9/30 (OSA): Morvich H. (G3)
 

8th (4:30) Morvich H. (G3)

About 6 1/2 Furlongs (Downhill turf) | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes | Purse: $100,000

1 Cherokee Heaven Blanc B 114 L
2 Perfect Officer Rosario J 114
3 California Flag Talamo J 122 L
4 Stoneside (IRE) Pedroza M A 116 L
5 Tiz West Bejarano R 116 L
6 Desert Code Migliore R 121 L
7 Flashmans Papers (GB) Delgadillo A 114 L
8 Tenga Cat Smith M E 115 L
9 Bruce's Dream Gomez G K 112 L
10 Get Funky Baze T C 116 L

That Perfect Officer horse is a big question mark in here. That's a 5f horse going 6 1/2. That means it could pressure the front coming off that turn. I think that would be a mistake, because I don't think he will finish good enough. Is he gunna do that, or try to relax him for a stretch move coming off that apron? That 2 post is not ideal for that horse, either. This is the main horse I'd worry about if I was to single C Flag, because I don't see the others pressuring him. This one might be able to go up alongside him mid-race.

It has been pointed out a few times that horses who do best on the downhill course are generally those with decent form at a mile on the flat, not the 5-6f sprinters trying to stretch out. Not 100%, of course.

By the way, we all know who Morvich was, don't we?
The first California-bred winner of the Kentucky Derby, foaled in the Napa Valley in 1919, pre-wineries. At two, he won all 11 of his starts, including the Hopeful, Saratoga Special, and Pimlico Futurity. As a 3yo, he made his first start of the year in the Kentucky Derby after a speed-oriented preparation (his 12th consecutive win), but his faulty front legs failed him thereafter and he never won again.

Is Migliore just going out to ride Desert Code or is he moving his tack back to California (again)? I see he has a mount in the next race after this one, but none the following 2 days. Is this just a move to keep Desert Code for another BC win?

He's riding at Oak Tree all meet and coming back to NY after the BC.

NT

Thanks. I figured he might be because of the BC being out there (again, groan!)

Desert Code has run pretty well for the Mig over this tricky course.

No Jungle Prince?:eek:

Hes entered Saturday in a match race against Shadow of Illinois :D

:zz: :zz:

I'm going with Get Funky in this spot.

I agree with you here. He ran very well in the Colonel John race in Del Mar
and I liked that he returned from that to run in a sprint but it was too short.
Sadler gave him another route only to run him back today for 6.5 where he has run his best races down the hill.

I liked the way he kept on in the Wickerr when he had every reason to back up in the stretch. It would be nice, but I think his odds will be a bit lower than his 8-1 ML. Good luck.

When they start the descent down the hill California Flag may be 10 in front. There is absolutely no one in here who can keep him honest early. He can only be beaten by himself or his jockey.

NT

This is the spot to play him, had some no shot setups lately and he is going to be a good price for a change.

I want to see how the course is playing. Clearly, if it's hard and favoring speed, California Flag will be tough to beat. But, I'll probably try to beat him, nonetheless. I believe the distance is perfect (and the race will set up) for two horses: Stoneside and Cherokee Heaven; with Stoneside being the better of the two.

as you know fat man, its very difficult to wire down the hill.........living 30 miles from anita, i can tell you its been dryer than a popcorn fart here.

We were on the right track but California Flag is one of the best in Turf sprints.
It will be interesting to see where sadler puts Get Funky next.

If they're gunna start bringing in that type of dog waste they brought in for the last race, then people will think twice about playing there. There are limits. There are many tracks to choose from.