The handicap horse division gets a bit of a shakeup off of this weeks Razorback and Bayakoa. Mystic Guide ran a tremendous race In winning the Razorback on a very sloppy track, posting a reported 108 beyer. That number vaults him into consideration for the top of the division.
Owendale, who’s been flirting with the bottom of our handicap list, was likely compromised by the track condition and being inside. He appeared to run in spots, possibly when he found footing, in running third. If he ran his regular high 90s figure (and I’m not sure he did) then the 108 for Mystic Guide should stand up.
A day later, Monomoy Girl, who we had ranked fourth, ran her race yet again, stalking outside and taking over at the top of the stretch, and won geared down late. I don’t know that I have ever seen a horse do it so effortlessly. She has the positional speed where she seems to work that trip out time and time again, and I don’t think the company in that division is particularly deep at this point, so we really haven’t seen her all-out to win. A classy mare indeed, and I think deserves a step up the ladder as well. She really needs to face the boys at some point this season. I’d vote for sooner than later, as the top is a bit shaky right now, particularly at 9f.
Neither of the significant Florida races at a mile returned anything to excite; Performer did anything but in running third as a heavy favorite.
The Big ‘Cap at Santa Anita comes up this weekend, and will provide good input into the division, as Maxfield is expected to meet the improving Express Train and Independence Hall, as well as King Guillermo, who has not yet matched his form from age 3. The winner of this race will have an impact on the rankings, and the latter three loom just outside the top eight – for the moment.
Turfhandicapper.com 