Holy Force, Wine Not Whiskey meet again in optional claimer
Holy Force was less than 1-2 when she finished second in a $25,000 optional-claiming race Oct. 10 at Northlands Park. She will try to make amends when she runs in a similar race Wednesday at Northlands. The six-furlong dash for fillies and mares drew nine horses and headlines an eight-race card that kicks off the final week of the 2015 meet, which ends Saturday.
Holy Force, trained by Tim Rycroft, had a big excuse when she finished second to Wine Not Whiskey in her most recent start. Ridden by Rico Walcott, Holy Force showed her usual good speed and was sitting between horses when she was forced to steady sharply going into the first turn. Walcott was able to get her back into the race, but the damage was done, and she couldn’t hold off Wine Not Whiskey, who made a strong late move after biding her time early.
Holy Force was an easy front-running winner going the same distance at this level Sept. 16. She could be the one they have to catch, or she’ll get a nice trip sitting just off speed that doesn’t figure to last. She drew post 5, with Walcott retaining the mount.
Wine Not Whiskey hasn’t run a bad race this year and could pick up the pieces if Holy Force gets into an all-out duel with Lucy Q. Wine Not Whiskey, a 7-year-old trained by Amanda Gregory, was the runner-up in Holy Force’s win Sept. 16.
Key contenders
Holy Force (Last 3 Beyers: 59-65-72)
* Consistent filly was unlucky to lose her latest and once again figures to be involved right from the start. She can stalk if she needs to, but after her last start, Walcott probably will want to keep her out of trouble and likely will put her on the lead if she breaks alertly.
Wine Not Whiskey (Last 3 Beyers: 63-54-60)
* She has improved substantially from last year, when both of her wins came in $5,000 claiming races.
* With 10 wins from 31 starts at Northlands, she certainly knows where the wire is and could repeat if they get carried away up front.
Brady’s Tomboy (Last 3 Beyers: 55-53-20)
* The Fall Classic Distaff winner two starts back for trainer Dale Saunders probably wants more distance, but she will appreciate the class relief after finishing fifth Oct. 10 in the $50,000 Duchess of York.