Big Hat Charlie spotted to win
Trainer Frank Lucarelli is the all-time leading trainer in terms of money won at Emerald Downs. He is second in races won and was the leading trainer at Emerald in 1999, 2004, 2006, 2011, and 2012.
One of the reasons for his success is his understanding of where to spot his horses. Big Hat Charlie is a good example.
In his first start at Emerald, Big Hat Charlie won a $25,000 claiming race for non-winners of two on April 29. Instead of moving him into open company or giving him a shot in a first-level allowance race, Lucarelli has shrewdly brought him back in a $15,000 conditional-claiming race that headlines the nine-race card at Emerald on Saturday. The six-furlong sprint drew six horses.
Big Hat Charlie is no cinch to win the race, which includes 12-time winners War Wizard and Whiskey Prince. But he is a legitimate contender.
In his last start, Big Hat Charlie came from just off the pace to beat Party Pooper by a neck going 5 1/2 furlongs. The 81 Beyer Speed Figure he received tops any Beyers his opponents have earned on any surface, and the race was legitimized when Party Pooper came back to win a $25,000 non-winners-of-two claiming race last Saturday.
It was Big Hat Charlie’s second start this year, and he is certainly eligible to move forward Saturday.
Leslie Mawing retains the mount.
KEY CONTENDERS
Big Hat Charlie, by Indian Charlie
Last 3 Beyers: 81-67-44
◗ He is versatile and should be able to stalk what figures to be a fast and contested pace.
◗ Adding to his appeal is a sharp half-mile move in 48 seconds on May 9.
Whiskey Prince, by Outing
Last 3 Beyers: 72-74-74
◗ The consistent 6-year-old, trained by Tim McCanna, is coming off a third-place finish on turf in a $4,000 starter race at Golden Gate Fields on April 21, snapping a three-race win streak.
◗ He won’t mind being back at Emerald, where he has compiled a 7-1-3 record from 18 starts. He should also appreciate the shape of the race.
Advancement, by Doneraile Court
Last 3 Beyers: 72-58-42
◗ Trained by Robert Baze, he is the speed of the speed, and he almost took them all the way in his first start this year in a $15,000 open claiming race May 1.
◗ He will have to deal with the Lucarelli-trained Swingshift Deputy, who figures to be sharp in his first start since he led from start to finish in a $12,500 claimer for non-winners of two Sept. 26.