Turfway Park’s Mike Battaglia provides daily selections and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.
*Note: First race post time is now 5:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday until further notice.
Battaglia selections for Friday, Feb. 2
RACE 1
NORMANDY CROSSING faded after pressing the pace in his first race back after a five-month layoff. He needed that one and figures to move forward tonight. He drops in for a tag tonight and he rates the edge for Susan Anderson with Ouzts back up. BREZNO is a perfect three for three over this track. He was claimed back by Bert Crawford last out and is the one to beat despite the class hike. LAFLOMYLAXBRO also likes this track and is good right now.
RACE 2
TIZ ORCHESTRAL comes off of a win at this level and is capable of the repeat tonight. CLEVER THUNDER has been in the money in six of her last seven races and has to be respected. STORMY LOUISE has the speed to be dangerous .
RACE 3
NORWEGIAN LADY was second when dropped to this level last out. She should get a good trip from the inside post under Franklin and her best would be good enough to beat these. INPLAY was second against the boys last out and she figures to be the main competition. TIZ HOWIES HOPE is lightly raced and could improve.
RACE 4
BROTHERS DRYDEN has been in the money in 10 of his last 12 races. He was second to Roski last out and that one came back to win here last Saturday. Give him the edge in a very tough race. ENLISTED MAN is back in against bottom claimers after a solid third-place finish last out. He can rally from just off of the pace and will be tough with Lebron aboard. HEAT ROAD looked sharp winning last out and will be on or near the lead throughout.
RACE 5
DISORDERLY CONDUCT has won six of his last nine races including a sharp score last out. He faces tougher company as Maker moves him into a starter allowance race but he gets the nod with Lebron back up. LIZZY’S LURE has definitely taken to the Poly, with back-to-back front-running scores. He figures to have some company on the front end tonight but if he makes the lead he will be tough to catch. FEET’S AFIRE is also very good right now. He will have to overcome the outside post but he is a solid threat in what looks like a well matched race.
TAVERNONTHECROW was an easy winner when dropped in against bottom claimers two starts back. He ran poorly as the favorite when moved up in class last out but is in much easier tonight and looks best in this one. DISCREETLY FIRM comes off two dull efforts but could wake up if he makes an easy lead from the rail.
RACE 7
TIZZA TEMPER just missed last out in her first try over this track. She has the speed to be in good position throughout and rates the edge for Maker and Lebron. PRIETA moves to the barn of Tom Drury for her Kentucky debut. She shows no recent works but Drury is good with returning runners and this one has faced better in California. CHAMADE rates a chance.
RACE 8
KATIE THE CUTIE does her best running on or near the lead and has had some trouble at the gate in her last two races. A better start will make her tough to beat in another well matched race. MYOSITIS MYSTIQUE moves up in class after a nice win last out. She will be running at the end and looks like the one to beat with Franklin aboard. BLAME THE DREAM will have to overcome the outside post but is a very consistent runner who has to be respected.
RACE 9
GIANT HONOR has shown improvement in every start for Pat Huffman. He gets blinkers for this one and he has the speed to be on or near the lead throughout. He should run well again tonight with Sullivan back aboard. SMELL OF ROSES faded after showing some early speed in his debut. He posted a recent bullet work for Mike Maker and is the one to beat. HERE’S CARLOS is another one who looks to be improving and is a contender.
RACE 10
CANDY LOU just ran last Friday and drops in class tonight. She gets the nod in this maiden claimer. RIDDLEMEREE debuts for Grant Hofmans, who does well with his first-time starters. She hooks a fairly weak bunch and could be a factor. WOMAN OF LOVE has the speed to be dangerous.