News & Notes
It’s the first full day of fall, and with it comes cooler temperatures and about an inch of rain expected for Sunday, Sept. 23. There seems a good chance to track will be “off” for tonight’s races, so proceed accordingly.
As the second week of the fall meet begins, it’s still an adjustment period from the several months of half-mile track racing at Ocean Downs. Here’s a look at several races tonight.
Race 2
OK Fantastic didn’t leave from post 9 in the Open 2 last week in a race in which early speed held very well. He did make up ground (:27 4/5 final quarter) and moves way inside for this “winners over” pace. Russell Foster, who drove him last week, opted to drive him again over Rock the Town. He’s worth a follow-up here.
Race 5
This is an interesting bottom-level condition pace with no standout on form. Arpeggio Hanover was parked first up from the start in the $5,000 claiming handicap and held very well battling for the lead through three quarters in 1:26 1/5 before he faded to last in the lane. A better trip could do the trick. Electric Albert sat the pylons throughout at the next-highest condition level last week in a race dominated by Manattack, who was a front-end winner; moves inside but could be a very short price. James Riverside was parked out uncovered for at least a half-mile in this class last week and held well for fourth. He moves in from post 9 and should be a factor.
Race 7
The popular Diamondkeeper returns after taking a summer break for trainer Basil Sapienza off of a 2:00 1/5 qualifying win on a downgraded track at Rosecroft Sept. 19. It’s a tough call to jump in this evening given the presence of several horses with good recent form, but take notes for the future. When Diamondkeeper is at his best, he’s right there with the best in the weekly top class at Rosecroft.
Race 9
Frank Milby was named at the draw to drive two horses, but the one he trains—Artic Adventure—was scratched. That gives him the opportunity to stick with 10-year-old Abelard Hanover, who need only repeat last week's effort to take this contest. Despite a broken equipment line Abelard Hanover finished only a head behind a game Capital Builder after a pocket trip in the Open 2 and looms very large here second time off a brief rest.
Race 10
Super Imposed N went some major miles at Dover Downs this past winter and on Sept. 19 returned to the races at Harrah’s Philadelphia after a four-month break. The New Zealand-bred made a nice first-up bid into a :28 third quarter and produced an honest final quarter in a fourth-place finish. This is a legitimate Open 2 bunch but he could prove best given a race under his belt and an inside draw.