Saturday February 26, 2000

The 55th Gulfstream Park Handicap

 

1. With Anticipation...Prado/112...Hasn't really shown the ability to be anywhere close at this level. Has shown a liking for this track, but again, not near here. However, this race probably issues a license to a couple that wouldn't normally get there from here. Since he appears to be the lone speed in a race without any, he may just be the one. Long odds and it'll have to set up just right. Sheppard 0 for 23 for the meet and 0 for 5 with Smith.

2. Ballard High...Samyn/109...Not here. Simply too soon to ask this one for a win, but  good showing might elevate him on a few people's lists. If he improves off of the opener here, he's eligible for 3rd or 2nd...maybe. If he steps back again, it might be time for the maalox for Walden. A tall order. Homecoming will have to wait. 

3. Behrens...Chavez/120...Here's a chance to shoot ducks in a barrel. This is a race he must win. If he doesn't, the party's over. If he does, pull out the Cliff Notes for the remainder of the semester. I love this horse and his honesty. But the equine is the most honest athlete of them all. He/she knows when it's over. Their lack of  communication skills keep humans from realizing it, sometimes until it's too late. I don't believe he's over the hill. We'll find out Saturday if he believes it. The works at Payson have been sparkling. 4 furlongs in 49:2 is killer up there. The Donn was his first start. He just ran out of gas and wasn't able to keep as close as usual. The sharks start circling if that happens again.

4. Adonis...Sellers/115...Had high hopes for him last year after the Wood win. I wasn't alone, I know that. He didn't really accomplish much after staggering off of the Triple Crown trail last year. A 2nd in the Cigar Mile and a win in the Discovery at Aqueduct. In fact, he's 0 for anywhere else but Aqueduct over the last year. Hasn't really had a break since last summer. I might feel better about his chances to win if he had been freshened at the end of 99. As it is, just lukewarm about his win chances. He'll be closing in a field with little speed, another strike!

 5. Best Of Luck...Smith/113...Always respect Jerkens and his ability to pull one off when you least expect it. My guess is this one is sitting on a BIG one. The possibility exists for an off track and that would suit him too. Might want to keep in closer attendance which again, shouldn't be too difficult with the lack of speed here. Jerkens winning 17% for the meet with a positive ROI and he and Smith combining for 35% wins from 31 starts with a positive ROI.

6. Isaypete...Velasquez/114...Two BIG efforts since the Shugster took over from Chapman. The first was behind the short-lived wonder-horse, Horse Chestnut in a nice Broward Handicap effort. He was well behind at the wire but that was by far his best dirt performance. Next out on turf and a little flat in an allowance. Now back to dirt and a distance he should love. He has the ability to stay close to whatever lead there is so he could be dangerous. McGaughey only 8% turf-to-dirt.

 

      I wonder if we're gonna get to see the real  Behrens. Since this is a small field with a limited amount of speed, he should have no excuses. If he fails here, the division is up for grabs, if it's not already.

     I'll use Best Of Luck on top here as well. He should be set for a major effort with Jerkens.

     I'm looking for With Anticipation to hold on to 3rd here after snagging the early lead.

1. Behrens

2. Best Of Luck

3. With Anticipation

Good luck everyone!

 

© 2000 bBra

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