Undefeated in both starts at seven furlongs, Drill cuts back to that distance today in the $100,00 Laz Barrera (Grade III) after a runner-up effort in the Northern Spur at Oaklawn.
With Gun Boat and Drill making up half the field, Bob Baffert seems sure to add to his blazing start at the meet with a win in the $100,000 Laz Barrera (Grade III) for 3-year-olds sprinting seven furlongs on the main track.
The adjectives to describe the disappointment of having only four horses run in a graded stake are endless, added to the fact that American Act probably shouldn’t be running after bearing out badly turning for home just 16 days ago before winning the Harry Henson.
American Act deserves tons of credit for showing the heart to overcome the trouble he got himself into, but it seems likely he has an issue that caused those antics and a slow three-furlong drill since doesn’t exude confidence.
We’ll also give credit to Gary Mandella for taking a shot with debut winner Boompa, who rallied from off the pace after breaking from the rail to score a 10-to-1 upset at Santa Anita on April 7. He may be over-matched here, but the $190,000 purchase might also jump up and reward his connections, something that the slew of other 3-year-olds that could have entered won’t get the chance to do from their stall.
The lack of competitive balance on this circuit is magnified by today’s feature and for the health of the sport things need to change in a hurry to spread the success at the top level of the game to more trainers.
Until then, we’ll use both Baffert runners and move on.
We’re off to the races!
Pick 4 -
Leg 1 – Race 6 (2,3,4) – No. 2 Royal Meridian disappointed at odds-on in his last, but that came against a pair of sharp runners. It doesn’t seem like there’s any such competition in this heat so he should prove to be much the best at short odds.
Add No. 3 Northern Iowa with the ability to improve off a decent debut and No. 4 Incentivize, who must be respected in his unveiling based off his connections despite lack luster reports from a.m. activity.
Leg 2 – Race 7 (3,5,6) – No. 3 Lake Maracaibo is the deserving favorite again after finishing as the runner-up in that role in her first two starts. The daughter of War Front should handle the stretch out with an ideal draw.
Both No. 5 Playful Humor and No. 6 Jolly Days have lots of room for improvement, but No. 10 Lady Ten seems likely for another underneath effort with a wide trip after breaking from the outside.
Leg 3 – Race 8 (2,4,6) – No. 4 Octane defeated Royal Meridian in their last and has continued to train impressively. He gets a stiff test in his first against winners from No. 2 Obsess and if the race falls apart No. 6 Seventh Avenue can make it a perfect 2-for-2 in his career in his stateside debut.
Leg 4 – Race 9 (8,9,13) – We’ll make No. 8 Strawberry Route the top pick getting back to Cushion Track. Other than that it looks chalky in another bad heat with either No. 9 Silver Gun Girl or No. 13 Pumpkin Pie.
Recap – (2,3,4) w (3,5,6) w (2,4,6) w (8,9,13) – Total cost of ticket = $40.50
Yesterday’s Result – (-$90)
Total for current Hollywood Park spring/summer meet – (-$733.95)
Total from 12/26/10-4/22/12 – (+$588.70)
Pick 5 –
Leg 1 – Race 1 (1,2) – No. 1 Lewkodonia is a threat for a repeat wire job and No. 2 Choco Ale merits respect on the class drop.
Leg 2 – Race 2 (3,4,5,6) – The scratch of No. 1 Earnednevergiven leaves a potential the door open for No. 4 Spartan Jet to attempt a wire job.
No. 6 Mythical Power is curiously being given away when he could potentially be a stallion prospect and it’s likely he either wins by double digits or finishes off the board.
No. 3 Bruno’s Wager is razor-sharp again and No. 5 Valkyrie Missile also drops to a career low.
Leg 3 – Race 3 (1,2) – Baffert. No. 1 Gun Boat and No. 2 Drill.
Leg 4 – Race 4 (2,5,8,9,11,12) – Not much to like about any of these bottom-level maiden-claimers so we’ll spread with No. 2 Ralphy Girl, No. 5 Satcmo’s Mouse, No. 8 Warren’s Performer, No. 9 Courageousandbold, No. 11 Agreed Upon and No. 12 J Louie.
Leg 5 – Race 5 (1,2,7) – Along with No. 7 Gothic Samurai, use No. 1 Donato and No. 2 Clearance Clarence.
Recap – (1,2) w (3,4,5,6) w (1,2) w (2,5,8,9,11,12) w (1,2,7) – Total cost of ticket = $144
Yesterday’s Result – (+$219.65)
Total for current Hollywood Park spring/summer meet – (-$404.60)
Total from 7/20/10-4/22/12 (+$2,150.80)
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Good luck!
