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Handicapping

Week Of 7/29 - 8/4
SU29
MO30
TU31
WE1
TH02
FR03
SA04

Track Handicapper Darin Zocali's Bio
	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 Friday, August 03, 2012

1

First Race

Picks: 4-5-1-6

H	Horse	Comment
1	ELLENS ISLE	Exploded home on 7/20 but found the step up to be too much. Back down to the right level and she’ll be dangerous again.
2	DOUBLE UP HANOVER	One of the more unpredictable trotters on the card. Talented, but can break at any moment. Risky play as usual.
3	T P LUCY	Stopped last week. Prior effort was solid against softer. Feel this level appears to be one step too high. Wait for an easier spot.
4	PROUD MOMENT	Key race is from 7/6. Winner and runner-up from there are in Stakes events Hambo Day. Tetrick knows him. The pick.
5	WALDORF HALL	Coming off a break and his recent form overall is rather dull. He has been facing better and can wake up on class drop.
6	KING’S CAVALIER	Came from an impossible spot to earn a share last time. That’s progress. Not sold on the win, but can earn a share.
7	TEXAS RIDGE	He has never raced up to the QUA from 5/26, which to date was the best he’s ever been. Hard to endorse off the last pair.
8	LUCKYCHARM HANOVER	Loses Campbell tonight. This is a trotter with ability. Raced in last year’s Hambo. Last effort was better too.
9	MARCUS BI	He just hasn’t had the year I thought he would have. At Lexington, he displayed an explosive late kick. Waiting for better.
10	PURE BARRE	Mare is known to spring an upset from time to time. But with this wide draw and her lack of speed, I don’t think it happens.

2

Second Race

Picks: 2-9-5-4

H	Horse	Comment
1	POKER CHAMP	Off an injured scratch and hasn’t raced in four weeks. Prior form was dull too. I have to see a start before I can endorse.
2	ALA CARTE BILL	In a field this wide open the driver change to Lachance is going to attract some play. Repeat of 6/30 race can win this.
3	REAL ARTICULATE	He has been beaten a combined 75 ¾ lengths his last four starts. Impossible to recommend given current form.
4	AINTNOFOOLSGOLD	His form has been better of late than most of these, but he has been camera shy this year too. Lands a share.
5	BARN ART	Making his 2nd race back off the layoff and just start #7 of the last 2 years. He has a right to move forward in this field.
6	PALM BEACH BOY	Qualified behind and Open horse. Shows a race from 6/2 that will win this race. He was favored when last seen too.
7	YOUTH UPRISING	He has not been much of a factor lately, but the driver change will attract some attention here. Makes him interesting.
8	SIMPLY FAITH	Has just one start this year and it was not very inspiring. He does have a right to improve in his 2nd start off the layoff.
9	BRANDON’S COLT	Woke up on the class drop and raced better last time. He can build off that effort and move forward in this group.
10	SHARKSTUNE	Record shows he is now just 2 for his last 57 and 3 for 74 overall. Has the widest draw without much speed. Tough task.

3

Third Race

Picks: 1-1B-3-6

H	Horse	Comment
1	LITTLE BROWN FOX	Was kept our three wide and made an unfortunate break at the ¼ pole. He leads a very formidable 4 horse entry.
1A	APPOMATTOX	Came off Lasix in the Hambo Elim and raced OK. He is kept off that medication again. Effort in the Dancer was very good.
1B	MODERN FAMILY	Exploded home last time and it appears that this colt has really found himself of late. He will be formidable once again.
1C	ONE IN A MILLION	Made another miscue in The Hambletonian elimination. He has ability and is a nice compliment to a stacked entry.
2	STAN THE MAN	Making his 3rd start back off the layoff. His last two starts have not been too good, but he’s lightly raced with upside.
2A	FROM ABOVE	Interesting to see him move from The Peck barn to Schnittker. Maybe Ray can turn him around? The talent is there.
2B	EPIC TALE	Coming off a sick scratch and like his stable mate he is yet to live up to his potential. Let’s see if he can start to turn it around.
3	BANKER VOLO	I was really disappointed in his Hambletonian Elimination. Nearly shocked he didn’t make the Final. Still, he has talent.
4	NEW YORK MUSCLE	Has been racing primarily against much softer than this. Now, he is just 1 for 17 and will need a lifetime best effort.
5	POWER PLAY	The favorite from last year’s Peter Haughton has been racing a bit better and now gets a major test for class. Tough task.
6	ANOTHER AMARETTO	This gelding has really put it together lately. Has a tough assignment here, but I can see him hitting the ticket.

