Class drop makes Balino big threat in Saturday turf route

OLDSMAR, Fla. - Balino, who led into the final furlong of his last after cutting out a quick pace, drops a notch in class on Saturday in search of his second win of the Tampa Bay Downs meeting as he tops a field of nine $16,000 claimers going a mile on turf.

Willie Martinez will handle Balino, who drew the far outside in post 9. Earlier in the meeting, Balino posted a win and second from his first three starts racing at the $16,000 level and then was a pace factor before fading to ninth in an allowance race captured by Dramedy. Dramedy recently upset the Grade 2 Elkhorn at Keeneland.

Most recently, Balino cut out a fast pace that included a half-mile in 46.46 seconds and six furlongs in 1:10.35 and held the lead to midstretch before weakening to third behind Huntstown. That race was for $25,000 claimers and the drop back to $16,000 plays in Balino’s favor

After facing allowance runners in his first two starts, including two-time local winner Special Envoy in his first two starts over the local turf course, Fire Mission was dropped to the $16,000 level by trainer Gary and the 5-year-old came off a six-week break with a big effort, chasing the pace from the far outside in a field of 10 going a mile and then was slowly getting to the leader in the drive to be beaten less than a length.

With the presence of several speed rivals in Saturday’s sixth race, bettors may be wise to go looking for a late-running threat. One such candidate is the 6-year-old Danly’s Dream. He rallied through the late stages of a 1 1/16-mile race to be a fast-closing second at 23-1 and if an early speed duel develops this one could be poised for the upset

Last Laugh Now will be making his first start since November, when he was eased in a main track route at Penn National. Winner of 5 of 11 last season while racing primarily over the Tapeta surface at Presque Isle, Last Laugh Now is a confirmed speedster who should further complicate the pace scenario.

Race 6

KEY CONTENDERS

Danly’s Dream (Last 3 Beyers 61-49-71)

Hasn’t been raced hard this winter and while he doesn’t win often it looks like he will get a hot pace to set up his kick. His chances improve if the rail is set at zero or 12 feet

Balino (Last 3 Beyers 70-55-57)

Drops to a more manageable class level, comes off a strong effort in last and if he doesn’t get tangled up in a speed brawl, could wire this field.

Saturday’s for Fun (Last 3 Beyers 65-62-64)

His new connections have been trying to put this one closer to the pace in recent starts but his best career efforts have come when allowed to settle and close late. Could be dark horse candidate with the right placement and handling.