Bourbology is Back and Racing

Bobo’s first trip back to the races after taking some R&R time isn’t a particularly tough spot, but the rain and possibility of her running over the main track, a sloppy main track at that, has considerably dampened her chances and my spirits.

The race is very much void of any pace.  The Minnesota, Noami Ridge Esq. may not be the best horse in the race, but she seems to be the only one with any kind of speed.  She’s never been over the turf but it’s increasingly likely this morning that we’ll be running over an off main track which may allow her to steal this thing up front.

On to the field:

BOURBONOLOGY  (Rhone/Butler)

Royal Bluff (Pfiefer/Diegez) – Minn bred was uncomfortable early on before settling in her last, a state bred allowance.  Moving into an open group at this level offers little in the way of class relief.

A Thousand Talents (Kirby/N Goodwin) – Has tried this level twice, both on and off the turf, with little success.

Flaxen Maiden (Brinson/Canchari) – Probably should have won last start but was checked badly and lost momentum.  A clear run here and she can be a winner.  Off the turf may get her scratched.

Liar Liar Liar (Diodoro/Carreno) – First Canterbury turf start was rough but Phoenix form solid, though the turf courses are very dissimilar in makeup.  Those Turf Paradise speed figures win this one with ease.

Correspondence (McFadden/C Goodwin) – Beaten 20+ lengths last out and beaten badly at $6250 last year over the main course.

Top Vow (Van Winkle/Martinez) – Seems to have had a hard time finding his footing for the new barn. Steps out against non-state bred winners for the first time.

Noami Ridge Esq. (Scherer/Rivera) – If Rivera can get to the lead and control the pace, it could be upset city for what appears to be the lone speed in the field.

Ladies’ Last Trick (Lund/Lopez) – Switched to turf last year and was able to step up in class and be competitive.

Reasonable Effects (Silva/Ordaz) – This will be her first turf effort and is taking a big jump in class to do it.  She’s been racing at or near the bottom here and in Phoenix.  Seems unlikely, though you never know with a first turf start (if it ends up being a turf start).

Sheparoux (Chambers/Stevens) – Broke maiden in 9^th try and then was off for over a year but came back gamely this level in a washed off the turf race while closing steadily.

The Grans (Lund/Eikleberry) – Vanquished by Bobo last summer, this one always seems to have had more potential than it has shown.  Could be that the light switch finally switched on.

A lot of variables in the contest today.  As I write this the skies are clearing but a nice downpour has already hit an already soggy turf course in Shakopee so it’s still up in the air as to over which surface the race will be run.  Either way I think we’ll go.  Bobo needs to run and though she hates the dirt – and soggy dirt especially, she needs the fitness tightening that only racing can bring.  Over the turf she has a chance; over the dirt…I’m not so sure.