By Donald Harris

ON TIME FLIGHT - Makes debut at four years old after a less than consistent pattern of drills at Pleasanton.  Hard to make a serious case for him.  Would surprise.

SUDDEN EXCESS - High headed gelding comes out of a shared race on May 15th.  He was not overly quick from the blocks but once into stride rushed up quickly to be contesting for the lead by the turn.  Contreras lost steering control mid turn as Sudden had trouble handling the turn.  Blinkers were not added after that display of immaturity in debut.  The only change is a new rider.  If Schvaneveldt can keep this gelding focused on the turn he could hang around for a share.  Exotics contender.

OUR BONANZA - Has not shown off a speck of run in three career starts.  Would surprise.

COUNT BRAHMS - Sharp gate speed on display in his first try over the grass in that shared May 15th turf sprint.  Bounced clear quickly in the first furlong.  Was challenged by Sudden Quest on the turn but quickly repelled that bid when competitor did not handle the curve.  Got run down very late.  It was a winning effort.  Horse to beat.

WIND SHIFTER -  Has an important asset at his disposal.  That is speed.  In his last couple of starts Ayarza has not given this colt his head in the early going.  He has basically eliminated Wind Shifters best asset.  With the cut-back to five furlongs I have to think the connections will tell Ayarza to send hard.  If they can change up the tactics to a more aggressive style I think Shifter could make a huge impact.  Major player. 

MARK THE BENCH - Must be considered when looking at the exotics picture.  Nine race maiden makes the huge cut-back from one mile to five furlongs.  Exotics contender.

SIR IRISH KNIGHT - Have not seen enough run from this one in two career starts.  Would surprise.

DARK WAVE - Took good action in his debut when racing in that shared race on May 15th.  Everything went wrong at the start.  Antongorgi had to take this guy up right out of the blocks and it took about a furlong for this new face to find his stride.  The race is a total toss.  Trainer John Martin immediately removes the blinkers.  Deserves a mulligan for his poor debut.  Major player.

WITZEL DIXIE - Debut runner from the high percentage Bill Morey barn has turned in a consistent string of drills. Does have a touch of turf pedigree.  His Mommy won multiple races on the grass and his half sister also won multiple races on the turf.  I am forced to give him a long look.  Major player.

OHSOKOOL - Another new face that deserves respect.  Hails from the Frank Lucarelli barn.  Lucarelli does a respectable job with his first time starters.  This gelding has turned in a series of works that on paper would seem to have him fit and ready to go.  Major player.

 

 

$50 win: #5 WIND SHIFTER ($50) 

 

$5 trifecta: 4,5 - 4,5 - 2,6,8,9,10 ($50)   

$20 win: #4 SIR DAVE ($20)  -20

 

$10 exacta: 4,5 - 4,5,6,9 ($60)  -60

 

$2 trifecta: 3,4 - 3,4 - 2,5,6,8,9 ($20)  +71.40

NET RESULTS: Profit of 531.90