Turfway Park’s Mike Battaglia provides daily selections and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 (Preview)
Race 1
I GOT IT comes off a decent effort at Churchill and will appreciate the move back to Poly. She looks best with Rafael Mojica aboard for Ricky Short. NAPA VALLEY ROSE just won here last Saturday and a repeat of that one makes her tough to beat. PUPPY ON A STRING stopped badly last out but has the speed to make the lead and should run much better tonight.
Race 2
TAPITOR was no match for a runaway winner at Churchill but held on well to finish second in that one. He drops in class and can win this one for Helen Pitts with Franklin picking up the mount. WICKED GEM exits the same race as the top pick and has to be considered. AULD CUP takes the class drop and fits in here.
Race 3
CHARM OFFENSIVE was never in contention last out against a better field but drops in class tonight. He broke his maiden over this track last year and appears to be in a good spot to pick up another win against this field. I’M A LUCKY GUY and RISKY TOWN finished a head apart in their last race and both are capable of running well again.
Race 4
PRINCETONIAN was closing well going five furlongs last out and will appreciate the added distance tonight. He gets the edge with McKee back aboard for Brett Santangelo. CJS BILLY BYU beat the top pick last out and has the speed to be dangerous. MONDAY CONFESSION was dull in his last two but is capable of better.
Race 5
GAMBLER’S CHOICE has the speed to be on or near the lead throughout and rates the edge in this one. LUDLUM gets blinkers back on tonight and posted a recent bullet work. He should get a good trip from the inside post and is the one to beat. JUST BE FRANK is a definite contender.
Race 6
LAND BATTLE was a game winner in his first start back after being claimed by Kim Hammond. He can rate just off of what figures to be a fast pace and is capable of the repeat score with Machado back aboard. LANIER prefers more distance but is a classy runner who will benefit from the fast pace and will be closing late. TORAZO likes this track and has to be respected in a tough allowance race.
Race 7
RAF stopped badly in both of his races but drops in for a tag for the first time for Mike Maker. He will be tough to catch with Prescott picking up the mount. QUITE A BIT ran evenly at this level last out and looks like the main competition. RUSSIAN TO TAPIT is a contender.
Race 8
LADY RUBI is 1-for-17 but drops in class and hooks a fairly weak bunch. She gets the nod. SHE’S GOT FRIENDS closed well to finish second last out and looks like the one to beat. TEMPLESIS fits in here.