Claiming Series profiles for Leg 2---First Division
Leg 2---First Division
Meshuguna
Owner: Patti Harris
Trainer: John Harris
Jockey: Luis Torres
Comes off a very disappointing effort in the first leg of the Route Claiming Series when finishing seventh as the 4/5 favorite. Was however out wide in a race with a slow pace and a day when it was good to be inside, so certainly improvement is possible for new connections that claimed this one out of that heat. Luis Torres takes over the mount and has been enjoying a fine season.
Ezinmotion
Owner: Jose De La Paz
Trainer: Don Young
Jockey: Shawna Whiteside
Was well beaten in Leg 1 but came into that race with some good form, having won three out of four before that fifth place finish last out. Gets new rider as Torres jumps ship to the rail, and will certainly have to improve to contend.
Carlsbad Lagoon
Owner: Jeff Wilson
Trainer: Guru Dharma Khalsa
Jockey: Javier Matias
This horse might have been the most impressive winner in Leg 1 as he came from last and rallied to score by five open lengths. It was his first start at PM, and with a similar trip and performance, he could be tough to beat. Trainer won the Sprint Claiming Series final with Colonel Courtney, so he should have this one primed for a good run.
Castle Pines
Owner: Charles Holshouser
Trainer: Nick Lower
Jockey: EliskaKubinova
Seems to have found new life as a front running sprinter and you can bet that will once again be the plan today, go to the front and stay there as long as possible. The key for this one will be getting a chance to relax in the middle stages of the race, and with the 9 furlong distance today, that might just be possible.
Doctor Pav
Owner: Constance Robers and Bob Pavalunas
Trainer: Rigoberto Velasquez
Jockey: Joe Crispin
Came to life last time out, as a nice rail skimming ride and early move proved to be a good one for jockey Joe Crispin in Leg 1. He had been knocking on the door, so it wasn’t a surprise to see him finally burst through. You won’t get 7 to 1 again, but the price should be fair as this came up the tougher of the two heats in my opinion.
Catanita
Owner: Bob Seapy
Trainer: Steve Fisher
Jockey: Debbie Hoonan
Backed up pretty badly in last start after two consecutive gutsy wins.Has had good success here at Portland Meadows and gets Debbie Hoonan who is riding well this season. Solid barn and will be a good price, so not a bad betting opportunity.
CapellaEtoile
Owner: Mike Wilkins and Just Horsen Around
Trainer: Jim Fergason
Jockey: Mark Anderson
Definitely a confirmed closer, but is eligible for a non winners of two race, so this is certainly a class test. However this one always seems to close in from the back and could very well be finishing with a shot at third or fourth place money, and if they really cook up front early (and with Castle Pines that’s possible) who knows?
Loose Tappets
Owner: Kristen Geertz
Trainer: Derral Braden
Jockey: Jose Zunino
Didn’t really do much running in the first leg of the Route Claiming Series, and this is another who likes to come from off the pace. Definitely will be a long shot and will have to run one of his better races to contend.
Watch Your Money
Owner: Keith Beatty
Trainer: Nick Lowe
Jockey: Leonel Camacho-Flores
Interesting to note Camacho-Flores returns from Golden Gate Fields to ride this one. This horse overcame a super wide trip to finish a good second to Dr. Pav and should be mid-pack in this heat early on. Saving more ground and a better trip could make this one a contender, and with 3/16ths of a mile from the start to the turn, he’ll have plenty of time to get over towards the rail.