For the first time since the BC went to a two day format, I will be embracing the
first day of races, taking the day off from work, turning Living Room Downs into
a den of iniquity, possibly bribing Mrs Richiebee with shopping money to absent
herself from the premises, etc.
The first race of the BC series is the 14 furlong BC Marathon. This race is the
third leg of a Pick 4 which begins with two stakes on the undercard and ends with
the BC Juvie Turf Fillies.
Four of the runners in the Marathon have taken turns beating each other in recent
races -- Alcomo, AU Miner, Atoned and Eldafer. Of these Alcomo and AU Miner seem
to have an edge on the figures, with AU Miner outfinishing Alcomo in the 12
furlong Greenwood at Philly Park when in receipt of five pounds.
Atoned has beaten Alcomo and Eldafer, but that was before he was transferred from
high percentage trainer TAP to formerly high percentage trainer Neil Howard.
Awesome Gem is the class of the race and has a commendable race record, winning
graded stakes in 2007, 2009 and 2010. Distance the question here -- in a 38 race
career he has never been entered in a race past 10 furlongs. Think the Marathon
is his second preference.
Giant Oak is another with a couple of numbers which would make him competitive
here, but he also has not been past 10 furlongs; GO is eligible for NW3X, having
been thrown into some tough spots (GO ran in the Stephen Foster and the Arlington
Million this year).
Bright Horizon is a 3YO Euro from Tabor/Magnier/Aidan O\'Brien. He comes out of a
5 length romp in a 2 miler over soft turf, putting up a lifetime best number, but
might be overbet considering his lack of dirt experience and his lack of
experience in Group/Graded racing. Precision Break, the other prominent Euro, has
plenty of distance experience and is 4/7 on synthetic, but has no Group/Graded
racing experience. Do not know if he will start here; he ran 2- 1/4 miles on
October 16th, splitting a 32 horse field.
The play -- hoping that Awesome Gem, Giant Oak and the Euro(s) take too much
action, and that the two arguably fastest runners -- Alcomo and AU Miner go forth
at playable odds. Using those two in the P4 and in Doubles.
Question: Both DRF and TG have the filly Million Seller in with 126. Isn\'t she
supposed to get a 3 pound break?
