sale after her new connections tried her in allowance company first time off the claim. She did beat eleven rivals on debut and is reunited with jockey Chris Emigh who was aboard for that success. After three runs against better, Lady Leprechaun handed out a seven length beating to maiden claimers. She is realistically spotted for her first run against winners. Valid Hope is also fresh off a maiden score. She has speed but can stalk and should be a factor from the start here.
FIRST OF JUNE showed little on her comeback a fortnight ago but that was a sprint and expect more over this longer trip. Top jockey Chris Emigh now takes the ride on the five-year-old and she earns the vote in an open race. Early Hatch has been in good form of late although her hat-trick bid didn't last long after losing her rider at the start. Her form was on an upward curve up to then. Lahar has five local victories and a double up is not impossible.
LAYNEE BUG was a fair runner-up on her first run since July and may have more improvement to come. Her debut against higher priced maidens at Arlington was a strong effort in the context of this race and while she has yet to prove she can replicate that on a dirt surface she seems worth the gamble. Sweet Janelle was a distant third at odds on when dropped to this level last time after three fair efforts in Kentucky. Even if she doesn't improve, that run alone puts her in the mix. Flags First Lady has some early speed and is not impossible here.
MYSTERY GUEST made little impact in a race common to many of these at the start of the month but the edge may have been taken off him after a strong comeback race. He should get a nice trip just off the pace here. Lui Luhuk is improving leaps and bounds at present and although gets a double jump up in class, he should be competitive with these. Churubusco couldn't have had a better pace set up last time and still came up a head shy. He should get a similar contested pace to chase here.
PEYOTE PATTY has a long lay-off to overcome but freshness may be a asset in a race littered with long-term maidens. She has ran well off a break before and jockey Tim Thornton stays loyal. Glitterbrat like many of these is due and looks better drawn for her third start off a lay-off. Satin Sweep and Caller a Classic have the best form but the former seems to settle for less and the barn of the latter has had almost 70 runners without a victory at this meet.
INSTANT MESSENGER is not big on winning with only three victories in a near 40-race career but his near-the-pace running style looks a big advantage in a race with limited early zip. Veteran rider Randy Meier is best on speed types. 2008 has been the year of the near miss for Da Grizz. Maybe this closer can end the year with a victory if Tim Thornton can keep him close enough in the first part of the race. Class Ack went wire to wire last time beating Da Grizz and has strong claims if he and the selection don't duel themselves out of this.
ARCHIPELAGO has not faced a field this weak routing since breaking her maiden over course and distance. Since that win she was not disgraced in a stakes race, took on open company and her last race was a sprint. She has strong claims to go wire to wire here under Eddie Perez. En Trance has more stamina than speed and although her best form is on the turf she has enough ability on dirt to be a factor here. Mustang Martha runs first time for a top local barn and looked a progressive type until her last run.
There seems enough early speed signed on fast finisher SPRUCE LAKE, who goes for a hat trick, to land this. He beat better last time and the drop in class is a concern but that's often how owner Maggi Moss plays the game - risking losing a horse to get another win. Streak is one of the speed brigade so may vulnerable late on. He was competitive against better in the past so his last win may be a springboard back up the class ladder. Shakesperean Story loves Hawthorne and worth considering in the exotics at very least.
CARTLETS has his claiming price cut in half after an even comeback effort. He should show more and get a nice stalking trip just off the pace. Move Sam Move just missed at this level last time. He gets more ground to reel in the speed and both his wins have come over this distance. Bud's Bear has bounced back to form since taking on claimers and trying sprints. A double is not impossible.
OVER BUDGET is one of many with chances here but does have the ability to pass horses in a race with many speed types. A repeat of his latest effort, when fourth at this level, gives him at least place claims and he should be up to winning tonight. Solid Trip has won two of his last three races although he is not renowned for his consistency and often follows a good effort with a mediocre one. Apt to Shine is another in and out performer but has won three times at Hawthorne this year.
DOC WEBSTER looked an improved horse since switching circuits and taking on state breds. A repeat of his last effort is probably good enough. G. I. Moe is a chance at a price from on or near the pace in a race with little speed. Mister Exetera gets a top jockey for a winless barn on a long term maiden - a lethal combination as far as value betting is concerned. This race looks far more competitive if reserve The Lord's Facts draws in.
