OK, so it's not the Derby. It's also not even Churchill Downs. But it is Derby Day and Fizzy is taking on nine others in a $16,000 claiming race at Tampa Bay Downs this afternoon. The race is the 11th and will go a mile and a sixteenth oer the Tampa Bay turf course. Fizzy (and several others) are dropping into this race that looks like it will prove to be a competitive affair. After a great looking debut two starts back at $25,000, Fizzy fizzled in his next start, also at $25,000. So today we drop down to $16,000 and try to pick up a win to bolster the bank account.
Here is a rundown of the field:
1. Privey Seal (IRE) -Hasn't won yet in '09, but has been competitive in every $16,000 turf race so far.
2. Dawn Raider - Third in last, several lengths ahead of Fizzy and also beat him back at Canterbury last summer. Been running against better, leading trainer and probably the post time favorite.
3. Makaan - A clunker last out at $32,000, but an impressive wire to wire win two back against this class. Looks like a miler, but will get out quickly.
4. Lucky Leo - Won his first two starts at this level in 2009 but has had some trouble since.
5. Kid Carousel - Another who likes the front, he hasn't won yet this year, but was close once.
6. Babo - Seems to be a cut below these.
7. Red North - Been a bit ragged on the turf, but had a nice first start here at TBD this year and sharp closing second on the dirt last out.
8. FIZZY POP
9. Close By - On the board at this level last two, but both ended up off the turf.
10 Grato Recuerdo (CHI) - Another speedster should help ensure an honest pace if all three start. Been running, but losing, against better.
It looks like there is enough speed in here to ensure an honest pace for Fizzy to run at. If jockey Dean Butler can get him to relax early enough and preserve some energy in the heat and humidity predicted for today, they'll be something to run at late. It looks like a classic cavalry charge finish. I'm hoping that Fizzy feels like going after it today and can dig in through the stretch to pull this one out.
2 comments:
In all of the Derby hoopla, I didn't miss Fizzy's race. Boy, he was closing so well! Nice second place finish.
Thanks, Val. I thought we were going to get there. Two nice races out of three and now we head for Canterbury. Time to buy a bag of peppermints!
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