Turf Paradise 25 October 2009
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FLAUNTYS COUNT has been in some tougher races since breaking his maiden and this looks a winning spot. He ran with credit against two-time winners here last time and a repeat of that effort makes him a strong contender. World Class Dash has put up two fine efforts since a long lay off and only just missed at this level here a fortnight ago. He goes from an inside to an outside draw and that could be a major positive. He's So Charming has the often negative rail draw to overcome but was only a neck shy against similar here last time.
HOPE TO COPE ran well on his first try locally when second and may be able to improve a little on that based on his Los Alamitos efforts. He won four races there and that form should translate well to Arizona. Jacque Seis is a talented and improving local runner who has won her last four races. If the rail draw doesn't hinder her she may easily make it a five-timer. Smign's latest start can be forgive as she completely missed the break. She looked a filly with promise up to then.
ROYAL SNOW JOB has burned some money on his two starts in Arizona but may be set for his best effort today. His form in California is at least on a par with the best of these and there signs of a return to that level here a fortnight ago. B Effort showed improved form at Yavapai this summer and is closely matched with Billy Budd on his latest. Like many in this field, he is a player with his best effort. Kays Gunslinger has been off the track since June but has ran well fresh before.
OUTRAGEOUS LIMIT comes out of a hot race at Fairplex and runs first time for one of the top barns on the grounds. He has never raced on turf but his dam was a very capable grass runner. He should take high rank here. Congo King is in great form and his trainer couldn't be any hotter. He was a strong second here over an inadequate five furlongs last time and should be a better proposition over this trip. Direct Connect has been knocking on the door on dirt in Northern California and has ran well on turf before. He will be fair odds as backers will focus on the front two in the betting.
WINDAGE appreciated the shorter trip and the easier company when breaking her maiden here in the middle of this month. Her form as it stands is a tad short of what may be required to win this but she may improve again. In addition, this is a weak race even for this level. Color Me Red's close-up second here in this grade looks the best piece of form on offer. If she handles the extra distance she will be very tough to beat. High Leaf didn't show anything first time against winners at Fresno but this is a softer race and she is lightly raced. She has more upside than many of the exposed locals.
IRISH SNOWFALL has a lot to find with the principals but he has improved in each of his three career starts. If he takes another step forward may cause an upset. His barn is in good form and a top jockey stays aboard. Hijo de Bueno will likely be prohibitive odds here. His runner-up effort at this level is the best piece of form by far but has already burned plenty of backers in his short career. If 'a winner is a winner' is your motto, he is your hero. Arizona Wrangler is second best on figures but is quite exposed and his trainer hardly ever wins.
MY ROYAL GIRL has been in good form on the dirt in New Mexico of late and may be worth risking back on turf. The last time she raced on grass was in longer races and she seems better over shorter trips. Stressless and Paula's Grace both finished third back on turf here this month. They have decent claims but their closing style in a race with little speed may see them with too much ground to make up. Really a Miss's last turf race produced a fair fifth in Northern California. She may get first run on the closers.
JOGGINS 'won' at this level last time only to be disqualified. This looks at least as tough as that race so he will need to run as well again but looks the horse the all have to beat. Hiptopia ran a dud on his local debut when well bet last time. His trainer dispenses with blinkers and the horse ran some of his best races in Northern California without the headgear. He could bounce back to form. Arrow Junction comes here off a fine second place at Emerald Downs. He has claims but like Hold the Advantage and Arena Negra is difficult to win with. They may be better used to round out a trifecta.
JUSTCRUISE had trouble at the break and didn't run his race when well bet on his first local try. He had previously hinted he retains some ability in Northern California and may be another chance today. Silk Creek is another from the same circuit who blew out on his local debut. The cut back to five furlongs is in his favour. Future Search has the best recent form by a mile when a close up second but may be overbet as a result. He also has other speed to master early on. Macho Irish is a solid campaigner who can pass horses. In a speed-laden race he may be a late factor at big odds.
