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TAMPA BAY DOWNS NOTEBOOK APRIL 16, 2013 by Bob Bauer The racing days have dwindled to a precious few. There are only 11 remaining and we could all use a winner or two as we move toward the Triple Crown events and the upcoming summer meets. At this point in the Tampa season, it can be useful to think a little bit out of the box in handicapping, especially in the day-to-day claiming events. Many of the usual suspects who have competed head to head and month to month have won and moved on, or after several attempts over the winter, are looking forward to a freshening. The idea here is to watch for shippers who visit at this late stage and ask yourself what they are doing here at this time. As in all cases, look for class dropdowns, no matter how dull the form. They may have lost their last few races by large margins and have lackluster speed figures. But, their connections have sent them here for a reason. They have only about two weeks to score, and some will at healthy prices. Another angle is to watch for runners who have competed at the Downs and have been given some time off. These types may be fresh and fit after the vacation and a class drop can make them extra dangerous. In Wednesday's fifth race BEBOP (Belong to Me), from the Jonathan Sheppard barn, made her first appearance in a maiden claimer after a 110-day break. Previously, she had eight attempts with special weight foes. The time off and class relief were the right combination, the four-year old miss was a popular 1 1/4-length winner. One race later a similar move would also result in success. WILDCAT PRINCE (Wildcat Heir), who had been facing open $6,250 claimers, dropped in versus $5,000 non-winners of one in six months. He returned a $5.40 mutuel as the bettor's choice, four lengths the best. He had been rested since January 11. Several shippers who have been absent from competition for a year or longer have raced in Tampa this past week, a few have gotten the job done. Watch out for strangers. First-time starters might have an edge in some maiden fields. Racing conditions were fine all week -- fast and firm. The moveable rail on the turf course was set at zero. Both tracks continue to be fair racing surfaces that have seen speedsters, pressers and closers all win, depending on the dynamics of the race. Early speed is always helpful at Tampa. If not able to steal away alone on the lead, a runner with early pace can take over when the early leader falters. Veteran jockey Ron Allen Jr., currently third in the standings, was injured when his mount clipped heels in Wednesday's fifth race. Allen, always popular with Tampa fans, was riding NOORELAINE (High Cotton), a three-year-old filly, in second place as they were coming after the leader who was drifting out in the stretch. The resulting contact threw him to the turf and he suffered fractured ribs and other serious injuries. We wish him a speedy recovery. Noorelaine did not go down and was not injured. The rate of winning favorites is on the way up again. The chalk won at a 40 percent clip this past week (16-for-40). Last week had 34 percent, while the previous pair of weeks had 20 and 25 percent winners, respectively. HORSES TO WATCH Wednesday (4/10) 3RD -- EXCESSIVE ESSENCE (Essence of Dubai) came back running after a 677-day absence and appears to be in top form. Trainer Lonnie Arterburn brought this talented six-year-old gelding back from physical problems and this one may be a special animal. In a trio of lifetime races, all on the sod, he has never finished worse than first. He was a handy winner against a good maiden special weight group here in April 2011, then went to Canterbury and bested a first-level allowance field, but was placed second by disqualification. He showed that he was back in peak condition as he streaked through fractions of :21, :43 2/5 and finished five furlongs in :56, wiring a $25,000 non-winners of two field by two lengths. Should be able to handle the next level. 9TH -- PROTHOE (E. Dubai) has endured a pair of rough trips with $16,000 claimers on the lawn. In her latest effort, the four-year-old filly lacked racing room on the far turn and closed late inside to check in fourth. She has won before on the Tampa turf and it would be no surprise to see her back in the winner's circle for the Gerald Bennett barn. Friday (4/12) 3RD -- DARN PROUD (Proud and True), last seen at Suffolk Downs in October, ran well in her comeback at 74-1 with $8,000 non-winners-of-three claiming sprinters. She made a late rally and got fourth despite the jockey dropping the whip. Fresh runners are going well now in Tampa and this six-year-old mare could be in the money before the meeting's end. 7TH -- LT. BICKETT (Inamorato) was a game winner in his debut with maiden special weight runners going six furlongs. The sophomore broke alertly under Fernando De La Cruz, took a slight lead at the quarter pole and responded when headed at the half-mile marker. He dueled through a long drive and got up by a half length at 10-1. Veteran conditioner Lori Smock might have a good one here. Saturday (4/13) 1ST -- THROTTLE UP (Werblin) came back in good form after being away from the races for 201 days. Got the place money despite being blocked and checked when a rival came in entering the turn. Might win next time out with $5,000 non-winners of one in six-month sprinters. 11TH -- RERUN (Grand Reward), a first timer from the Chad Stewart barn, took some action (6-1) in his debut with $25,000 maiden claimers. He was in tight in the early stages of the six-furlong affair and didn't do much running after that. The Stewart outfit wins these types of races at a 22 percent clip. Improvement is expected. Sunday (4/14) 9TH -- TEMPTATION BOUND (Flatter) gave a good effort in her first try on the local lawn, finishing second by a neck after a roughly-run stretch drive. The Gary Jackson trainee went to the winner's circle after the first finisher was disqualified. Could get there again soon. Fits with $16,000 claiming company.
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