Friday Night Previews
Friday night sees the return of Lucky Cowboy, who goes for a remarkable fourth consecutive win this season; while Rhumbaba looks to build on a promising debut in the night's valuable maiden contest
This certainly looks a good opportunity on paper for BORROWED EQUITY, who has ‘hit the board’ in all bar one of his nine career starts, to finally notch his first win. However, he may have to wait a little while longer as NU SOUP FOR BABY, who makes his first start for new connections since being claimed, suffered a slipped saddle last time and did very well to finish third in the circumstances. Earlier, he was third to the smart Mr Morris on just his second career start and a repeat of that would make him very hard to beat in what is looks a moderate heat. RAILWAY POLICE makes his first career start but is a half-sibling to several winners – all three of whom either won or placed second on their respective debuts.
LUCKY COWBOY goes for his fourth consecutive win of the season and continues to improve with his racing; although this appears, on paper at least, to be his toughest challenge to date. WICKED NIGHT makes his first appearance for new connections since being claimed after being dropped onto the bottom rung for the first time. He’s already won this season in better company than he faces here and anything close to his best would make this close to a formality. However, he was only fifth on his first foray at this level and should probalby be treated with caution. SOMTHING ELUSIVE returns to sprinting and the bottom of the class ladder for the first time since winning over six furlongs in May in what was arguable his best performance of the year.
RHUMBABA was given a perfect introduction to racing by rider Ridge Balgobin in last month’s debut; allowed to work it out for himself before rallying later to finish a closing third behind runner-up WHAT’S SHAKIN. He looks like he’ll enjoy longer distances in time but, if he comes on for that initial education, should be a major contender here. A fairly pricey yearling for these parts, STATION ONE, the first foal produced by former BC Oaks runner-up Tiptoe, makes his racing debut. He’s been working solidly in the mornings and should progress, regardless of where he finishes tonight.
NEIGHNEIGH, who drops back to sprinting following a third to Solarity last time, has been swimming in deeper waters than she encounters here. She may not yet have fulfilled the promise that saw her crowned leading juvenile filly of 2022, but she won at this level last September and a repeat of either of her runs this term would make her a serious threat. LOLA M was behind Neighneigh last time, but that was over the long course and she should be closer tonight, while HOAX goes for her third win of the campaign and may also appreciate the return to sprinting.
STRIKING VALUE made up considerable ground to go down by just a neck to Texas Legacy last time, with ultra-consistent DRILL BABY DRILL behind in third. There doesn’t look to be much between them, although much will depend on how fast they go up front. The lack of obvious pace should suit Drill Baby Drill, while Striking Value will probably need something to run at to be seen at her most effective. B C CHRISTIE also had Drill Baby Drill behind when second to Valerie Valeski last month and a repeat of her neck win over Peterson Landing back in May would make her a leading contender.
GROOVIN’ IS BACK takes a little class relief here and will be a major player if repeating last month’s second to Bak to Liberty. ACCORDINGLY was well behind Groovin’ is Bak when they met in May and he drops another rung today. Last season, however, he was holding his own in tougher company than this and would have a big chance if able to summon any of that ability. STANFORD NORTH makes his first appearance since being claimed last time after going down by a head to Divaany, with today’s rival BARBERRY BANDIT just behind, and both need to go on the shortlist. RANCHO RED could represent good value at the betting window. He wasn’t too far behind Stanford North and Barberry Bandit last time, on what was his first go for new connections after being claimed, and makes just his third Hastings start following a winter campaign at Golden Gate and a fourth-place pit-stop at Emerald Downs. A repeat of his best California form would give him a serious chance.
Lisa & Mike’s Friday Night Picks
Saturday Overnight Entries, July 13
Statistics
Hastings Racing Club
