Just Win Baby, Deadly Truth hard to separate for Tracy

Leading trainer Greg Tracy is probably going to win a $35,000 optional-claiming race that will serve as Friday’s feature at Northlands Park. He just isn’t sure if it will be Just Win Baby or Deadly Truth who makes it home first in the one-mile race that drew five horses.

With Scott Williams riding, Deadly Truth is coming off an upset win going 1 3/8 miles in the $73,110 Speed to Spare Stakes on Sept. 1. Just Win Baby looked good in winning a 1 1/16-mile, $25,000 optional-claiming race Aug. 27 with leading rider Rico Walcott aboard. It was his first start since he finished fifth in the $100,000 Oak Tree Handicap at Pleasanton on June 21.

They earned identical 80 Beyer Speed Figures for their sharp performances.

“They are both doing well, but there is some speed in the race, so it might set up better for Deadly Truth,” said Tracy. “Just Win Baby doesn’t really need to be up close, though. He was pretty sharp and just pulled Rico to the lead in his last start.”

Tracy said that if Deadly Truth runs well, he likely will be sent to Hastings, where he will try 1 3/8 miles again in the Grade 3, $100,000 Premiers on Oct. 13.

KEY CONTENDERS

Just Win Baby (Last 3 Beyers: 80-81-77)

◗ His tactical speed could give him an edge over Deadly Truth.

◗ The horse who won the Oak Tree Handicap finished second by a head in the Grade 3 All American at Golden Gate Fields in his previous race.

Deadly Truth (Last 3 Beyers: 80-64-39)

◗ A 4-year-old Louisiana-bred, he received a career-best Beyer for his win in the Speed to Spare, so he could bounce. He came back with a sharp half-mile move Sept. 12, however, and he does have an excellent 3-for-7 record at the distance.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Tracy is 6 for 8 (75 percent) with claimed horses making their second start for him who won the first time he ran them back.

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Lack of Judgment (Last 3 Beyers: 71-53-64)

◗ Trained by Don Gilkyson, he hasn’t won going this far, but he did win a $16,000 optional-claiming race going seven furlongs with an 86 Beyer in January at Tampa Bay Downs.

◗ He is coming off an improved effort in a $35,000 optional-claiming sprint Sept. 1 and should get a cozy trip after leaving from the inside post.

Aces Again (Last 3 Beyers: 54-75-69)

◗ He could be the one they will have to catch, and he has successfully carried his speed this far in the past for trainer Amanda Gregory.