Turfway Park’s Mike Battaglia provides daily selections and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.
Battaglia
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 (Preview)
Race 1
FOGGY KITTEN and LADY LEAH form a tough entry for the Ramseys. Either one is capable of winning but give the slight edge to FOGGY KITTEN off her Saratoga race. HOPE SO is a definite contender.
Race 2
YOU’RE THE REASON had to need her last race after a 14-month layoff. She figures to move forward and looks best on the class drop. RINGIN IN THE RAIN comes off a nice win over this track and is the one to beat. JILLS PASSION has the speed to be dangerous.
Race 3
PRIMED FOR TALENT is a consistent performer at this level and rates the edge for high-percentage trainer Larry Smith. RED BLUE AND TRUE is inconsistent but his best performance would make him tough to beat. PLAIN TALES has run well on this track and can’t be overlooked.
Race 4
DARINGLY BOLD comes off a solid third-place finish at Churchill and posted a recent bullet work over this track. He figures to be rallying from just off the pace and appears to be in a good spot to pick up the win. LORD REVELSTOKE has the speed to make the lead and could be tough to catch. STORM SCAT drops a notch in class and fits with these.
Race 5
TENACIOUS SALLY drops back to the bottom and loves the Turfway Poly. She will be rallying from off of what figures to be a solid pace and she can win this one for Chip Brownfield with De Leon picking up the mount. LIAR’S SMOKER figures to be part of that pace and would be tough if she manages to make a clear lead under Ouzts. NATIVE WONDER is a definite contender.
Race 6
HONOR BAR comes off a couple of even efforts against better at Churchill. She drops to the bottom for this one and should win if she takes to the Poly. READY TO GO comes off a decent effort here last week and has to be considered. SHYLA prefers more distance but will be running at the end and is a contender.
Race 7
BROKEN PROMISE is good right now. He has won three of his last four and figures to get a good trip from just off the pace tonight. Give him the slight edge in what looks like a well matched allowance race. ACTION EVERYDAY was a bit overmatched last out but drops in for a tag for the first time in his career and will be tough at this level. THIRSTY ACTOR has the speed to be on or near the lead and has to be respected.
Race 8
CLEAR FOR ACTION has been second in his last two races at Woodbine and appears to be in a good spot to get his maiden win for Maker and Prescott. KEROS ran very well over this track in his debut but stopped badly in his next race at Churchill. He has been off since May but is clearly the one to beat. TAPIFYN flashed speed in his only race and could be dangerous.
