The Vosburgh - October 1st, 2011

Race Conditions:          Grade 1,  3+, 6F,  Dirt,  Belmont Park

Race Class Par:                            112 
Race Class Rating:                       107

Winner's Time/Quality Rating:     106

Pace:  Average Early;  Average Middle;  Average Late

Track Condition and Bias:  Muddy and sealed; tilted towards speed in one turn races, insufficient information to evaluate two turn races

Race Comments:  The the 2011 Vosburgh looked like a solid and deep sprint going into the race, but some bumping at the start took California speed horse Euroears and a couple of others out of their game and changed the likely race development.  


Notable Performances:

1. Giant Ryan - Took the lead soon after the start, shook loose, set the pace 2w, and repulsed a challenge by Force Freeze late through the stretch.   

It's hard to knock Giant Ryan off of 6 straight wins, but his effort to make the lead in this race was enhanced by the rough start for Euroears. The speed favoring surface also certainly didn't hurt his chances.  I'd be more apt to try to beat him in the BC Sprint despite his current sharp form. 

2. Force Freeze - Away well, eased to the outside of Giant Ryan on the backstretch, 3w turn, made a bid through late stretch but could not get up.

It's a shame Force Freeze spent so much time in Dubai.  He clearly loves dirt racing here in the US and seems to be improving.   

3. Caixa Electronica -Trailed early, rallied inside just off the rail early turn, slowly worked his way out late turn, came way outside for the stretch drive and closed well on the speed favoring surface.

4. Trappe Shot - Bumped at the start, pushed to get back into contention, raced 3/4w on the turn, came in a little, and finished evenly through the stretch. 

Before the race, a good case could be made that Trappe Shot was the best sprinter in the country.  Given his trip, the muddy sealed surface, and the speed favoring nature of the track, I'm more apt to give him a pass for this race than downgrade him sharply even though he has handled off tracks in the past.  I think it's more likely he rebounds with a solid effort next time than disappoints again. He could even get the money in the BC Sprint.

5. Calibrachoa - Came in bothering Euroears and Apriority, slowly dropped back 2/3w turn and didn't have much late.

6. Justin Philip - Bumped at the start, chased the pace 4/5w on the turn, and gave way. 

While Justin Philip probably doesn't belong with the best sprinters in the country at this stage, his effort here chasing the Grade 1 pace while very wide was better than it looks. He should run much better in softer company. 

7. Apriority -  Stumbled shortly after the start after being bumped, was pushed a little to get back into contention, chased the pace on the inside, made a bid turning for home, but tired.

8. Euroears - Was more or less eliminated at the start which changed the probable development of the race.