Nothing like holiday week at Turfway Park. They have a special post time of 1:10 E.S.T, and they love to run in the snowy weather of Northern Kentucky. The poly track is always fast, and they are a hidden gem during the winter.

Turfway Park – Tuesday

Stalkers are where the money is at…. That is, if you want to cash your tickets and make your day a winner. The poly track has tightened up from the cold, and it plays heavily to runners that can lay very close and move at the top of the stretch. When the weather changes this weekend, and goes from 15 degrees to 53…. I would make adjustments. But, until then, let’s stalk the pace.

Race #3 – #5 Mead0w Trail (5-1)

Makes the stretch out to 6 1/2 f today, and has the services of James Lopez for Thom Drury (21%). Drops from mdn sp wt to mdn claiming 15. The drop in class yields the barn a (15%) win clip. The barn is known for giving them rest and bringing them back to win (25%). I would look for an up close effort, and Lopez will give his best, as they win (17%) as a team. The rest, the drop, and regular works allow me to see a sweet effort off of the shelf.

Race #4 – #5 Wild Hare (4-1)

Wayne Mogge (15%) teams up with his go-to-guy Prescott. They win (20%), and makes a move with blinkers off (25%). Sometimes when you take off equipment, you find out answers. A runner may not come off a win and make an equipment change. She does very well on synthetic, and flashes speed. But, that early foot was against better company. Dropping down one class yields a (30%) ITM score. Look for a good effort on this wintry Tuesday.

Race #5 – #5 Captain Crench (5-1)

2nd off a layoff (18%) for trainer Dale Romans. Tommy Pompell is the rider, and a drop in class comes his way. The two-year-old goes from mdn 30 down to mdn 15. Both of his efforts were troubled as you will see in the comment section, and a clean trip makes this youngster a player at a price.

Race #6 – #10 Irish Tune (3-1)

Lopez up for Doug Cowans, 37% in 2010 a winner. Ships in from Mountaineer for Thom Amoss, and was a beaten favorite. Now, let the numbers tell the tale. Beaten favorites for Cowans come back to win (37%). The 2nd time in his barn get a sweet (18%) roll. He wins 25% overall with claimers, and she has faced better. I love this trainer, and he knows the area and the ovals. Put him on your list of trainers to watch.

Good luck!