Claiming Crown Iron Horse and Express Previews

What I failed to mention in yesterday’s post was that the Claiming Crown races are, essentially, starter allowances. For those of you unaware, starter allowances are for horses that have raced below a certain claiming level over a certain period of time but they cannot be claimed in the race. In the Claiming Crown, the time period is from January 1, 2008 and the races are divided by claiming prices.

Today’s previews are for the two races for horses that have run for a tag of $7500 or less since January 1, 2008. Horses are listed in alphabetical order as the post position draw is not for a few days. There will also be some scratches and I’ll address those later in the week.

Claiming Crown Iron Horse

Purse: $50,000.
Distance: 1 1/16
Surface: Dirt

Alkinoos: Only two starts in 2009 with a win and a third. He overcame a bad start in his last and rallied for third. He can get the distance and probably needed the last – and a bit more distance.

Benson: Been running in $25,000 Optional Claiming races since coming to Canterbury this summer with only a second in the slop to show for it.

Bright Hall: Claimed for $4000 at Evangeline Downs in 2008 and bookended a five race winning streak with two out of the money finishes in $5000 Starter Allowances. With this race as essentially a $7500 Starter Allowance, he may be a bit over his skis here.

Calm and Collected: 2009 has been very good for this Michael Gill owned entry. Six wins in nine starts and racking up $91,000 in earnings in the process. All but one of these was a starter allowance. The one to beat in here.

Indian Moonshine: Has not won since August of 2008, but that was a stakes race at odds of 13-1.

King Freddie: Iowa bred is making his first start after being claimed. He has not won in years and I see no reason for that to start on Saturday.

Llorton Jotace (CHI): Since being laid off for 5 months he has not been much of a factor picking up three fourth place checks in relatively short fields.

Mister Merz: Won the first race on the first day of the 2009 Canterbury meet and came within a neck of going five for five. Maybe a shade below the best in here, but clearly a colt on the rise and in stride.

Mr. Grumpy Stripes: Winner of a stakes race at Manor Downs in April. Last effort was a tough trip fourth, 1 ¾ off the top, over the turf and at Lone Star.

Mr. Meso: This 20 race winner reels ‘em off in streaks and is in the midst of one now. Speed figures are on the rise and he promises to keep Calm and Collected honest early.

Roboponi: In the money in eight of nine starts this year. He’ll want to come off the pace and should get that opportunity.

Sumacha’hot: Been racing great in the Mid-Atlantic trading wins with Calm and Collected in the last few. Also been in the money in all eight starts this year.

PICKS:

1. Sumacha’hot
2. Calm and Collected
3. Bright Hall


Claiming Crown Express

Purse: $50,000
Distance: 6 Furlongs
Surface: Dirt

Chasing the Prize: Has had a nice stretch of races since being claimed for $20,000 in January. Nice wins at Gulfstream Park in $10,000 Starter Allowance races and a solid 3rd at Churchill jumping up in class.

Chief Talkeetna: Over the past two seasons, the Chief’s line is 13 starts 7-2-2 including five for five in 2008. Racing mostly at Indiana and Tampa and may be a bit outclassed here.

Heso: The Nebraska-bred is coming off an easy win and a second in minor stakes races in Lincoln. He’s been great for a $5,000 claim, but this group may be too much for him.

I Spy Wolfe: Wolfie seems to fit best in straight $7500 company and the days of winning stakes in Texas seems a long time ago.

Jacob’s Run: Claimed for $10,000 in Louisiana on Valentine’s Day, the new owners had to love his win first back at $20,000 a couple of months later at Philly followed up by a third in a $41,000 allowance at Delaware.

Justa Streak: After just missing in a couple of $25,000 claimers he took a shot in a $7500 Starter Allowance and came up short but you can be sure that Robertson will have this one ready.

Mojito Man: Solid win over the turf last out. A sprinter all the way, he should be on the engine early.

Norjac: A big starter allowance winner and stakes placed, this Maryland-bred has all the earmarks of a contender.

Ready’s Rocket: Hot the board in every starter allowance race this year including three wins. His only bad effort was in the slop in a $52,000 allowance.

Stormin’ Sox: Since being claimed for $7500 at the Fairgrounds, he has stormed to a five for five record in 2009 in both stakes and starters. A top contender.

Talk Circuit: Has been close but no cigar since January’s win. Speed numbers are there, but the heart doesn’t appear to be

Vicarino: Has shown very little this year.

Who Let the Cat In: Five of seven in 2009 and on the board in all seven tries. Doesn’t need to have the lead but can rate close. Will be a nice price.

PICKS:

1. Chasing the Prize
2. Stormin’ Sox
3. Norjac