Turfway Park provides daily selections and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.
Wednesday, Dec. 21 – picks by Mike Battaglia
CARTERS GAP comes off of back to back wins at Mountaineer and was second in his only try on the Turfway Poly. He has the speed to be on the lead and rates the edge in a good starter allowance race. LOGAN CREEK faded after showing speed against better at Churchill. He is capable of laying right off of the pace and will be tough for Aaron West and Lexcano who are both off to an excellent start this meet. KEEPYOURCHINUP is a definite threat.
RACE 2
MARKET WEST is one of two in here for the aforementioned Aaron West. He scored at big odds in his Turfway debut and is capable of making it two in a row. SQUEEGEE is the other West trainee and he looks like the one to beat. TIZON will be running at the end and has to be considered.
RACE 3
TAPIT WICKED has only managed two wins in nineteen races but he has been in the money in thirteen of those races. He has never been raced on Poly but posted a solid work on Sunday and looks best for Maker with Channing Hill aboard. TAPITSPHERE has been off since he was claimed back in May but is training well for his return. Anything close to his best makes him dangerous. NORMANDY CROSSING is winless this year but loves this track and is a contender.
RACE 4
I’M EXTRAORDINARY isn’t–but she should be good enough to win this bottom claimer. MISS OMEARA has won here in the past and figures to be a solid threat. NASTY GIRL BLUES rates a chance.
RACE 5
VINO SCURO drops back to the bottom and appears to be in a good spot to get his maiden win. JORDY JACK SPLASH hasn’t raced since June but also takes the class drop for Kim Hammond and is the one to beat. JIM’S FEVER fits with these.
RACE 6
GUILTY STREAK rates a slight edge over DEMARLBORO in what looks like a two-horse race. CLAUDE is a first time starter who had a decent work here earlier this month.
RACE 7
SHE’S MESSI comes off of some even races at Woodbine and has a solid record here at Turfway. She figures to win this one with Lezcano picking up the mount for Larry Lay. SUCCESSFUL BRAT broke sharply last out and was never in contention. Look for a better effort tonight. MOVING PARTS ran against better at Churchill and fits with these.
RACE 8
EN HANSE comes off of a game maiden win at Churchill and has posted a couple of bullet works over this track. He seems to be getting better with every race for Mike Maker and he looks like a good bet to make it two in a row. PREEMPTIVE STRIKE has been running against some tougher company. He figures to like the cut back to six furlongs and is the one to beat. PERFECT COMIC showed big improvement when switched to the Poly and has the speed to be dangerous.
RACE 9
LIL LUCILLE drops back to the bottom and gets the nod at this level. EASTERN MISCHIEF was a beaten favorite last out but also takes the class drop and will be tough to beat. PERSONAL PARADE is a contender.