Race 10, Scheduled Post Time 5:54PM

See the preview and PPs for this race.

In their most recent start, both Crafty Push (4/1 morning line) and Crescent Shore (5/1 morning line) were gunned up early on, to engage in an ill-advised breakaway speed duel with odds-on favorite Gritty Gal. The three-way speed duel had a negative impact on all participants. Gritty Gal faded to finish fourth and Crafty Push and Crescent Shore lagged home in seventh and eighth as their riders eased them through the stretch, which only exaggerated their margin of defeat. The pace collapse was so severe that Maxana, by far the longest shot on the board, rallied from more than 18 lengths back to finish third behind two other closers. 

Prior to that silly speed duel, Crescent Shore had run TimeformUS speed figures of 70 in her three dirt starts. Prior to Crafty Push’s last start, she had run figures of 66, 76, 95, and 90 in her four starts. In both cases, those speed figures dominate the rest of the field.

The TimeformUS Race Rating for today’s race is just a 66. 

According to our race ratings, this is by far the easiest level of competition Crafty Push has ever faced. In Crescent Shore’s case, it’s the easiest group of opponents she’s faced off against since her debut.

Bottom line:  If you can excuse the dismal last-out performance by both Crafty Push and Crescent Shore when they went on a suicide mission and ruined a heavy favorite, you’re left with two horses who have shown dominant dirt form against better company. Let’s hope they avoid any silly battles today and instead run efficient races.

Betting strategy:  Exacta box of Crafty Push and Crescent Shore.