Race Reviews

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Track Handicapper Darin Zocali's Bio
Darin Z  RACE REVIEWS by Darin Zoccali A thoroughbred and standardbred racing announcer and analyst, Darin works for several racetracks including the Meadowlands, Parx Racing at Philadelphia Park and Tioga Downs.  He is also a regular fill in on Sirius XM Radio's Down The Stretch broadcast.  He is a graduate of St John's University (class of 2005) and is one of the youngest announcers/broadcasters in the racing business.

Race Reviews For Saturday, February 04, 2012

1 First Race Entries
Picks: 3-8-7-9
H Horse Comment
1 LIES LIES LIES Decent effort from a wide draw against $10k claimers. Moves inside and hopes to build on that. Dube chooses off.
2 MIDNIGHT LAWYER Gelding was rock solid at Plainridge. Qualifier was not sharp and was 5 weeks ago. Which horse shows up?
3 HAGI He took a lot of money last time against tougher and disappointed. Class drop looms large against this field. Major contender.
4 EXECUTIVE FELLA Form was in and out at Chester against $10k claimers. That QUA was not bad, and he fits here. Miller’s choice (#2).
5 HARMONY OAKS RENGO Has been knocking heads at this level for some time, but his recent form is dull. He needs to improve.
6 THIRD STREET PETE Recent form is a mix of qualifiers and breaks. That simply does not appeal to me. Playing against.
7 BERRY BERRY FAST Nine time winner last year may have needed that last start off a 6 week layoff. He could improve off that.
8 CAMBASSADOR That win at Woodbine fits against this group, and his last effort was against much tougher. Dube’s choice will be tough.
9 RIP DADDY That last effort was not terrible. He was only beaten a little over 2 lengths for everything. This isn’t the strongest $15k claimer.
10 ALLAMERICAN MAJOR Has not won a race since August of 2010. Will be last early. Would be a surprise despite Gingras choosing him.
2 Second Race Entries
Picks: 3-6-1-2
H Horse Comment
1 RATHBONE N Already saw What Went Wrong finish 2nd at this level while exiting the marathon. That makes Rathbone very interesting.
2 TALBOT REDNECK He passed a couple in the stretch and may have needed that last start off the layoff. Could improve. Loses Tetrick.
3 ALEXPANDERTHEGREAT Has not won since the PASS in July of 2010. Overdue win could come in a spot like this. Andy’s choice.
4 DEVIL’S BARGAIN Exiting some pretty light races at Monticello. His last couple of starts were improvements, but I think this is tougher.
5 DUDINKAS CULLEN N Won more than any other horse in this field last year. But his recent form is dull. Wait for improvement.
6 THE AWFUL TRUTH That QUA was fairly decent, and this guy has gone some big miles here before. Good spot. Tetrick’s choice is tough.
7 PASS THE DECK 3rd at 40-1 last time at this level. You won’t see those odds again tonight. Seems to fit in this spot off that latest try.
8 WHIPPER SNAPPER He has not been able to replicate his Freehold form here. Off that last mile, I have no reason to expect better now.
9 TRAVERS HALL He was 42-1 against weaker last time and only managed to split the field. Now moves up in class. Not for me.
10 JOANS BAD BOY His recent form at Monticello was fairly good, and this field isn’t impossible. I can see using him in exotic wagers.
3 Third Race Entries
Picks: 4-10-1-6
H Horse Comment
1 LOGAN M Nothing wrong with his first start off the 6 week layoff. If he can build off that effort, he is a logical win candidate in this spot.
2 DA VISION OF ART Paced a rather dull mile last time. Rosecroft shippers have struggled mightily at this meet. Cannot endorse.
3 ART FOR LIVING That last effort doesn’t inspire much at this level. Hite listed to drive himself tells me he wants to figure something out.
4 LASTCOMICSTANDING Nice win against a notch below last time. I think he can handle the move up to this level. Value. Gingras’ choice.
5 JUXASPORT That QUA was fair and his win two back was decent. If he is sharp off the layoff, he can contend at this level. Loses Yannick.
6 LEMON DROP HALL Dropdown gives him the tepid call as the favorite. He should be able to handle this group. Appears the one to beat.
7 CANNAE ROCKY Interesting move up the ladder off a loss as the favorite. That’s a lot of confidence and I’m not sure what to make of it.
8 EQUINOX SEELSTER His last start was encouraging, and he was finishing his mile well. I think he fits at this level. Miller’s choice (#10).
9 HOT COWBOY Squandered a perfect trip going the mile and a half. Prior form was a bit dull. I don’t think this spot is any easier.
