Strike Charmer looks to regroup in turf feature
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NEW ORLEANS – The graded stakes winner Strike Charmer will be making her meet debut when she races in optional-claiming company on turf Thursday at Fair Grounds.
David Carroll trains Strike Charmer, who closed her 2014 season with a victory in the Grade 3 Cardinal Handicap in November at Churchill Downs. In her only start this year, she finished fifth in the Grade 3 Marshua’s River Stakes on Jan. 10 at Gulfstream Park.
“She kind of lost her way a little bit after her last race,” Carroll said. “We’re just trying to regroup with her.”
The race drew seven older fillies and mares plus main-track-only entrant Interest Free. The distance is about a mile.
Race 4
KEY CONTENDERS
Strike Charmer (Last 3 Beyers: 80-94-88)
◗ On class, this 5-year-old mare stands out. In her start before the Cardinal Handicap, she finished second at a mile in the $197,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf.
◗ Since this race isn’t a prime target for Strike Charmer, it would be unreasonable to expect a peak performance. Carroll said that if she performs well, the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile on Kentucky Derby Day might be next on her schedule.
◗ After the Marshua’s River, Strike Charmer didn’t work until Feb. 23. She has worked five times in preparation for this race.
Treaty Oak (Last 3 Beyers: 82-83-70)
◗ Treaty Oak has worked steadily for trainer Al Stall Jr. since rallying past lower-level optional-claiming rivals Feb. 6. She won her last two starts, both at this distance.
Tipthetrolleygirl (Last 3 Beyers: 88-61-71)
◗ Brad Cox trainee is stretching out from a turf sprint. She rallied from off the pace to win at about 5 1/2 furlongs in that lower-level race March 5, but in this field, which doesn’t have much early speed, she might get a comfortable trip close to the pace.
Compelling Case (Last 3 Beyers: 82-82-82)
◗ Richie Scherer trainee, who finished third in a minor turf stakes race at Sam Houston in her last start, defeated lower-level optional-claiming rivals at this distance the last time she raced on this course.