Tampa today- 1/11

[tenfurlongs]

24th day of the meet, fast & firm, time to get to work. We'll play any turf race, most MSW races, and some two-turn dirt races with bigger fields.

Race 4: MdClm32000 8.5T- #3- The Manipulater (12-1) IL-bred for Team Block. First start was an even run in a dirt sprint (a big positive for me), then a stretchout into the desired spot going two turns on the grass. Alas, that race came off-the-turf, so draw a line through it. Trainer has good numbers with layoffs, Morales rides, dam has 5 turf winners from 11 starters. #4- Bibliotecario (12-1) well-bred FTS Hard Spun colt for trainer who pops now and then with that type. Steady works at GP and Ocala. ML fave #6- Noonsight (3-1) is a bet-against-to-win for me after short layoff for cold barn. Gallardo just drags down the price. #7- Painted Image (7-2) is an improving sort, logical off the numbers, but trainer Ryan usually needs a start or two to sort out new arrivals. Pass. #9- Quality Step (4-1) is the wild card in here, makes first start for Nations barn. Previous trainers liked him as a dirt sprinter, today he's turf routing. Jockey Lynch has ridden him previously, is capable on the lawn, horse is quick on the dirt.

Exabox- 3,4,9.

Race 6: OClm75000n1x 8.0T- Short field of seven go, but quality over quantity. #2- Jais's Solitude (2-1) returns to the turf for trainer Kenneally, who is usually well-meant when he sends one over here. Tried dirt just in case they had a classic-prep contender, didn't. Close fourth to Henley's Joy points out, but deep closing style can be detrimental at TAM. Gallardo keeps the price low also. #3- More Than A.P. (4-1) is almost a mirror image of #2, with Centeno up. #4- Swope (12-1) goes out 2TS after PID MSW win for Godolphin/Stidham, who is absolutely crushing it here so far. Not bred for turf, but hard to leave off the ticket; maybe use underneath-only. #5- Hope Again (3-1) should have run better at GPW last time against similar, but could land a minor award toady for trainer Thomas, who can develop them as well as anyone. #6- Le Pond (8-1) makes TAM debut for crafty trainer DiVito who has worked him steadily for this race. Samy Camacho rides, and he's been picking the right one more often than not all meet. Must consider. #7- Regally Irish (7-2) is the fastest from the gate in here. Question seems to be how far he wants to go. Trainer Motion is having a solid meet, but it's puzzling to me putting a stakes-placed colt dirt-sprinting on the grass next out. Will reluctantly pass on the win end.

Tri- 6/all/all

more to follow...

TW

[tenfurlongs]

Race 7: MSW22500 7F- #1- Loup (6-1) gets a reboot for trainer Correas, who is often better with second race of form cycle. Jockey choice also hints at prep for next time. Even if sitting on go, faces three tougher ones in the outer stalls. Best of luck to spiderjohn though! #6- Moonoverseba (7-2) exits a fast heat when stuck down on the rail in his debut. Jockey Cotto rides back, winning with this trainer, is an excellent sprint rider. #7- Marantha (4-1) also gets a reboot after flashing speed in first two tries. Horse is working lights-out but can't ignore how cold trainer's barn is. Tab for next time. #8- Lodestar (5-2) turns back in distance and goes back to dirt for trainer Colebrook, who has a quality string here in Tampa. Should account himself well but expecting better if stretched out to two turns on dirt.

Win- 6.

Race 8: Clm16000n2l 8T- #8- Jimmy D (5-2) should be able to run by all of these in the stretch under an alert ride by Centeno, but good luck getting the ML odds. If you do, take them.

Win- 8 (at 5-2 or better).

Race 10: Crapshoot with some of the slowest turf horses on the grounds. PASS.

TW