10 FOUR STARZ TWINS He just couldn’t handle the $20k claiming level. This spot is more his cup of tea. He can compete here.
4 Fourth Race Entries
Picks: 4-5-8-7
H Horse Comment
1 MALEK HANOVER I respect any horse that has won 33 races, but this race came up insanely tough. Watching and waiting.
2 FITZ’S Z TAM He could not have looked any better in that QUA, and his last win was strong too. Adds intrigue here. Pierce did choose off.
3 SAND SUMMERFIELD What happened last time? His prior form was solid, including a 3rd place showing in a Preferred here. Questions.
4 NOBLE FALCON This horse is very sharp right now. If not for the break, he would have 2 wins from 3 starts. Moving on up, loses Sears.
5 BLATANTLY GOOD Beaten a neck in The Presidential final, that makes him the favorite here. Nice showdown with Warning Zone.
6 SHOW ME UP Nice effort last time, as that level at Yonkers in no walk in the park. This will be even tougher. Sharp horse will offer value.
7 TRANSCENDING Beaten by a neck to ‘Zone last time. That foe just seems to have his number of late. Seems best used underneath.
8 WARNING ZONE Blatantly Good adds a new obstacle to his win streak. This will be even tougher, but he is so sharp right now.
5 Fifth Race Entries
Picks: 11-2-7-4
H Horse Comment
1 ART Z Being a well-beaten 7th at 119-1 in his lone start in 4 months is not a ringing endorsement for a spot like this. Longshot.
2 TOWNSLIGHT HANOVER This is a nice horse, and his first effort back was very promising. Good prep for this, and he will be a factor.
3 CAMAES FELLOW Did a good job being 3rd in the Willowdale Final. That could set him up nicely here as he moves to Saunders barn.
4 GREAT VINTAGE Caught a bit of a rough trip in his last start. He is better than that. Expect his typical speed and improvement. Loses Tim.
5 RECKLESS RIC Did a good job picking up checks in the Willowdale series. Not sure he is ready to jump up and win here.
6 FLIPPER J One of the better NYSS competitors last year did not fire his best shot last time. He needs to pick it up and Pierce opted off.
7 SAMANDAR He has been OK since his return, and now tackles strictly 4YO’s, granted very good ones. Will offer value. Loses Tetrick.
8 ROCK’EM Is at the disadvantage of not having a start following his QUA’s, unlike others. Probably up against it despite Tetrick’s choice.
9 VOICE OF TRUTH He is much better than the Complex Final result. Wide draw with 2 trailers hurts. Callahan will have to work out a trip.
10 I’M FEELIN GOOD Last year’s Junior Trendsetter winner moves to Remmen barn for this. Disappointed in the Willowdale Final. Maybe.
11 WESTWARDHO HANOVER He was one of the better 3YO’s at the end of last season and he was great in Canada. The one to beat.
12 SIR ZIGGY’S Z TAM That was a good prep last time and he can build on that. I expect him to make an impact. Sears opted off.
6 Sixth Race Entries
Picks: 7-5-3-9
H Horse Comment
1 BETTOR DESIGN Facing the $75k level at YR is similar to this level here. Recent form is rather dull. He’ll need more in this spot.
2 MCDANA N Ships back and steps up to the level he was 100-1 at two starts back. There are some good ones here, Improvement required.
3 PENCE HANOVER He is very sharp right now, and that last effort against Noble Falcon was extremely strong. He never takes money, too.
4 WHACKAMOLE HANOVER This horse is dangerous. That last try was a typical tour of the track. I expect speed and improvement.
5 INTRIGUED ROYALLY Raced well in The Complex. Burke’s barn is just too sharp to ignore, and it spots like this where he does damage.
6 TIREMAN His form is rather good right now. This is a tougher assignment, and he will need to improve to compete at this level.
7 JOLTIN’ COLT He was a wise guy pick by a few people last week, and was completely flat. He is better than that. Expect better here.
8 TARVER HANOVER You can see the difference in the depth of identical classes from one week to the next. This spot is tough. Not for me.
9 MIAS BOLD MANEUVER Good try last time on the class hike. This looks like a good spot for him. I expect another strong showing.
10 RESCUE PLAN Forced up the class ladder and this spot is just too tough for him right now. Would be a big surprise. Miller opted off.
7 Seventh Race Entries
Picks: 1-7-3-9
H Horse Comment
1 MEANT TO BE ME He could not have been better last week. Now, he steps up. He has a ton of talent, but Gingras stays with Burke.
