FAIR GROUNDS NOTEBOOK
January 26
by Brian P. Turner
A single listed stakes race highlighted the week’s racing action at Fair
Grounds as a field of six fillies and mares, four-years-old and upward, went to
the gate for the 1 1/16-mile Truly Bound H. on Saturday. Storm’s Darling (Storm
Boot) was sent to the post as the narrow favorite and appeared to be well worthy
of her role. The four-year-old filly had reeled off three solid victories in a
row, including her latest effort here in the Big Easy on January 7 where she led
an optional claiming field from gate to wire for a devastating 11-½ length
victory.
Standing in her way was the Neil Howard-trained SHADOW CAST (Smart Strike),
who will be best remembered by followers of Fair Grounds racing as the heroine
of the Silverbulletday S. (G2) here last February. In her most recent effort,
the chestnut pulled off a bit of an upset by rallying from off the pace for a
neck victory in the Pago Hop S. here on the lawn on December 18.
Storm’s Darling’s chances were compromised before the race even began as she
gave herself a bit of a jolt by charging the gate. Once the doors sprang open
though, she came out well and stalked pacesetter Miss Confusion (Miswaki)
through early fractions of :23 3/5 and : 47 1/5 before briefly wrestling the
lead away on the final turn. Once the field hit the stretch though, Storm’s
Darling tired badly and finished a distant fourth.
In the end, Shadow Cast proved best under a solid ride by Robby Albarado,
rallying from next to last and closing four wide in the stretch to get up late
for the half-length decision over the Overbrook Farm-owned Family Business
(Saint Ballado). After setting the early pace, Miss Confusion flattened a bit
but held on for the show, a full 10 lengths behind the top pair.
Steve Asmussen opened up a bit of breathing room atop the trainer
standings as his 27 winners leave him five ahead of Tom Amoss in second.
Gamaliel Vazquez is currently third with 19. Albarado still possesses a
commanding lead in the jockey standings having booted home 59 winners thus
far. Corey Lanerie and James Graham are in a tie for second with 35 winners
each.
Horses running on or near the pace dominated the sprint races on the main
track this week and they held a slight advantage in the routes as well. As for
the turf, those near the pace fared best in the sprints while the routes were
ruled by horses coming from off the pace.
HORSES TO WATCH
Thursday (01/20)
6TH – BETNOW (Pine Bluff) was wide through the early stages of this
Bayou-bred maiden special event. Once the field hit the second turn, the bay
then found himself with nowhere to run. Once he finally found a way through, he
finished with good energy to come up a neck short.
9TH – DYNAREIGN (Dynaformer) dwelled near the back of the pack in this 7 ½
furlong turf event, but he really came to life in the stretch and closed with a
solid turn of foot to finish third. The bay was making his first start since
November and should loom a solid threat, especially if he stretches
out.
Friday (01/21)
10TH – LISA’S GOLD (Touch Gold) returned from a seven-month vacation in fine
form. After dueling for the early lead, the chestnut responded well when
challenged in the stretch before giving in late to miss by a neck. With a race
under her belt, the four-year-old filly looms a solid threat to break her maiden
in her next start.
Saturday (01/22)
9TH – Shadow Cast has reeled off a pair of listed stakes victories in New
Orleans and may be ready for a return to graded company.
Sunday (01/23)
6TH – OVER THE BORDER (Wagon Limit) looked extremely impressive in her career
debut as she stalked the early pace before opening up in the stretch drive to
hit the wire 2 ¼ lengths in front. Trainer Rebecca Maker is generally not known
for having her runners completely wound up in their first start, which makes
this one all the more intriguing.
Monday (01/24)
6TH – VENT YOURSELF (The Name’s Jimmy) is now a perfect two-for-two in her
short career after taking this state-bred allowance event by 6 ¾ lengths. The
four-year-old filly laid just off the early pacesetter but still had plenty left
in the stretch as she found another gear and easily cruised home in front.