[philcski]

Day 7 4/11/10: Stalkers/closers had a good day, but those close to the pace who tucked in did OK. Those running directly into the wind with no cover seemed to struggle.

Strong performance from DIAMOND SONG, who did all the heavy lifting and fought off multiple challengers before finally giving it up late in the lane.

Upgrade HAWAIIAN SKY, who was wide the whole way and moved a bit too early. Would win with the same move at CD. Downgrade FLAT CHANCE who basically sucked up for 2nd with no real excuse against a moderate group.

Remarkable race from EXCITABLE BOY, who was the only pace horse around at the end and was bothered multiple times in the stretch yet still managed to rerally and finish 3rd. Downgrade the top two who got an ideal pace setup given the bias and the hot pace.

Upgrade FLASHY'S SONG, who fought off 3 challenges before succumbing late in the lane while 5 clear of 3rd. Winner DUOMO had an ideal trip and would need to improve to win at N1X. Lot of bumping between Genisa and Lookn Even Finer, but both just looked very tired.

HERE COMES BEN's performance looks a lot better on paper than it really was; very pedestrian fractions and was gifted the lead after breaking 4th because the other riders took back. Upgrade CALIMONCO who rallied wide late despite the slow fractions.