King's review: Big Town's big return
Sunday, May 18 review
Ready to run
Must admit, this horseplayer didn’t expect one of Big Town’s better efforts in the second race – not with him returning from a layoff of almost three months, and showing just two works leading up to his return.
But trainer Tim Glyshaw had him ready, and the horse responded to draw away to a 2 1/2-length victory against $40,000 claiming stock by racing 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.11. That earned him a 90 Beyer Speed Figure, the highest of the Sunday card.
Jockey Calvin Borel also deserves praise for easing Big Town off the pace down the backstretch when longshot Grip Hands went too quickly with splits of 46.50 seconds and 1:11.51. Many riders would have tried to keep their mounts in position on the fence, but Borel sat chilly, let Grip Hands open up a clear lead, and then turned Big Town loose leaving the final turn.
Blinkers on
County Corrections raced greenly along the fence last month at Keeneland, but turned in a far more professional performance in his last race, with blinkers added and being kept on the outside. He pressed the pace, took over entering the lane, and had enough to hold off the late big of Spring Action.
The general belief here is that blinkers-on runners are typically overbet off that angle, and the vast majority do not move forward simply with the shades. In this case, however, there is no disputing they helped him to focus.
Weak race
When the horses from Sunday’s first race return, this handicapper won’t be backing them. The race, even for maiden $10,000 standards, was atrocious, short on quality and depth.
Kiawah’s Warrior scored handily, but he raced clear on the lead and faced leg-weary challengers. Kiawah's Warrior is unlikely to repeat against nonwinners-of-two company.
As for those that ran behind him, it’s hard to imagine any of them catching a any easier field than Sunday's. Their form on paper will probably look better on paper than it should.
Horse to Watch
Bim Bam
Trainer: Ron Moquett
Last race: May 18, 3rd
Finish: 2nd by 3/4
Beyer: 81
Racing three wide without cover for much of the third race Sunday, he proved game to hold second after looking like he might fade to third or fourth in the stretch. Strong chance right back against second-level allowance runners on the turf.