4

Fourth Race

Picks: 10-7-1-5

H	Horse	Comment
1	ODDS ON GUINEVERE	Filly stepped up with a breakthrough performance last time. She has been pretty sharp lately. She’s a contender.
2	THE REAL TONE	She has not brought her Midwest form over here. She qualified behind American Jewel last time. Can she be better?
3	FILL MY POCKETS UP	Ocean Downs form was pretty solid, but she seemed overmatched in her lone try here. She’ll have to step it up.
4	KITTI PLACE	Mare just has not been able to handle the big track. Lone OK effort came against softer. Wait for her to head to Freehold.
5	JINXY’S DELIGHT	Last race was full of breakers. But, she improved dramatically with the addition of Lasix. She could be even better here.
6	CINDY’S FLOWER	Lightly raced with some upside. She was certainly a bit better last time. I can see her improving enough for a share.
7	CAMWOW	Made a move to the lead last time with a decent effort. She is another that is eligible to improve. Appears to be worth including.
8	LIZ’S LIL K K	Only one lifetime start in stakes company. Her QUA’s were OK. Still, I need to see another start before I can recommend.
9	GOOD NIGHT HANOVER	Added Lasix on 7/12 and I like that she improved 2nd time on the medication. Still not flying home though. Tricky.
10	PERSUASIVE HANOVER	Not too concerned with the wide draw as she can make the lead from here. Clearly, she is the one to beat.

5

Fifth Race

Picks: 2-5-7-6

H	Horse	Comment
1	NEARLY UNCLE	Came from a tough spot and he is probably better than being 11 lengths behind Aisling. Still, he will have to improve now.
2	ICE MACHINE	He reached a level that was just a bit too much. Now he slides down the ladder and he is an appealing value play in here.
3	CURLY TOP	Mare has been facing what I feel are fields a bit softer than this. She’ll need to step up to be a contender in this group.
4	ZEITGEIST	That winners over field at Tioga was not nearly as strong as this field, and he was a non-factor last time. Longshot in here.
5	AISLING	He stood out on paper and delivered last time. Still, this gelding has loads of back class, so the step up won’t be an issue. Tough.
6	BIG SKY HURRICANE	Loved him last week and it paid off. This field is tougher despite it technically being the same level. Still, I’m using.
7	LANSON	The last time he made a drop like this he went off favored and dominated. This field is tough though. He’ll be tough on the drop.
8	CHAPLIN HALL	Came home with a flying finish on 7/13 at this level, defeating In Focus in the process. This is a tougher spot. Tricky call.
9	MASSIVE DRAMA	Mare is usually at her best against softer groups than this. This just appears to be too tough for her. Longshot.
10	IN FOCUS	Seems to almost always take money, but he won’t be 9/5 in here. He has speed, but he’ll have his hands full from out here.

6

Sixth Race

Picks: 1-9-7-4

H	Horse	Comment
1	LADY ANDOVER	Kicks off a very talented and contentious field. She has ability and is one of many that can win this with the right setup.
2	BEATGOESON HANOVER	She is now 11 races into her season, and she has not found her 3YO form. Still, it can pop up at any time.
3	ALL MUNKY BUSINESS	Just appears to be a cut or two below this level. Gets a driver change to Tetrick, but I think she is in too tough.
4	FIRSTCLASSPRINCESS	That was a big effort last time and this mare is razor sharp. The value should still be there. Lots to like with her.
5	PANTHOLOPS	Mare had too far to come last time, but her effort in Leg 1 was solid. You can go either way on her. Price will be right.
6	TUI	Which mare shows up tonight? The one that was vicious in Leg 1, or the one that got tired and rough in Leg 2? Price dictates the play.
7	CHINA PEARLS	She skipped last week with a scratch, but her effort in Leg 1 was dominant. She is going to be a handful again. Short price.
8	OH SWEET BABY	Mare is yet to hit the board this year and while she has ability, she appears to be in too deep at this level.
9	CEDAR DOVE	Catches the widest draw, but this mare is just so talented it doesn’t matter. She deserves to be favored. Great race here!

7

Seventh Race

Picks: 8-2-6-3

H	Horse	Comment
1	FAT MANS ALLEY	Nearly pulled off a shocker at 57-1 last time. This field appears to be tougher on paper. I need to see that effort again.
2	SOCIAL NETWORK	Dropping down to the lowest level he has seen in some time. Is he ready to jump up and breakthrough? Right spot.
3	RELENTLESS DREAMER	Improved last time against a tough field. He doesn’t often put together solid back to back races though. Tricky.
4	ZALL GOOD	Qualified one of the tougher 3YO’s around in Pet Rock. It’s hard to get a gauge on where he belongs here. Tough call.
5	FINANCE THE MASTER	Stepping up off a loss and this a tougher than usual Nw6500. He appears to be overmatched in this field.
6	ROCKWEILLER	On paper, he looks awfully tough in here. But he just doesn’t win often enough for me to play him at a short price.
7	LIBERTY CALL	While he is sliding down the class ladder, but his last win here came in the Nw4000 Consolation. Leaning elsewhere here.
8	TAXED	Watched the replay, and I am not sure what happened last time. I am just going to throw it out. Like the driver change too. Playing.
9	STOPWATCH N	He was just even on the class drop last time. This spot doesn’t appear any easier, especially with this draw. Longshot.
10	BLUES AT MIDNIGHT	He raced well here in the winter in Nw2 company, but his form has not returned except for 1 race at PcD. Not sold.

