Harness Racing: Sharp Horses and Track Trends for Nov. 1-4, 2012

BALMORAL

11/4: 1w, ++ closers

11/3: 2w, + closers

WILLOW GRAM – Made up 6 lengths in the second quarter on a brush to the lead past the half, weakened late in a good effort over a track that favored closers

HOLDINGALLTHECARDS*** – Went first over and drew off impressively

FOX VALLEY TOUCHE*** – Left from post 9 and was used hard to clear past the half, set a quick pace from there and gave way grudgingly late

MAYWOOD

11/2: 3w, no bias

11/1: 5w, + speed

HOLY CHIP – Had post 6 and very poor cover, stormed wide into and around the final turn and drew clear with a :28 3/5 final quarter

MONTICELLO

11/1: 5w, no bias

WILD ARTIST – Had post 8 and was far back, picked up horrible cover, stormed wide and finished fast

DOVER

11/4: 3w, no bias

MONDAY REPORT*** – 7th at the quarter, got moving and cleared past the half to take the lead, held well for the place while getting out-kicked late

WE SALUTE YOU*** – Had post 7 and was on the move early, picked up poor cover, rallied wide around the final turn making up good ground and held well

NORTHFIELD

11/2: 3w, no bias, wet track

PHILADELPHIA

11/4: 3w, no bias

11/3: 4w, no bias

11/2: 6w, + speed

11/1: 7w, + speed

PAINTED BLACK – Showed speed from post 7, yielded and was shuffled, finished well late

BEAVERCREEK ARTIST*** - Left from post 8 and was parked to the half in :54. 3/5, drew clear sharply

EUROPAN UNION – Far back early, followed cover and finished fast to just miss

THE DUDE ABIDES – Left well for the pocket trip but was shuffled out of contention when the horse in front of him stopped; price factor in exotics

POCONO

11/3: 3w, no bias

11/2: 4w, no bias

MANOFLEISURESUIT – Had the rail, set a wicked pace under heavy pressure and excusably tired in good try

ELUSIVE REWARD*** – Left from post 6 and was used hard to clear the lead past a :53 3/5 half, held the place gamely in a huge effort

MEADOWS

11/2: 6w, + speed

                                                             SARATOGA         

11/4: 3w, no bias

11/3: 6w, + speed

11/2: 5w, + speed

PENN TURBO TED*** – Shot to the lead from post 6, set a pressured pace to the half then drew off impressively

YONKERS

11/3: 5w, no bias

11/2: 4w, no bias

11/1: 2w, no bias, closers did better than usual

FLYING MOCHA – Showed good speed leaving from post 7 but was shuffled back behind a tiring horse

HI SIR – Finished with good speed from third over

URBINO HANOVER – Got moving early from post 6, flushed cover and drew clear in a sharp win

VIRGIN MARY – Was uncovered and made up a lot of ground, drew clear with a big last half

VALENTINO – On the move early from post 7 to follow cover second over, brushed wide at the three quarters when his cover tired and paced a strong final quarter for the sharp win

NINE INNINGS – Tried to leave but took an early tuck, rushed up to force a :27 3/5 third quarter wearing down the 4-5 favorite to take the lead but weakened late in a good effort

*** = extra-sharp preferred plays

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