Having fun with the Power Page — peaked in today race #8 when Dissension won at 33/1 and the exacta with Top Tier Lass paid a whopping $294.50 for $2.00.  These were the TOP 2 rated horses!

I have said many times that this group of 3 year olds could be a great crop with a great horse.  Then the Triple Crown came and it was (at least for me) a series of disappointments, with lots of excuses and bad racing “luck”.  Clearly the wet track at Churchill compromised Verrazano’s chances and the fast pace did him and others in as well.  Since then we have had Oxbow behave nicely, but this is a horse that has taken beating after beating.  Oxbow definately got good when other got NOT SO GOOD.  Good for him.   But if there is much doubt in your mind as to who might be great and who definitely is just okay, take a good look at the Haskell.   VERRAZANO GALLOPED THIS GROUP OFF THEIR FEET (HOOVES)!

One more comment on Verrazano, he really looks TURF bred to me, and I would not be surprised if he just gets better when he is on the weeds…   I think this colt is probably better than all the rest, however I am interested to see how Normandy Invasion does if he returns to the races with some verve,,,

The intense race by Paynter has to be mentioned in this space today.  Clearly he took the worst of it while fighting for the lead but off the very fast inside.   He was definately ready to relinquish the lead when he turned for home, but dug down deep to make an inspired run to the wire,  He was outgamed by Kettle Corn who sat the perfect trip and picked up the pieces…  Let’s hope Paynter cools out nicely and comes back with another big effort…

Anyone who is familiar with the Power Pages should have understood that Kauai Katie was a definate “BET AGAINST” based upon the ratings as compared to her ridiculous underlay price of 2/5.   Tom Durkin’s call of here effort being “desultory” told the story –  I will now go and look up “desultory” but I’m guessing it’s not high praise…