Has proven to be an absolute steal for the $16.000 claiming tag.  Has won two of three since including The Knickerbocker Hcp (GIII) back in Oct and then a tiring fourth in the Smith Hcp (GIII).  Lump in that $50.000 claiming victory and you got a nice profit.  He carries a TON of weight here today, giving 6-9 pounds to this bunch.  You still have to think he has a shot at the win.

Nice win at MTH back in Oct while taking starter horses by three.  He was second in the Toronto Cup up north of the border and was fourth in the Affirmed at SA back in June, before the claim.  He’s been off since Oct but does have a nice series of published works. 

It’s been a bit of a tough luck year for this one.  Fifth in a GIII last out while sent off as the 7/2 post time favorite, missed a head in a stakes at SA and both of his wins came via hard closing efforts, and that late turn of foot could be a nice weapon here today.  I just have a feeling this one is sitting on a big effort.

Sold prior to this start and the new barn goes right for the gusto.  He’s been running at MNR and PEN of late, and has been on the board in all six of his ’15 starts.  He just missed over this track back in Feb while racing for a $35.000 tag.  He will need his best to be in the picture here today.

Only five lifetime starts and he’s never been off of the board… he’s also been in for a tag in three of the five starts.  Near miss last out at RP going a mile and a furlong v. starter horses and he led that race right til the end.  Still, this is certainly asking a ton of the youngster.

A win and a near-miss second since being nabbed for $37.500 at WO, and he’s only missed the board one time this season.  I’m just not sure he wants this distance, but his tactical speed is certainly something to fear.

Two wins and two seconds in his last four starts, and both of the seconds came v. stakes company including black-types in the Cliff Hanger (GIII) on a yielding course at MTH.  He’s missed one check this season and is just a couple of jumps from having some serious cash in the bank.  He’s my choice!

He’s been on the board in eight of ten seasonal starts and this barn is not afraid to take him to the gate.  Three wins, a second and a third in his last six starts and those have come since Sept. 7th.  He should be tough here again today.

            Willie’s Green Card    7  /  8

Categories: Ungraded