Weekend Review

Weekend Overview: The first really busy weekend of the year and I missed most of it in real time. I watched Saturday's Santa Anita card and kept up with the Fair Grounds as well but I didnt look at anything from Sunday or Monday until just now.

Performance of the Weekend: Notional wins this one easily. I know some would say that Hard Spun got a higher figure and was more impressive but I much prefered Notional. I figured Tenfold would be a tough nut to crack but he went too fast early and in reality I'm not sure if he was ever going to be able to match Notional who was simply spectacular. He looked very powerful coming down the lane. His Beyer figure wasnt really very high but it was a decent place to start. He obviously loves conventional dirt and he should be tough for the rest of the trail.

Race of the Weekend: This has to be the San Fernando. It was simply a very exciting race to watch. Up and comer Awesome Gem caught out Midnight Lute and I suspect the result may be different when they meet again but nothing is more thrilling in racing than seeing a horse running wide and late to nail the leader on the wire.

Flop of the Weekend: Brother Derek, sure he didnt run too badly but this was his chance to re-establish himself and he blew it. He failed to make the lead he failed to sustain his bid and he only just managed to hold on for 3rd. This is not the same horse we saw as a 3yo. At least not right now. Hendricks will have to try and find the keys with him.

TCR Movers and Shakers: At this still very early stage Awesome Gem has assumed the overall leadership with barely more than Dixie Meister. Notional, Sugar Shake and Jump On In also took the top spots in thier respective divisions. One of the more interesting additions is Fast Parade. He won the Impressive Luck H in fine style and hopefully he can carry the torch for Turf Sprinters this year. Maybe he'll even be able to stay ranked as a top 10 sprinter all year long. That would be quite a feat for a turf horse but its time that division got some recognition.

Tip O'the Cap: This most definitely has to go to my old buddy Clock Stopper. I thought he had all the potential to be a prime time star in 2004. He didnt quite live up to that billing but he was fun to follow. It was great to see this old 7 year old come back with a good performance. It didnt indicate that he could be the sprinter he was but perhaps a few stakes wins this year would be within his scope.

KC Handicapping: Nothing to write home about but at least our lock of the week, Get Ready Bertie, justified the faith shown in her. Otherwise it was a week of disappointment.

Cumulative record of horses selected 10-2-3-2 (Flat bet profit -$10.80)