Day 52

Sunday February 15

Today reality returned to the races......for the first time this week I failed to have a multiple winning day.  I had seven selections on the day, though no "best" plays.  The theme of the day seemed to be horses that were right there with a chance to win, but couldn't close the deal.  In the opener Tony B was tracking the leaders ready to pounce as they turned for home, but ran evenly for fourth through the lane.  Convolution sat off the pace in the 2nd, made a big move on the turn and appeared ready to sweep by the leaders, but hung to be fourth as well.  The lone winner of the day came in the 3rd, a starter optional claiming on the turf.  Escondido was a Gulfstream 40% Club play for trainer Todd Pletcher.  Ironic that over the last few years there have been no less than SIXTEEN angles linked to Pletcher runners, but for this season he has only one - when running a horse for a claiming tag of less than $40K.  In this event a longshot leader went wild on the front end and was out in front by nearly ten lengths through rapid fractions.  But as he hit the far turn he was still well clear while Escondido was in third.  But he moved in tandem following the second choice in the wagering who caught the leader and was clear by over a length and a half at the furlong marker.  But that horse had given up the lead is two straight races and that was the case again as he willingly gave way to Escondido who pushed his rally all the way to the wire. 

Cashed for nearly $25.  In the fifth Unforgettable Mark - who would have made a great story if he won - made a bold mid mid-race, then nothing, 4th.  In the 6th Killer Partner was a GP 40%Club play for Michael Maker with Javier Castellano.  Maker was interviewed on HRTV and asked how he thought this one would run today from the rail.  He remarked that he was hoping the horse would be settled with blinkers on today and sit third or fourth behind the leaders.  Instead he went right to the front and opened up by two.  Into the lane he appeared to have plenty left and rebroke to be clear at the furlong pole.  But in the final 100 yards he was caught, grrrrrrrr 2nd.  The last two picks continued the trend with middle moves and no late punch as Queequeg stopped to be 9th and Tarnished was in perfect position turning for home but ran evenly in third.  The highlight of the day came when the Florida Panthers played a matinee game at 5 pm.  Kim was still away with her girlfriends so I contacted good pal and former "teammate" Enzo (he'd played with Kim & I on the "Adults" team when we would play roller hockey with the kids for years as they grew up).  We went to the game together and then out for wings afterward.  Good times!