2 LOOKINFORADVENTURE Nice win at this level last time as the favorite. This field is tougher though. Better price. Dube stays here (#7).
3 ABELARD HANOVER Everyone saw last race, he was going to blow by and win. Now, it’s Pierce. Could be massively over bet. Underlay?
4 DOUBLESHOTASCOTCH He has had a nice career, but his recent form is dull. This race is solid and wide open. Can’t endorse here.
5 DINNER GUEST Improved effort on the class drop last time. This field is particularly tough for this level though. Not this time.
6 BUCKEYE IN CHARGE Gets some much needed class relief, and sometimes that’s all it takes. Still, this field is competitive. Not for me.
7 STRAND HANOVER He took a lot of tote action last time and raced well. This is the same drop as #6. But Strand is better. Dube chose off.
8 FREDDY DAY HANOVER Made the final of The Complex but didn’t have an impact. Expect a better effort in this spot. Easily usable.
9 TUNEARIFFIC He was interfered with by #3 in the stretch, but was a beaten horse. He could be better tonight. Contention runs deep.
10 PICTURE ME Yes, he won at this level at Chester. But this field is MUCH tougher than that one. Needs more and loses Dube.
8 Eigth Race Entries
Picks: 3-10-6-2
H Horse Comment
1 EXCEL NINE His recent form at this level has been dull. I need to see some improvement before I can endorse. Gingras chose off.
2 GOOSE CREEK He is on the improve and now appears for a claiming tag. Pierce chose off but this looks like a good spot for him.
3 GAELIC THUNDER Raced well at a notch above this, now gets post and class improvement. He is a major contender with Sears staying.
4 BORDER FIGHTING He took an aggressive shot last time and it didn’t work. The move up in class is a sign of confidence. Loses Tetrick.
5 DOLLARS BROMAC He was claimed for $30k two back and has quickly been dropped in for $25k. Not a good sign, yet Pierce stays.
6 TAMAYO He was stung to the ¼ last time against tougher, and now gets a class drop. Class and post improvement makes him tough here.
7 MEGA HALL Recent form has not been good. It is going to take some improvement to compete here and Sears chose off.
8 TUGBOAT He keeps racing well despite the steady rise up the class ladder. I expect that to continue. Not on top, but usable in exotics.
9 COMICAL STAR A Nice job from a tough spot last time. Gets a hike in class, which I like. He is sharp and should offer value. Use.
10 STORMIN RUSTLER Another class dropper and he was good in his first two starts to start the meet. Expect speed from Tetrick’s choice.
9 Ninth Race Entries
Picks: 8-2-6-9
H Horse Comment
1 VINTAGE FENOM Steps up off a claim and a dull effort. I’m not fond of that move in this spot, especially with Sears choosing off.
2 LAGUNA BEACH Comes right back at the same level off a win. Gingras could do no wrong last week. He looks tough to beat here.
3 CALMLEE JASON Continues to move up the class ladder despite his form going the wrong way. I don’t really understand why. Not for me.
4 HURRIKANE SCOTTY J Got a confidence builder against the bottom level last time. This will be tougher and he loses Gingras.
5 IDEALIC LIFE It’s never good when you are 3 wide to the ¼ at YR and he paid the price late. Was 3/5 vs. $15k claimers two back.
6 HANKS KID That was a rough trip last time. He can be better than that given the right trip this time. His form prior to that was good. Use.
7 IN KENNY’S HONOR He was actually good last time, but I still think he is a cut below the best in here. A perfect trip could bring a share.
8 STAR OF THE GAME He could not have come home any faster in his last start. He needs to be put in the game sooner. I’m using.
9 VILLAGE RHYTHM Beaten by a huge effort last time. Steps up off a strong effort and a claim. I like that. Sears choice over #’s 1 and 5.
10 TONGUE TWISTER His last two have not been sharp, and he is in line for a tough journey from here. I cannot recommend in this spot.
10 Tenth Race Entries
Picks: 4-8-9-10
H Horse Comment
1 AMERICAN ROMANCE He has now made a break in two of his last three starts. Remember, he was 4/5 opening weekend. Tricky read.
2 ARDUOUS His form has not been sharp since the start of the meet. I need to see more before I can endorse.
3 MONTECITO N He has gone some HUGE miles here before. His qualifier was OK, but I want to see a start first to better gauge progress.
4 DOMITIAN HANOVER He has rounded into form the last couple of starts and this is the right level for him. Miller’s choice is a contender.
5 CASIMIR CAMOTION Speaking of going huge miles before, we all know what this guy can do. His last start was so-so and he needs more.
