Allowance 25,000n$y—1 1/16 Miles Dirt—3+
Calder Race Course serves up another very competitive field of 8 allowance types in the feature race of the day. Most have run against others in the race several times before. Seems anyone could win on any given day. The running style configuration of this race could lead us to the most likely win contenders.
#7 Stately Character (8-1) is one of only two closers in this race. This interesting 3 year-old has only raced 14 times and didn’t embarrass himself in the Florida Derby back in March. He was away from the track from early May to mid-October clearly dealing with an injury sustained in the G2 Peter Pan at Belmont. Trainer Procino tried him on turf in his comeback races with no success. Returned to dirt and put together two decent races with even better improvement in his last. What draws me to this horse is what top jockey Luis Saez may see. In his last two races, his stretch-to-finish times were quite impressive. It shows this colt may be finally getting close to living up to his potential. With a bunch of speed types in the race, look for a top-of-the-board finish from Stately Character.
#1 Colonial Causeway (5-1) will be sitting just off the pace behind the speed. Off since October, he has racked up some impressive drills leading up to this one. He’s as consistent as it gets when it comes to speed figures with little variation until he tailed off just a bit in the final two though winning his last. He is 8 for 10 in the money on the Calder dirt surface besting all other starters. He’s coming off that layoff fresh and ready for another big run.
#2 Temo’s Dream (12-1) is likely to be dismissed in the wagering due to the beating he took in his last two including a big fade and a bad ease. I am willing to forgive both of those races and look for dramatic form reversal running back to what we saw in some of his more impressive summer races. Bill Kaplan may not be the best trainer on the circuit but he only runs his charges if they are healthy and have a shot to hit the board. If there was something seriously wrong with this horse, he wouldn’t be racing. Don’t leave this long shot off your exotics tickets.
#4 Cinnamon Road (4-1) also returns after a bit of a rest. This three year-old gelding sports a strong win record at Calder (5/13) and draws Eibar Coa. An improver with strong works coming out of a strong barn. His need-to-lead running style, however, will hurt. #5 Too Many Toyz (9-5) has posted 4 straight wins and beat four others in this field in a restricted stakes race last out. He’s been on a steady campaign since May. Projecting a regression today. #3 Imawildandcrazyguy (8-1) is the other closer in the race with a fondness for the Calder surface. Look for a possible bottom of the exotics finish.
Win--#7 Stately Character (8-1)
Place--#1 Colonial Causeway (5-1)
Show--#2 Temo’s Dream (12-1)
Recommended Wagers:
$1 Trifecta Part Wheel 1,7 with 2,4,5 with 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, (Total Wager = $30)
$5 Exacta Part Wheel 2,4,5 with 1,7 (Total Wager = $30)
$1 Trifecta Part Wheel 1,7 with 1,7 with 2,3,4,5,6 (Total Wager = $10)
