Turfway Park’s Mike Battaglia provides daily selections and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.
THURSDAY, MARCH 5, 2020
RACE 1
TWELVE MONARCHS has been running well at this level and appears to be in a good spot to pick up her maiden win at short odds. MAGIC FINNISH didn’t fire last out but is capable of better and is the one to beat. ANGEL FACE is a contender.
RACE 2
AIR TURBULENCE needed her last two races after a long layoff and could spring the upset in a wide-open race. MISS FRANK E just missed last out and a repeat of that one makes her dangerous. JEWELISA fits with these.
RACE 3
HORSEFEATHERS has shown big improvement in his last two races. He was fourth against a much better field last out and looks like a good bet to handle this field with Corrales back aboard for Ed Frederick. STATESBORO has good speed and the inside post and could be the one to catch. WITCH DOCTOR cuts back in distance and should be running well at the end.
RACE 4
ICE CHEST has had trouble leaving the gat in all four of his races. A smooth start may be all he needs to win this one for Pat Huffman with Miranda picking up the mount. RUSSIAN TO TAPIT is good right now and figures to be a solid threat. RUBATO is a 3-year-old taking on older runners but rates a chance.
RACE 5
READY TO PLAY has been off since December but drops in class for her return and looks best with leading rider Albin Jimenez picking up the mount for the hot barn of Ben Colevbrook. BLACKBERRY LISA comes off a poor performance going a mile but is back sprinting and also takes the class drop. BEAUTY DAY debuts for Tom Drury, who does very well with his first timers.
RACE 6
BARTON HALL rates the slight edge in a well-matched race. NARROWS BRIDGE stopped badly last out but figures to make the lead and could be tough to catch tonight. HOLLEE PEACH takes on older runners after a game maiden win.
RACE 7
MY MAN FLINTSTONE was no match for the top two in the Battaglia but held on well to finish fourth in his first try around two turns. He should be on or near the lead tonight and looks best with Luan Machado back aboard for Kenny McPeek. HAIL TO THE CHIEF and ARTEMUS EAGLE form a tough entry for Ken and Sarah Ramsey. They both finished behind the top pick last out but the track was favoring speed that night and both can improve. JOHN’S ROCK is a contender.
RACE 8
RUTHYLA drops in class for Mike Maker and gets the nod in here. LUNA GO LUNA has only had two races and should improve. CYCLONE MILLIE fits with these.