6 WESTERM TSUNAMI He is yet to find his best stride this year, and I have no way of predicting when it is coming. Passing for now.
7 LAHAYE Tough trip last time, but he is not in good form and I think this field is just too tough for him. Miller chose off.
8 HEART OF ROCKNROLL He showed major improvement last time and you can continue to expect more improvement, but Tetrick’s off.
9 MIDAS BLUE CHIP He has been sharp since opening weekend, and there is no reason to expect any regression now. Major contender.
10 MAJOR BELLE Exits The Complex and catches a field he can compete with. I expect a solid effort from him. Hard to dismiss.
11 Eleventh Race Entries
Picks: 2-3-1-5
H Horse Comment
1 WESTERN TRADEMARK So the $50k claiming level was too much. No problem, he is back to the level he can do damage.
2 PAN GRAD He has shown no early speed in his last 3 starts. Will post 2 keep him closer? He’s sharp right now. One of the contenders.
3 LEE AVE He gets some class relief here, and it will help. Andy Miller had a tough choice in this race and opted to #1. Still a contender.
4 UPFRONT COSMO That QUA was solid, and I like that he was finishing his mile. I think this is just a little too much for him though.
5 MAMBO ITALIANO You have to like the major improvement from one QUA to the next. This is the right level for him. Another contender.
6 MASTER STROKE He burnt some cash last time and comes right back at this level. He can improve here and is Tetrick’s choice. Maybe.
7 TRIPLE MAJOR His form going back to December is not sharp. Others in here have more appeal too. Passing with Tetrick choosing off.
8 GUNMANS BANDIT Had his first start at the track and he can improve off that. Like that Burke doesn’t drop him in class. Value play.
9 OL’ MAN RIVER Bumped up off the claim and it didn’t quite work. Expect a change in tactics tonight. Off the pace move might help.
10 BESTNOTLIE HANOVER Fear he will see a similar journey to what he saw in that last start. Need needs more now.
12 Twelfth Race Entries
Picks: 7-2-3-6
H Horse Comment
1 STANDUPNKISSME He just didn’t have any pace last time at this same level. I simply cannot like him off that effort.
2 MCKEE LARGO That effort was not bad from a very tough spot. There were a couple of good ones in that field too. I like him in this spot.
3 ADAMS HANOVER He loomed boldly down the stretch, but flat out hung in the lane. He is one of the ones to beat again. Hard to ignore.
4 LIFESONG This is a major drop in class, but he is eligible to face much softer. I will wait for that to happen. Just 4 starts in 14 months too.
5 BLUE CLAW He has not been good at this level, which I have seen before. I am just going to wait for him to face softer before I consider.
6 FINANCE THE MASTER He had no chance last time, although he made a big move on the turn before flattening out. Interesting.
7 SKY TANTRUM Dube surprised me choosing him last time, and he got aggressive to. I wonder if that tightened him up. More interesting.
8 POKER HAT He came up empty despite a good trip last time. He has a ton of back class which can show up at any time. Maybe.
9 SAND SAVAGE His form has gone the wrong way lately and I need to see some improvement before I can recommend.
10 JOEY THE CZAR His last start was OK and he could be better tonight. Expect speed tonight. He is one of the contenders.
13 Thirteenth Race Entries
Picks: 10-1-2-6
H Horse Comment
1 TAKEMEWITHYOU Old fashioned drop and pop last time. Off that effort in this field he appears as strictly the one to beat again. Tough.
2 OSCAR OSCAR He beat a nice horse in that qualifier. First time Julie Miller is always a dangerous angle here. He is a contender.
3 HIT AWAY Has now been beaten 57 lengths in the last 4 starts, all surrounding a lame scratch. He would shock me here.
4 BETTORS CURSE First start back in almost two months off just one so-so qualifier. I need to see a race first before I recommend.
5 JIM’S GUY Took a shot first over last time and he flattened out in the lane. He can work out a trip from here. Interesting price play.
6 WESTERN VICTORY Caught a rough shuffle in the Hirt, and this is some serious class relief. He is a contender for Hardy.
7 ART AT HEART His last two starts have just been bad. Buzzy will need to figure a few things out with a horse who has ability. Not yet.
8 BEWARE OF DARKNESS He has been lacking something in the stretch of late, but is getting serious class relief too. Mixed feelings.
9 TROTTOWN KING That was a fair try in his first start off the layoff and he can build on that. I would use him in dime supers.
10 MUST BE THE BUNNY That was not a bad effort last time. He could be better with a start under his belt. New driver may be aggressive.