JEFF SIEGEL’S EAST COAST BLACK BOOK
(For the week of May 11-15)
BODE’S DREAM (May 11th, 2nd race, GP) – The first starter from the first crop of Bodemeister, this $300,000 Keeneland September yearling purchase left her out-classed rivals in the dust with an impressive display of speed and precocity in this four and one-half furlong dash. Broke quickly to make the running without need of pressure, opened up at will entering the lane and coasted home with strength and power to a 3 ¾ length score. The Todd Pletcher-trained miss seems sure to surface in a stakes as quickly as one can be located.
HIT IT ONCE MORE (May 14th, 4th race, Bel) – Rapidly improving New York-bred son of Hard Spun increased his career Beyer speed figure by 15 points (up to 84) with a resounding five length win over first-level allowance state-bred foes in this main track middle distance event. Flashed excellent tactical speed to prompt the pace, took over when ready and then drew off in strong style while giving every indication he’ll be competing in stakes very soon. Sophomore colt should love the turf as well, so trainer Gary Sciacca has that option if he chooses.
REAL SMART (May 13th, 7th race, Bel) – Four-year-old filly flashed a bit of promise in modest company last year in England but gives every indication that she’s a much better type on this side of the pond, judging by her impressive U.S. debut in an entry-level allowance event over 10 furlongs on turf. Settled nicely in hand to the turn, quickly responded when asked for speed and went by her rivals with ease to record a nearly three-length victory while having plenty left in the tank. The Graham Motion-trained daughter of Smart Strike clearly can run all day but has the necessary turn of foot to shorten up a bit if needed. Was an all-weather winner at Lingfield last year so Motion may have that option down the road. Should easily handle a one-level raise in class and then go on from there.
SEEKING BLAME (May 14th, 9th race, CD) – First time starting sophomore turned in a noteworthy performance in a fast, highly-rated one-turn mile maiden event and seems sure to benefit greatly from the outing. The Dallas Stewart-trained colt was outrun to the head of the lane, responded when set down while appearing a tad green and finished with excellent energy to wind up a better-than-looked third, beaten just under eight lengths, by The Player. Excellent prospect by Blame should love two turns and will be ready to graduate when he gets the chance.
TIZACTLY (May 15th, 3rd race, GP) – Cost $425,000 as Saratoga yearling but it took until May of her 3-year-old season for her to make the races in a maiden special weight six furlong sprint. She settled in mid-pack for a half, found her best stride into the lane and finished fastest of all when second, beaten a bit more than five lengths, behind the quick filly Morea. Certainly bred to run long and should get her opportunity in the near future. The Ralph Nicks-trained daughter of Tizway has a chance to develop into a decent sort.
