A Handicapping Puzzle

It looks like a well-matched field of 7 facing No Lip on Monday. Unlike our last race where I knew going in we were up against it, this group offers a great opportunity for our colt to race against similar competition. Each of the 7 have had some good efforts, but all have some question marks. Only 3 of the 7 have raced on the grass, which should help our chances. However, all of the others have won sprint races. There are some horses coming off long layoffs and others who raced just last week - I like our 23-day break coming into the race.

No Lip has been training well and the biggest question will be whether or not he can break quick enough to keep up with the pace which will be much faster in the early stages than what he is used to. As mentioned earlier, our "hope" is that he will be able to finsh with more energy than what he has in his route efforts. My final take on the race is that if the rail horse (Very Possebull) breaks sharp and takes to the grass, the rest of us will be running for 2nd place. If not, we have as good a shot as any to get our picture taken.

Regardless of outcome, this will be his final race in New Orleans this season as their meet comes to a close. As such, we will have a decision to make after the race about what to do with him. Turf sprinting is a unique question that I am anxious to answer. I have seen many a horse look "so-so" running other races become very successful turf sprinters. That is not a prediction - just a hopeful observation.