8

Eigth Race

Picks: 5-9-3-7

H	Horse	Comment
1	CULLENS BLUE JEAN	Gelding has speed from the inside, but his stamina appears to be lacking. This field has many contenders in it.
2	CANE RIDGE	Just 1 for 21 on the year, but he shows some decent efforts against similar. Appears likely to battle for a minor award.
3	STORMIN RUSTLER	Gingras got aggressive last time at Philly, and this guy got a little tired in the lane. I expect some improvement here.
4	LEMON DROP HALL	Steps up off the claim, but Czermann has done well off the claim before. He’s the wild card on the hike up in class.
5	EVENING JOB	When last seen at this level he outraced his odds and just missed to a sharp favored winner. Like the draw and price here.
6	CARSON CITY ROAD	He did not race well at all on Monday night at Yonkers. Now 0 for 21 on the year and he seems like a longshot.
7	VEAL MARSALA	He has been doing a good job of picking up checks, but he is missing that knockout punch to win. I expect the same now.
8	INFORM	Form has gone in the wrong direction since the win. Last time at this level he earned a minor share. Can’t see more than that now.
9	SNIPER SEELSTER	The dropdown should make him tough in here as he romped in his last start at this level. He’s the one to beat here.
10	SPUDCAM	This gelding likes to win. He has 7 wins from 18 starts this year. Not sure what kind of speed he’ll show from this draw. Tricky.

9

Ninth Race

Picks: 9-2-6-8

H	Horse	Comment
1	CORKY BARAN	Came from a very difficult spot last time, but finished well. This draw should keep him closer. Expect him to be right there.
2	DRY GULCH	That was a sharp effort in his return to The Big M. Off that effort he appears to be awfully tough in here. He can win again.
3	CC RACY	Loomed boldly last time, but ran out of steam coming down to the wire. He will need more than that to contend for the win here.
4	T M TOP GUN	Just missed by a head last time, but Joe De Fino won that race on back class alone. This field is much tougher than that.
5	TYREE	He had modest pace last time finishing up. He’s not the quickest away from the gate and could be left with too much to do.
6	REMISSIONOFSINS	He was good two starts back and just missed as the 8/5 favorite. Gets a key driver change tonight. He’ll be tough.
7	MYRA’S HIHO	Disappointed as the favorite last time. He just has not won that much this year. But, the price will be right for believers now.
8	TROUBLE HANOVER	Nice effort last time and he seems to be finding his form too. Off his last pair, he looms an obvious contender.
9	ART’S JIMMY RAY	Dropping back down to the level of his last pair of wins. He has won half his starts this year and that makes him tough.
10	MASTER OF WARS	He did not have his best effort last time. Unfortunately, this wide draw is going to present a similar scenario. Longshot.

10

Tenth Race

Picks: 4-2-8-3

H	Horse	Comment
1	FANCY PANTS SANDY	Her last few starts have been decent, but stepping up to this level appears awfully demanding. Tough assignment.
2	ROCKIN BELLE	Three year old filly packs speed, but she doesn’t finish that well when blasting. Sneaky last pace last time. Longshot play?
3	SHAYNA BABY	She just had absolutely no chance last time. She’s finishing her miles better and she can earn a piece with a trip.
4	RUN ON LUCK	She is clearly the one that will have to beat. She has been racing well at the Open Level at YR. Tough to get past here.
5	MYLUVMYLIFE	Never really had much of a chance to pace last time. From this post, I can see her finding a way into a live outer flow.
6	PEARL HANDLEPISTOL	She was a long price last time and had even pace down inside. Can she be better here? It’s a tough call.
7	KEYSTONE KATHERINE	Mare has been racing OK of late and is an interesting player in this field. I can see her battling for a share here.
8	DRAGON PRINCESS	She is fairly sharp right now and is exiting a fast mile too. Can’t really see any reason to leave her off the tickets.
9	RUB THING	She doesn’t seem to have much early zip, so she is likely to have to come from far back. I’ll be using underneath in here.

11

Eleventh Race

Picks: 4-9-3-1

H	Horse	Comment
1	HE’S A BEACHBOY	Had too far to come from that wide draw last time. Obviously, this post can keep him closer. Can land a piece of this.
2	BEST LIFE	Form has been in and out of late. Gets a driver change to Callahan and moves inside. Can tow along for a share in here.
3	BLADE RUNNER	Last pair of starts make this gelding pretty dangerous in here. He might be the one they have to beat. Short price looms.
4	MISTER BARNETT N	He could be the play in here. Moves back inside and has speed in a field without a ton of early zip. Like his chances.
5	TREY	Last few starts just haven’t been up to par and it would take a form reversal for him to land a share in here. Looks like a longshot.
6	I’VE GOT THE POWER	No idea what happened to him last time as he stopped. If you throw that race out, he can contend. Mixed feelings.
7	DRAGON KING	Just 1 win over the last two years and he has been struggling at Philly against similar fields. Not sold on his chances here.
8	RED STAR TOMAHAWK	Winless on the year and from this draw he might have too much left to do. Will have a long way to come.
9	IN KENNY’S HONOR	His speed should make him dangerous in this field. He doesn’t always finish that well, but it’s hard to dismiss him.
10	MOST HAPPY KEENE	His last few efforts make him a very tough play from this post. He looks like the longshot of this group.