Tale Spinner will try to move forward for new trainer

Tale Spinner will try to make amends for his narrow loss as the 1-2 favorite in his last start when he runs in a $15,000 claiming race on Saturday at Emerald Downs. The one-mile-race for 3-year-olds and up attracted seven horses, and the shape of the race could work in Tale Spinner’s favor.

Racing for trainer Joe Toye, Tale Spinner was heavily favored when he lost by three-quarters of a length to Hastings-based Toccet’s Charm in a $10,000 claiming race at Emerald on Aug. 7. Tale Spinner did have to check inside the sixteenth pole, but it never looked like he was going to beat Toccet’s Charm, who got the jump on him on the stretch turn. Toccet’s Charm returned to Hastings, where he lost by a neck in an $8,000 starter race Aug. 24.

Tale Spinner will be making his first start for trainer Rigoberto Velasquez, who claimed him on behalf of Mark Hughes. Hughes could receive a quick return on his investment. In Tale Spinner’s previous start, he was coming off a layoff when he lost by a neck to Coach Royal in a $10,000 claimer on July 10. Coach Royal won his next two starts in $15,000 and $25,000 claiming races. Tale Spinner could be sitting on a peak performance in the third start of his form cycle with Rocco Bowen riding.

Ain’t Tellin’ is looking for his fifth win at the meet and his second straight score after romping in a $12,500 conditional-claiming race for trainer Jim Penney on Aug. 2. He wants to be in front, however, and he will have to deal with My Chief, who is coming off a runner-up finish going six furlongs in a $15,000 claiming race Aug. 29.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tale Spinner (Last 3 Beyers: 79-84-76)

◗ He is a very sharp horse and could move forward in his first start for Velasquez.

DRF FORMULATOR FACT: Over the past five years, Velasquez has a 24 percent strike rate with newly claimed horses running back the first time.

Ain’t Tellin’ (Last 3 Beyers: 81-53-76)

◗ The 4-year-old son of Lewis Michael has won 4 of 5 starts at the meet, and he earned a career-best Beyer Speed Figure for his front-running win in his latest.

Neverabettercause (Last 3 Beyers: 75-66-60)

◗ Trained by Blaine Wright, he rallied to beat Toccet’s Charm by a head in his last start July 24.

◗ A stakes winner at Hastings as a 2-year-old, he is trending in the right direction and could be dangerous coming from a stalking position.