Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A Week Off, Then She Tries Again

After failing to get in last week as Also Eligible 1, I Am Woman will be taking on a full field of $5000 pacers back at Pocono Downs tomorrow evening. She comes in having lost to three of these last time out, but she did it while looking better than she had in a month. She's back in on the rail with another new driver, Kevin Sizer (UDR .238), in the bike. Here is the rundown for the 8th race Wednesday night.

1. I AM WOMAN

2. Lightning Pegasus: One of the three who overtook I Am Woman in the stretch last out to finish second. She moves inside for the first time in a long time and is a threat in here.

3. Cajun Angel: Has been last or second to last in her last five starts. Same level tonight, no reason to expect an improvement.

4. Dig Alittle Deeper: She likes to come from the back of the pack and should get that opportunity again. Don't know if she can win, but probably useful in an exotic.

5. Corky's Baylor: Has not been close since dropping to this level.

6. Live Wire's Cammy: This old veteran has seen sharper days.

7. Asian Express: Was flat last out. Maybe needed the experience back over the PcD track. Post 7 won't be helpful, though.

8. Allamerican Excel: Didn't bounce back well after being scratched due to illness. Claimed at $7000 and dropping immediately after one start. Not a good sign.

9. Call Me Roo: Two for two since dropping in at this level beating all but Allamerican Excel in the last race. She won from the 5 and from the 2 and from behind and on the engine. Definitely the on to beat in here - though odd that she doesn't get moved back up in class.

Our girl has her work cut out for her Wednesday evening. Given the disastrous performance two starts back where I think she was a little under the weather, she came back nicely in her last. If she still wasn't 100%, then I think that we have a shot in here. If that was as good as she gets, however, then we have a longer term problem that VIP will have to sort out going forward.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Best of luck!

I'll admit, my knowledge of harness racing is pretty limited. How much of a factor is post position compared to a Thoroughbred race?

NewHorizons said...

Good Luck!

Curious on the pedigree of Allamerican Excel? I have an off the track standardbred here at New Horizons Equine Center sired by Allamerican Ingot!

Theodore L. Grevelis said...

mibred - Thanks. I think it makes a bigger difference the smaller the tracks get. If you get caught outside going into a turn, you're likely to stay parked out there for at least a quarter. Unlike Thoroughbred racing, there is no way to duck in behind somewhere when you're hauling a sulky!

NewHorizons - Thanks. Allamerican Excel is by Jenna's Beach Boy out of Express Overnite by Dragon's Lair.

NewHorizons said...

Thanks for the ped. info.-also wondering what the term "Pull the pocket" means, or "Pulling the pocket"? Not sure which term they used during the call of the race? Thanks!

Standardbredgal(twitter)

Theodore L. Grevelis said...

The "pocket" is the spot behind the lead horse on the rail. When a driver "pulls the pocket" he tips his charge to the outside to try and take the lead.

NewHorizons said...

Thank you for explaining the term! Makes sense to me now! :)

Standardbredgal (twitter)