1/16/21

  7    Unusual Heat Turf Classic
$200.000          4yo&Up Foaled In CA      1 1/8m Turf    123lbs +penalties

We get a nice group of older Cal-bred turf horses set to go a mile and an eighth and we look at the field for the Unusual Heat Turf Classic.  I just don’t think you can go past Im Special in this one.  He’s been one of my favs through the year and even with the additional six pound impost, he seems the one to beat.  If he runs back to that last out CD race, he should take this group.  I’m going to put Homme de Guerre in the second spot off of that last out runner-up effort at HAW.  He’s put some money away in his career, so give him a look in this one.

Here’s The Field –

His last win came back in Jan of last season and was here at SA when he took down OptAlw horses to get his picture taken.  His last three have been less than thrilling so he’s going to have to turn it around in a big way to be a factor here today.

A pair of wins in the 20 season but was fifth at DMR in the HOL Derby (GI) in his most recent.  This should be a bit softer than that, so may he can be in the picture for this one.  He’s been very consistent and that should help. 

Sold three back and has been solid in all of those starts for the new connections.  Just missed in a marathon stakes at BEL then two solid turf efforts, winning lat out at HAW vs OptAlw horses.  He should fit well here and I’d give him a glance. 

On the board in nine of eleven starts last season including three wins, and he was third vs. similar over this track back in Oct, so he certainly looks the part to be a factor in this one.  He has speed and that could be handy vs. this group. 

Two wins from his last four starts but the other two races were eighth place finishes including last out in the Ponti on the AQU grass, where he tired to be last.  He’s going to need to turn it around or this could be another long day. 

Changed hands four races back and it’s been a tough road since.  He did close well to be fourth in the Tropical Park Derby at GP and he does seem to do his best work when he comes from off of the pace.  If he gets a clear path late, maybe he gets in this one. 

Carries six extra pounds for a reason… he looked good wining the Baruch Hcp (GII) at SAR back in July.  He also just missed last out when second in the River City Hcp (GIII) at CD where he closed well to take the place.  He looks good to me.

Broke maiden last year for his only lifetime win, but he’s been close in graded company, just missing by a length when third in the VA Derby (GIII) last fall.  Just missed at GP last out when DH’ed for the place in OptAlw company. 

Three wins last season but they all came early in the year.  No wins since May but was on the board in a few races and was third at GP last out in the CC Emerald., where he closed a late gap. 

COZMAN    7 / 3                 Willie’s Green Card           7 / 3 / 4      

Categories: STAKES ARTICLES, Ungraded