Turf Paradise 14 February 2009
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The last time TRIBAL RELIC raced on dirt she was a close second at this level. She has form at this five furlong trip in Northern California and is a contender here. Her last race was a poor one but that was on turf when she was in too deep and that makes her a better price today. Louise Is A Ga Ga has found from nowhere in her last two races and if she can put three good runs together she will dominate this group from the outset. Beautiful Kinzie has form in New Mexico that puts her on the board at least.
The last time COMPTON faced state-breds on the dirt was in a stakes race and he looks too good for these. He ran no race last time on turf but his two previous dirt runs set a high standard here. He looks to be the deserving favourite. Rojo Royalty is another back in against state-breds and is closely matched with the selection at best and should make up a logical exacta. Big Crescendo was up a against it in a fast run allowance race last time and this is more his level. He is reunited with winning jockey Ry Eikleberry.
There isn't too much speed here and KAILEE RUSH may be able to take advantage. His comeback race wasn't too bad at Los Alamitos and a gets a top Californian speed rider, Aaaron Gryder, aboard today. Cold Pursuit looks best of the locals and comes into this after a win against lesser types. He is progressing with racing and his barn continues in fine form. Byjohn and Mix are a pair of Northern Californian shippers who may be better on dirt than the tapeta surface they have been racing on of late.
Speed and fade in a better race on a tougher circuit is often the profile to win bottom end maidens here. Step up THAT TIGER, who showed plenty of early zip at Santa Anita and has prospects of lasting much better against this group. Free Sensation debuts for a barn deadly with first timers and could be good enough. He won't lack for fitness based on his morning work-outs. Warren's Blvd. ran a solid race on his local debut and looks best of those that have run at this level.
STORYBOOK leads a strong Southern Californian challenge here. Her close-up fourth in a Grade 3 at Santa Anita last time is just about the best form on offer and she is drawn to get a ground-saving trip. The pacey La Tee is a chance on or near the pace on her second start back since October. She would have even stronger claims if the mare on the outside is scratched. She's Sensational won a local prep for this and doesn't look out of place against her more vaunted California trained females.
LINE OF CREDIT has shown ability in three career races and his running style suggests this extra distance will bring about more improvement. He may offer some value here. Hoping For Gold ran a strong race on turf last time in better maiden and he has form on the dirt too. He may be an improved horse in his new barn but is likely to be a short price back in the bottom grade. Sierra Whirl Win has improved no end since tackling two turns and a repeat of his last puts him in the exacta spot at least.
TRICKY CAUSEWAY is not a dirt horse but has ran two solid races against the best on the grounds in New Mexico. Now back on his preferred surface he should give a good account of himself. He was a solid stakes horse the last time he raced on turf. Zappa is a class act from Southern California who went too fast last time on the pro-ride surface. He does have four turf wins to his name. Wild Yankee and On My Dime have been revelations of late graduating from the claiming ranks and either could be up to the class rise.
The feature race of the year at Turf Paradise has produced a stellar field of sprinters. PEACE CHANT was claimed last time and the fact that savvy connections run him here has to be a positive. He won his last two dirt races and should get a nice trip from stalk mode. Machismo ran too good to lose in The Sunshine Millions Sprint at Santa Anita and this front runner is another with a solid dirt record. Ducky Drake closed from a different postcode to win the local prep for this and he is the one to fear late on. Haraldo goes first time for a top local trainer and is including on a trifecta ticket.
SKIMMING BYE looked a new horse in his first run for a new barn and although up in class he finds a race with little speed and should be in prime position all the way. Petion Prince gets extra ground to end a frustrating run of seconds. He is hard to overlook for the exacta here. Crimson Design has been finding abbreviated sprints against him and this trip should make him more competitive. Best Game in Town never runs a bad race on dirt and will be rolling late.
